The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama features semi-professional drivers racing head to head in the largest single-make series in North America. Powered by one of the world’s most successful race cars, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, the multi-class structure of the series teaches drivers essential skills for an eventual career in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón. The 2011 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama will kick off its seventh season of competition at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 18-20.

2010 marked a year of positive changes for the highly-competitive series featuring Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, one of the world's most successful race cars. Developed for Porsche One-make cups, the new version of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for the first time was based on the 911 GT3 RS. The power unit featured in the new 911 GT3 Cup car was largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. The 2011 version maintains all these components, with upgrades to the suspension and interior.

In 2011, as in previous years, there will be two classes racing at the same time. The Platinum Cup features 2011 and 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, while the Gold Cup will again be for Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars from 2005 ½ through 2009. In 2010, Maxwell Paper Racing's Ross Smith dominated the Platinum Cup, breaking Bob Faieta's 2008 win record with 10 victories and tying Faieta's record of eight pole positions. 2010 Gold Cup champion Henrique Cisneros, driving for NGT Motorsport, earned two victories at Mid-Ohio but kept his competitors at bay with 11 podium finishes in 14 events. Cisneros moves up to the Platinum Cup class for 2011.

The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama will compete at eight different North American venues in 2011. All events will have two 45 minute races except; Montreal will have one race and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will host a 45 minute race on Saturday plus an one hour and 15 minute endurance race on Sunday.