Porsche Maintains IMSA Championship Lead Despite Challenging Indianapolis Race
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
Porsche Penske Motorsport faced a difficult race at Indianapolis, ultimately finishing seventh and twelfth in the GTP class. Despite the setbacks, drivers Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet managed to retain their championship lead heading into the season finale.
Key Takeaways
Porsche Penske Motorsport's No. 6 car finished seventh, while the No. 7 car placed twelfth.
Despite a disappointing race, Campbell and Jaminet maintain their lead in the drivers' championship.
Porsche holds a narrow seven-point lead in the manufacturers' championship heading into the final race.
Wright Motorsports secured a second-place finish in the GTD category with their Porsche 911 GT3 R.
A Race of Unmet Expectations
Porsche Penske Motorsport had hoped for a stronger performance at Indianapolis, but the anticipated rain did not materialize, leaving them to compete in dry conditions. The No. 6 Porsche 963, driven by Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet, showed flashes of leading the pack but couldn't hold off competitors in the latter stages of the race, finishing seventh. This result, however, was enough to preserve their championship lead as they head to the season finale at Road Atlanta on October 11th. The sister car, No. 7, piloted by Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy, was plagued by penalties and mid-race incidents, resulting in a twelfth-place finish and a lost lap.
Team Reactions to the Indianapolis Round
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport, expressed disappointment with the race outcome, citing incidents, penalties, and suboptimal competitiveness as hindrances to a win. He emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming finale at Road Atlanta, where they aim to secure the titles as current championship leaders.
Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Motorsport LMDh, acknowledged the race's difficulty and the stricter enforcement of rules by officials. He noted that while it wasn't an ideal day, the team's strength remains, and they are determined to clinch the championship at the final round.
Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director Porsche Penske Motorsport, highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two cars, with the No. 6 crew having a better day than their teammates. He stressed the need to address issues that led to penalties and other problems but remained positive about heading into the Atlanta finale as championship leaders.
Customer Team Successes
Factory driver Nico Müller made a strong comeback with the customer team JDC-Miller MotorSports, finishing eighth in the Porsche 963 alongside Dutch teammate Tijmen van der Helm, marking the team's second-best result of the season.
In the GTD Pro category, AO Racing's "Rexy" 911 GT3 R, driven by Klaus Bachler and Laurin Heinrich, showed strong pace and led for significant portions but ultimately finished seventh after late-race contact.
Wright Motorsports achieved a more favorable outcome in the GTD category, with their Porsche 911, driven by Adam Adelson, Elliott Skeer, and Tom Sargent, delivering a flawless performance to secure second place.
Looking Ahead to the Season Finale
The season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 11th promises to be an exciting conclusion. Porsche enters the finale with a slim seven-point lead in the manufacturers' championship. In the drivers' standings, Campbell and Jaminet have built a substantial 131-point advantage over their teammates Nasr and Tandy.
Race Results (GTP Class Highlights):
Race Results (GTD Class Highlights):
Porsche 911 GT3 R #120 (Adelson/Skeer/Sargent): 2nd
Comments