Championship leaders and race winners naturally command much of the spotlight throughout an SRO America season. But beyond the familiar names atop the standings, there are plenty of teams and drivers quietly building momentum and knocking on the door of breakthrough performances.
Whether it's a long-awaited first victory, a new driver pairing finding its rhythm, or a team steadily climbing toward championship contention, these are the competitors worth keeping an eye on when racing resumes at Road America later this summer from August 28th-30th.
No. 8 Ricca Autosport Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO – Justin Gravett
Justin Gravett has become a regular fixture in the battle near the front of the TC America field. He has earned multiple podium finishes while consistently putting himself in contention on race weekends.
He currently sits third in the overall standings and second in the Hyundai N Trophy Cup championship, and if he plays his cards right, some big results in the final races could see the momentum shift in his direction.
No. 7 Skip Barber Racing Acura Integra Type-S DE5 – Dean Lambros
Dean Lambros has earned plenty of attention for his aggressive yet calculated driving style. Several impressive overtakes and determined drives have delivered podium finishes, showcasing both his pace and willingness to fight through the field. He is only four behinds behind Gravett in the championship standings, and has every intention of capitalizing on that opportunity.
The final piece of the puzzle is finding the outright pace to consistently challenge for victories, and if his recent performances are any indication, that breakthrough may not be far away.
No. 33 Ricca Autosport Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO – Eric Kunz
The speed is there, the consistency is improving, and the next objective is within reach for Eric Kunz. He has shown a great deal of potential, but the results have not always told the full story. The highlight of his season so far included double podium finishes at Sebring International Raceway. However, a mechanical issue in the following rounds at Road Atlanta saw him lose out on points. With the summer break serving as an opportunity to reset, he'll be eager to return on the right foot for the next race weekend.
The Second Half Awaits
Championship battles are often defined by the familiar front-runners, but seasons are just as frequently remembered for breakthrough moments. A first victory, a surprise podium, or a team finding its stride can quickly reshape the narrative.
With Road America set to kick off the final stretch of the 2026 season, these competitors have already shown they possess the talent to contend. All that's left is for everything to come together when it matters most.
Join us trackside to watch the next chapter unfold, get your #GTRoadAmerica tickets now!