German driver Valentino Catalano showed his resilience and skill at the Circuit of The Americas, securing his third win of the season in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge race. Catalano, behind the wheel of the No. 30 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08, started the race from the pole position and maintained his lead throughout the 45-minute race, crossing the finish line ahead of his teammate, Oscar Tunjo, by 48.813 seconds.
Following a disappointing finish in the morning race due to running out of fuel, Catalano expressed his determination to bounce back in the second race. “This morning we were a bit unlucky,” Catalano shared, reflecting on the challenges faced earlier in the day. “I mean, it is racing and sometimes that happens, but we knew that we were quick. I felt comfortable with the car. The car felt well.” His positive attitude and focus paid off as he dominated the afternoon race, showcasing his potential and securing the well-deserved victory.
Tunjo, who closely trailed Catalano for a significant portion of the race, encountered a penalty for passing under a local yellow flag. However, this penalty did not impact his finishing position, as he crossed the line behind Catalano. The third spot in the P3 class was claimed by Jonathan Woolridge in the No. 54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320, marking his third consecutive podium finish and propelling him to second place in the point standings, just behind Catalano.
In the GTDX class, Jake Walker had an outstanding weekend at COTA, starting both races from the pole position and clinching his first series victory on Saturday morning. Walker continued his success by securing another win in race two aboard the No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3. His skillful driving and strategic navigation through lapped traffic allowed him to maintain a comfortable lead and secure the victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Walker highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and managing traffic during the race. “In the beginning, we got a good run,” Walker shared. “We got ourselves a gap and we just kept picking away at the GT4s (GSX cars) and LMP3s and catching the lapped traffic – navigating it and keeping the car clean. That was mainly our race.” AJ Muss, driving the No. 66 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3, finished as the runner-up in both races, solidifying his position at the top of the class standings.
Ian Porter made a significant impact in the GSX class, claiming his maiden series victory in the No. 68 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4. Porter’s victory came after a mechanical issue plagued the dominant No. 8 Supra driven by Kiko Porto, allowing Porter to seize the opportunity and secure his place on the top step of the podium. Despite facing challenges such as limited visibility and intense competition, Porter maintained his composure and navigated his way to victory.
Porter’s triumph in the GSX class was accompanied by a Bronze Cup victory, highlighting his exceptional performance and determination on the track. His success serves as a testament to his growth as a racer and his ability to overcome obstacles to achieve victory. Chris Walsh and Steven Clemons rounded out the podium positions in the GSX class, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill in the challenging race environment.
The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge continues with a doubleheader at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, promising more thrilling races and exciting competition for drivers and fans alike. The upcoming event, part of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours of Mid-Ohio weekend, will undoubtedly deliver more memorable moments and fierce battles on the track. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the exhilarating journey of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
