Day 1 IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge at COTA

The roar of engines echoed through the Circuit of the Americas on Friday as practice sessions 1 and 2 for the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge set the stage at the ECHOPARK Automotive Grand Prix. Modifications to the track shortened the course to 2.4 miles, providing a new challenge for the competitors.

In the Le Mans Prototype (LMP) category, Oscar Tunjo of GEBHARDT Intralogistics Motorsport set the pace with a fastest lap time of 1:29.711 behind the wheel of his Duqueine D08. Fellow GEBHARDT Intralogistics Motorsports driver, Valentino Catalano, secured the second-fastest time with a 1:30.346, also piloting a Duqueine D08. Jonathan Woolridge of MLT Motorsports rounded out the top three in his Ligier JS P320 with a time of 1:32.292.

The GT Daytona X (GTDX) class saw Jake Walker of Turner Motorsport clock the quickest lap at 1:32.745 in his BMW M4 GT3. Adam Adelson of Wright Motorsports followed closely behind with a time of 1:33.064 in a Porsche 911 GT3 R. Samantha Tan of ST Racing secured the third-fastest time in her BMW M4 GT3, posting a 1:33.566.

In the Grand Sport X (GSX) category, Kiko Porto of RAFA Racing topped the charts with a lap time of 1:39.479 driving a Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. His RAFA Racing teammate, Ian Porter, placed second with a time of 1:39.959, also in a Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. Chris Walsh of Carrus Callas Raceteam finished third with a time of 1:40.180 in his BMW M4 GT4 EVO. The practice sessions offered a glimpse of the intense competition expected throughout the weekend at COTA.