Porsche Nabs First Win of the IMSA Season at Petit Le Mans: Track Time Tuesday
Annual endurance race was wild and unpredictable, but Porsche claimed their first victory of the season.
In a strange year with possibly the strangest racing season, one truth seemed a constant: Expect the unexpected. And Porsche did just that by dominating the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship; especially winning the Motul Petit Le Mans. Held this past weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the Motul Petit Le Mans is the flagship event of the IMSA four-day moto-fest.
For 10 challenging hours, 31 cars ran the 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course. No. 911 (naturally) edged out Corvette by just 1.779 seconds. It was nail-biter, and a hard-fought win that Porsche really needed.
Works drivers Nick Tandy, Frédéric Makowiecki, and Matt Campbell piloted the No. 911 Porsche 911 RSR to its class victory at the 23rd annual GT Le Mans race. And it was no easy feat.
Not only do the drivers contend with the punishing pace of endurance racing, they also must conquer the daunting, sinuous circuit. Porsche was at a disadvantage; both with a abysmal racing season, as well as facing against two-time winners Corvette Racing.
In keeping with the theme of 2020, a lot went sideways. Temperatures dropped more than expected. It was a tight race, with drama, accidents, and a nailbiting final stretch.
But Porsche has the 911 RSR. And that 4.2-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine is a hellion. Weissach engineers made improvements to the car, improving drivability, efficiency, ergonomics and serviceability. About 95 per cent of all components are new.
The second 911 RSR reached the finish line in fifth place. After nine of eleven races, Porsche ranks third in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) manufacturers’ championship.
“What a fantastic result for the team,” said Pascal Zurlinden, director Factory Motorsport. “We’ve suffered many setbacks during this IMSA season. This victory at ‘Petit Le Mans’ is the reward for all the hard work that everyone in the team has done. That includes both the team here in the USA and our Weissach squad.”
Porsche really showed up for Petit Le Mans. From the skill of the drivers and pit crew, to the incredible machines, it was motorsport at the highest cailber.
#IMSA – Pit stop for No. 911 #Porsche #911RSR. Fuel, tires. @NickTandyR hands car over to @mattcampbell22_ @IMSA #PetitLeMans @RoadAtlanta pic.twitter.com/EXOGdA3zVe
— Porsche Motorsport (@PorscheRaces) October 18, 2020
Big congrats to Porsche, and lets keep it going! Next Porsche will be racing the penultimate round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on November 1 at Laguna Seca.
To get a sense of the speed, fury, and raw power, check out this video by Racing Nation TV.
Photos: Porsche
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