Usually a regular contestant in the GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS field, Blake McDonald took a massive step onto the global stage this weekend, making his CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa debut aboard the No. 70 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO.
Sharing the car with familiar co-driver Matt Bell, with whom he shares duties on the No.11 DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3.R in America, fellow SRO America alum Custodio Toledo, and Ferrari factory ace Ricky Agostini, McDonald stepped into the world’s largest GT3 race with an eager mindset.
“Everyone tells you what to expect coming here, but I don’t think anybody can fully describe how big of an event this really is,” said McDonald. “I was lucky enough to drive the car in the parade to town and it was just a solid line of fans the entire way. There were even people sitting in Eau Rouge at almost one o’clock in the morning during night practice. That’s when it really hits you.”
While McDonald has contested in endurance events before and made his 24-hour debut in Dubai earlier this year, Spa brings its own unique blend of adrenaline and awe. “Driving at night here isn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” he added. “I did quite a bit of sim work to prepare, and honestly, the track is more lit than in the sim, so that was a nice surprise. Some sections are tricky with reference points changing, but overall, it’s manageable.”
The preparation wasn’t just virtual. McDonald’s GT3 learning curve has taken him from American muscle to Italian flare. “I’m American, so of course I love the Corvette,” he joked. “But the Ferrari is the easiest race car I’ve ever driven. It’s super forgiving and well-engineered, even if there are a few quirks I don’t fully understand yet.”
Despite the learning curve and the grandeur of the event, McDonald remains grounded in his goals: “Job number one is not to ruin the race on the opening lap. That, and getting some real sleep during my nine-hour off-stint. I think we have the pace to win. If we all do our jobs and keep the car clean, we’re in with a shot.”
The magic of Spa isn’t lost on the American driver, who has long held the track in special regard, even if its layout tests his limits. “It’s my favourite racetrack in the world, but not my favourite to race on,” he admitted. “It’s just full commitment, one intense moment after another. I tend to be stronger in tighter, technical sections, and Spa is the opposite, it really highlights my weaknesses. But that’s why it’s a good challenge.”
As McDonald and the No. 70 AF Corse crew take on one of the toughest tests in endurance racing, his story echoes what Spa is all about: ambition, grit, and respect of the sport. “Who doesn’t love driving Spa?” he concluded.
