An expanded schedule, more teams and a new series website are all combining to create momentum for a series still in its infancy. The momentum for the series would not be happening, however, if not for the great on-track product produced in 2011 by semi-professional drivers all piloting one of the most successful race cars ever – the iconic Porsche 911.

The five-race 2012 calendar includes return trips to Mosport, Calabogie, and Montreal in conjunction with the Formula One Grand Prix du Canada. A second trip to Mosport will kick-off the season in addition to the track’s July 20-22 date. New for 2012 is a race at one of Canada’s most historic racing venues: Mont-Tremblant. The twisting, 17-turn course was the site of the Canadian Grand Prix in both 1968 and 1970, and is considered one of the most demanding race-tracks in the world.

With season-long entries still being submitted, nearly 20 team and driver combinations are expected to be competing in 2012. There are 18 confirmed entries for the season-opening race May 15-17 at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Returning Platinum Cup champion Perry Bortolotti and U.S. GT3 stalwart Marco Cirone will team up at 6th Gear Racing and are expected to be two of the drivers vying for the championship. Team SpeedMerchants is also returning and is expected to field as many as six cars in 2012 including entries for veteran Randy Oswald and newcomer Jean-Frederic Laberge.

Longtime Porsche mechanic and engineer Gianni Panico’s Fiorano Racing could also be a championship contender.  Panico will field 2011 Gold Cup champion Shaun McKaigue in 2012. Also returning to the series is Martin Harvey, who will be step up to the Platinum Cup, and Robert Seitz who will defend his Silver Cup title.

New faces on the scene include Canadian Touring Car veteran Ilker Stark and his SportsCar Boutique outfit, GT Racing’s Etienne Borgeat, and Pfaff Automotive Partners will field a non-championship entry for guest driver Kyle Marcelli. All have lofty aspirations for year-two of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin.

The all-new www.IMSAChallenge.ca will be the ultimate source for everything GT3 Cup Challenge Canada. News, entry lists and results as well as team and driver information can be found at the click of a mouse. Live timing and scoring for all official on-track activity will be available from the new site as well as hi-resolution photography and video features from each event.

The opening round at Mosport International Raceway May, 15-17 is part of the Victoria Day SpeedFest weekend.