Braselton, GA, August 15, 2012-- What do you get when you take 30 of the most iconic racing cars in the world and race them on one of the best circuits in the world? Road Racing Purity!

When the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama cars line up for two 45-minute races this weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., fans will see road racing in its purest form.

The two IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama series races on the historic and scenic 4.048-mile course are part of the 2012 Road America Road Race Showcase, which also includes IMSA’s Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda series and the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patrón, Aug. 16-18, 2012.

Rookie Sean Johnston of Wright Motorsports holds first place in the Platinum Cup with a 22-point lead over second place veteran driver Fernando Pena. Trailing closely behind is a close call between Effort Racing Teammates Michael Mills and Bryce Miller and Snow Racing/Wright Motorsports’ Madison Snow, with only a four-point difference amongst the three drivers. Wright Motorsports leads team points in the Platinum Cup championship with 166 points total.

In the Gold Cup class, Angel Benitez Jr. and Ansa Motorsports lead in driver and team championship points. Benitez and Melanie Snow of Snow Racing/Wright Motorsports have been consistently competitive throughout the season followed closely by Fred Poordad of Competition Motorsports.

IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama practice at Road America begins Thursday, Aug. 16 at 10:30 a.m. CT. Another 30-minute practice follows at 2:15 p.m. Qualifying is slated for 11:40 a.m. Friday. Race 1 (45-minutes) at Road America is Friday, Aug. 17 at 6:10 p.m., while Race 2 (45-minutes) is Saturday, Aug. 18 at 11:35 a.m.