 The MC12 was developed to signal Maserati 's return to racing after 37 years . The road version was produced to <unk> the race version . One requirement for participation in the FIA GT is the production of at least 25 road cars . Three GT1 race cars were entered into the FIA GT with great success . Maserati began racing the MC12 in the FIA GT toward the end of the 2004 season , winning the race held at the Zhuhai International Circuit . The racing MC12s were entered into the American Le Mans Series races in 2005 but exceeded the size restrictions and consequently paid weight penalties due to excess range . 
