The GT3 racing version of the McLaren 12C is finally approved to race in America and the first series it is going to be in is the Pirelli World Challenge Series. Not as glamorous as ALMS, but a good start nonetheless. Plus, it is the support race for the Izod IndyCar series, so it’s got the audience alright.

In Europe the 12C GT3 spent its first year in business enjoying 19 victories and a further 19 podium finishes. 2012 was more of a test year for McLaren though, as for the new season they have improved the car and enhanced it further.

These upgrades are designed to further optimise the performance of the car in the more varied conditions of global competition. The car comes with improved updated bonnet and ducting to enhance cooling and aerodynamics.

McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: ‘McLaren has a very distinguished racing history in the United States, contesting and dominating the iconic Can-Am series with a record 43 race victories and five championships from 1967 to 1971, courtesy of our founder Bruce McLaren himself and his team-mate Denny Hulme.‘We also won the legendary Indy 500 race three times – in 1972, 1974 and 1976 – courtesy of Mark Donohue and Johnny Rutherford.