Introducing ZP1 and ZR1 for 2027
ZP1 and ZR1 are new Zenith competition classes for 2027. Both classes will debut at Daytona International Speedway (2026) for their exhibition race.
Both new classes provide high-performance prototype and GT cars with access to sprint racing and long-distance endurance events under Zenith’s power-to-weight-based technical structure.
What is the ZP1 power-to-weight ratio?
ZP1 will compete at approximately 6.0 pounds per horsepower
What cars are expected to be eligible for ZP1?
ZP1 is intended for high-performance prototype race cars, including:
Current and previous-generation LMP3 machinery
Sebeco Velox
Revolution Hypersport
Radical SR10
Other comparable prototype race cars
Final eligibility will depend on the vehicle’s competition weight, measured wheel horsepower, fuel capacity, safety equipment and technical configuration.
What is the ZR1 power-to-weight ratio?
ZR1 will compete at approximately 7.5 pounds per horsepower
What cars are expected to be eligible for ZR1?
ZR1 is intended for high-performance GT cars such as:
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup models
De-restricted customer GT platforms such as BMW M4 GT4, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, Toyota GR Supra GT4
Other comparable high-performance GT machinery
The category gives these vehicles a place to compete through simplified performance-based rules without limiting the class to one model or generation.
Why is Zenith introducing ZP1 and ZR1?
High-performance prototypes and GT cars have limited opportunities to compete in substantial sprint and endurance formats under one straightforward rules package.
ZP1 and ZR1 provide access to destination circuits, significant weekend track time, and the option to compete in Sprint Cup, endurance racing or both.
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How is power-to-weight calculated FOR ZP1 and ZR1?
Zenith calculates power-to-weight using competition weight (dry, plus a nominal [average, constant] weight of driver), divided by measured wheel horsepower:
Competition weight ÷ wheel horsepower = pounds per horsepower
What is competition weight?
Competition weight is calculated using:
Vehicle weight without fuel + 180 pounds of required driver weight
Fuel is not included in the classing weight for ZP1 and ZR1.
What is an example of a ZP1-legal calculation?
A vehicle that weighs 2,220 pounds [without fuel] would have a competition weight of 2,400 pounds after adding the required 180-pound driver allowance.
To meet the ZP1 target:
2,400 pounds ÷ 400 wheel horsepower = approximately 6.0 pounds per horsepower
A vehicle with a 2,400-pound competition weight would therefore need to produce approximately 400 wheel horsepower to meet the ZP1 ratio peak.
Is horsepower measured at the wheels?
Yes — Zenith uses measured wheel horsepower rather than manufacturer-advertised crankshaft horsepower.
Can teams add ballast to reach the required ratio?
Yes — Ballast may be added to achieve the required competition weight, provided it meets the mounting and safety requirements in the Technical Regulations.
Can power be reduced to meet the class target?
Yes — Approved power-control methods may be used to bring a vehicle into compliance. The Technical Regulations will explain how the required configuration must be documented and maintained.
How will on-track performance support compliance?
Zenith will monitor live GPS positioning, speed, and acceleration data throughout each event.
This information allows officials to identify performance that may require additional review while the event is in progress, further supporting the Series compliance process.
What fuel-capacity formulas are expected?
The anticipated formulas are based on competition weight and are listed in the Technical Regulations.
The result of each formula is the maximum permitted fuel load measured in pounds.
Final formulas, rounding procedures, and inspection requirements will be confirmed in the Technical Regulations.
What competition weight is used in the fuel formula?
The same competition weight used for classing will apply:
Vehicle weight without fuel + 180 pounds of required driver weight
Does Zenith use a Spec tire?
No. Zenith will continue its open tire policy, rather than requiring competitors to use one designated tire supplier.
How will endurance tire use be regulated?
Endurance tire rules will use event-specific lap-deduction formulas.
The applicable formula will be published in each event’s Supplemental Regulations (ESR). This allows the tire rule to account for circuit length, race duration, and the format of the event.
What information does Zenith need to evaluate a car?
Teams should provide:
Vehicle make, model and year
Competition weight
Measured wheel horsepower
Fuel capacity
Safety equipment
Zenith will review the information and either provide an expected class placement or request additional details.
Can modified cars compete?
Yes, subject to technical approval.
Modifications must be declared, and the vehicle must remain within its assigned power-to-weight target, fuel allowance and safety requirements.
How do I begin the vehicle-eligibility review?
Send the required vehicle information to:
Emma Adams — ZRS Series Manager
emma@zenithracingseries.com
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What competition license is required?
Drivers must hold a valid competition license (approved or provisional status), after review from Zenith and USAC.
The complete list of accepted licenses and application requirements will be published before the season.
How do drivers apply for a Zenith license?
Drivers can submit their licensing application through the USAC registration portal:
Apply for a Zenith Racing Series license
Questions regarding licensing may be directed to:
Emma Adams — ZRS Series Manager
emma@zenithracingseries.com
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What TECHNOLOGY must be installed in each car?
Every competing vehicle will be required to carry the following approved equipment:
MyLaps direct-power RaceLink (Club or Pro accepted)
TMS T-Dash XL
MyLaps TR2 direct-power Transponder
Al Kamel Driver ID system
GPX STREAM Livestream Unit
What is RaceLink used for?
The MyLaps RaceLink provides live GPS positioning used by the series to support flagging compliance, plus live Technical Regulation and Sporting Regulation enforcement.
Installation and mounting instructions may be found on the Zenith Competitors portal.
What is the T-Dash used for?
The TMS T-Dash XL provides the required in-car display and race-control communication interface. Teams must install the unit where it can be clearly viewed by the driver.
What does the Driver ID system do?
The Al Kamel Driver ID identifies the active driver in the vehicle. This is required for accurate timing records, driver participation tracking, and Sprint Cup championship scoring when multiple drivers share one car.
Will Zenith provide installation requirements?
Yes — Equipment specifications, wiring requirements, mounting locations and inspection procedures will be issued as part of the competitor information package.