Changing of the Guard
International GT Names Julie Bentley as President
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 14, 2025) – North American sports car racing series International GT (IGT), a subsidiary of Parella Motorsports Holdings, has named motorsports industry veteran Julie Bentley as President of the series. She will assume the new leadership role immediately, operating alongside current president, Ken Fengler, for the remainder of the year. Fengler, one of the co-founders of IGT, will retire at the end of the 2025 season.
IGT is a Pro/Am late model sports car racing series composed of the Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy for Porsche Cup cars, Stuttgart Cup for Porsche Caymans and Maranello Cup for Ferrari Challenge cars. In its 13th season in 2025, Bentley has held an administrative position with IGT for the past 11 years.
A key part of SpeedTour, IGT is coupled with the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Formula 4 United States Championship and more to create motorsports festivals at some of the most iconic race circuits in America. The events are live streamed on SpeedTour.TV.
Raised in a racing family in Southern California, Bentley has spent a lifetime in motorsports. Notwithstanding earning both a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Psychology, Bentley’s passion has always been tied to the racing world. Throughout her career, she has held key roles at the Toyota Factory Off Road/IndyCar racing teams, Penske Motorsports (California Speedway), the American Le Mans Series (now IMSA) and World Challenge (SRO). Bentley has spent the past decade working with several IMSA teams while leading the administrative arm of IGT.
“This new role represents one of the biggest challenges in my motorsports career,” said Bentley. “Ken [Fengler] is leaving big shoes to fill.”
Four races remain in 2025 and there are three series champions to crown. Upcoming events include Watkins Glen International, September 4-7, VIRginia International Raceway, September 18-21, Barber Motorsports Park, October 17-19, and Circuit Of The Americas, October 31-November 2.
“All of us at Parella Motorsports Holdings extend our greatest appreciation for all Ken [Fengler] has done for International GT and wish him the best in his much-deserved retirement,” added Lee Giannone, CEO of Parella Motorsports Holdings.
Series Update Zoom Call Notes
Thanks to everyone who joined us on the Zoom call yesterday. We know that several of you wanted to join but just couldn’t make it – here is a recap:
Lee Giannone (CEO of Parella Motorsports Holdings) gave the good news that International GT will have their own session/run group going forward (no combining with SVRA groups) for 2025 and 2026.
1) This will also allow IGT cars to enter Group 10 for extra testing sessions.
2) We are planning 8 International GT races in 2026, the full schedule should be released in the next two of weeks.
3) Season opener at Sebring is confirmed for February 26 – March 1, 2026, follow by Road Atlanta on March 19-22. You can go ahead and books hotels for these two events.
4) Live streaming of all SpeedTour events (Saturday and Sunday) will continue in 2026.
5) Ron Zitza will continue as Competition Director for International GT
6) International GT has gone caution free for car-to-car contact for the past six races.
7) There was some additional discussion regarding classes but nothing decided.
Watkins Glen 3 weeks and counting Registration & Garages
If you haven’t signed up for the Watkins Glen race yet….what are you waiting for??
Click on the photo of last year’s race start to link to registration and download the schedule. Note on the schedule, we are still working out load-in times, more on that next week. If you have any questions contact Julie@ParellaMotorsports.com or call (770)380-7770.
GARAGES: If you did not grab a garage for the WGI event, we’ve had a couple open up. It’s $500 for one garage that fits two race cars. Contact Julie if you are interested.
Pirelli Tire Give-Away VIR and Barber
We are continuing the special entry for VIR and Barber. Enter both International GT races – VIR, Sept 17-21 and Barber, Oct 17-19 and you will be automatically entered into a drawing for a set of Pirelli race tires.
We have 6 sets of tires to give-away. Click on either the VIR or Barber track maps to link to registration and schedules.
Watkins Glen Optional Testing Wed, Sept 3 with EVM
Wednesday, September 3rd Extreme Velocity Motorsports has the track for a testing day and has invited all interested IGT entrants to participate and share the track rental fee. Click on the EVM logo or contact Derek at (561)662-9415.
Wednesday, September 17th EVM will do the same at VIR and has openings for IGT entrants to participate and share the track rental fee.
Flagtronics Requirement
International GT has partnered with Flagtronics for the best in on-track safety. Starting at the Watkins Glen race in September Flagtronics will be required for all International GT entrants. Click on the Flagtronics logo to link to their site for more information and to purchase the system. If you have any questions email: sales@flagtronics.com
Chris Green Photography
Chris Green is the official photographer for International GT and available for competitor’s photography as well. Contact Chris at chrisgreenimages@gmail.com.
To see the race photo galleries click on the photo to link to Chris’s website.
Pirelli Tire Orders
Pirelli is the exclusive tire for International GT and must be purchased through Frisby Tires. Click on the Pirelli logo to link to Frisby to order tires. Please be sure to order tires well in advance of the events. Frisby will be at each track to support International GT participants. Any questions call (800)798-7201..