---
title: Blast from the Past - GT World Challenge Returns to Road Atlanta
description: On the eve of GT World Challenge's return to Road Atlanta, Multi-time World Challenge winner, Johnny O'Connell, reflects on the last race - 15 years ago.
image: https://www.maxtracktime.com/hubfs/NOLA_Ski_20230429_14-1-scaled.jpg
---
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Behind the Pit Wall
# Blast from the Past - GT World Challenge Returns to Road Atlanta
On the eve of GT World Challenge's return to Road Atlanta, Multi-time World Challenge winner, Johnny O'Connell, reflects on the last race - 15 years ago.
[Cal DeNyse](https://www.maxtracktime.com/blog/author/cal-denyse)
May 16, 2026
---
After a 15-year hiatus, the thunder of the [SRO GT World Challenge](https://www.gt-world-challenge-america.com/) finally returns to the legendary Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta! This isn't just a support race anymore - it's the headline event, featuring a brutal three-hour GT3 endurance showdown that will push drivers and machines to the absolute limit on this 2.54-mile rollercoaster.
Local legend and 24 Hours of Le Mans icon Johnny O’Connell knows exactly what it takes to win here. Reflecting on his victory at the last visit years ago, he recalls the intensity of the sprint format. "Back then, the race was a straight-up sprint, 50 minutes with a standing start," O’Connell says. "There was a lot of talent in that race and I had a great battle with Skeen. I was fortunate it was a sprint race as I distinctly remember battling through kidney stones the night before. The Cadillac was fast here though and getting another win at my home track in front of the massive crowds was a great ending to the year."
While O'Connell recently clinched the 2024 [GT America](https://www.gtamerica.us/) championship with [SKI Autosports](https://skiautosports.com/), he's shifting gears for this homecoming. "I look forward to running again at my home track in the [McLaren Trophy](https://mclarentrophyamerica.com/) series this year," he explains. "The unique push-to-pass button gives another layer to our strategy and adds another element for the driver and team."
O’Connell will be only one of the big names taking part in the many support races that weekend. Others expected to be on site who participated in this race 15 years ago include Aaron Povoldeo, Greg Liefooghe, James Sofronas, Tony Gaples, and more. Many of the other seasoned drivers have competed here in the past, but for some it will be their first time here.
When pressed for the ultimate tip for new drivers, O’Connell delivered a simple, vital command: “Eyes up!” This phrase is the golden rule at a track demanding this level of elevation change and high-speed commitment. Drivers must master the terrifying, nearly blind crest of Turn 11 at nearly 100 mph before plunging almost 100 feet into the famous Turn 12. Mastering this sequence is paramount, making accurate reference point spotting absolutely critical.
The entire paddock - drivers and teams alike - are laser-focused on dialing in the perfect setups to unlock critical performance advantages. While most drivers are logging crucial hours in the sim, many are taking the extra step of pounding physical laps on the pavement ahead of the race to ensure peak readiness. The McLaren Trophy teams, fresh off sharing the paddock with F1 in [Miami](https://precisionclub.com/), face this as their second new track challenge in a row. Tune in to GT World Challenge's return to [Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta](https://michelinracewayroadatlanta.com/) on June 12-14 to see which drivers and teams can successfully conquer this famed stretch of pavement!
[Behind the Pit Wall](https://www.maxtracktime.com/blog/tag/behind-the-pit-wall)
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