TOPEKA, Kan. -- Building off the positive momentum established during a landmark 2009 season, WC Vision and SCCA Pro Racing have announced five of the nine events that will make up the 2010 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT and Touring Car Championships.

Five dates have been confirmed for the 21st season of World Challenge, including the season-opening round in St. Petersburg, Fla.

2010 World Challenge Schedule of Events
Four additional events to be announced at a later date

Date Venue With

March 26 - 28 Streets of St. Petersburg IRL St. Petersburg, Fla.

April 16 - 18 Streets of Long Beach IRL & ALMS Long Beach, Calif.

July 2 - 4 Watkins Glen International IRL Watkins Glen, N.Y.

July 17 - 18 Streets of Toronto IRL Toronto, Canada

Aug. 6 - 8 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course IRL & ALMS Lexington, Ohio

In an effort to keep both classes together throughout the season, it is anticipated that the Touring Car and GT classes may be combined at a handful of select weekends, including Long Beach.

“One example where combining makes sense is the Long Beach Grand Prix,” WC Vision Co-Chair Bob Woodhouse said of combined races. “This historical street race has never had the room to showcase both classes of World Challenge. By combining we will be able to do so and the best part is it removes any confusion from our television package by allowing us to air all of the races chronologically throughout the year.”

Doubleheaders also remain a possibility. Such decisions will be made once event schedules and track time have been determined.

“The 2010 schedule is a solid start to another year of growth for World Challenge,” SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Robert Wildberger said. “Cost containment for teams is definitely a major focus, but there’s no lack of high-profile events to get sponsors their money’s worth and enhance entertainment value. We look forward to releasing the remainder of the schedule which contains some exciting new events that highlight the entire SCCA Pro Racing family.”

Announcements regarding World Challenge television for 2010 are also forthcoming.

For the latest World Challenge news and information visit www.world-challenge.com or follow the series on Twitter @SPEEDWC and Facebook.