Porsche Penske Motorsport Dominates Again at Laguna Seca
- Porsche Blog
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Porsche Penske Motorsport has once again showcased its dominance in the IMSA series, clinching a thrilling one-two finish at the Laguna Seca race. Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy led the charge, continuing their impressive winning streak after victories at Daytona, Sebring, and Long Beach.
Key Takeaways
Porsche secured a one-two finish with drivers Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy.
The race featured no caution periods, a rarity in recent IMSA events.
Laurin Heinrich and Klaus Bachler won in the GTD-Pro class with the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
The next race will take place in Detroit on May 31.
Race Overview
The Laguna Seca event unfolded under clear Californian skies, setting the stage for an exhilarating race. The two Porsche 963 cars, driven by Nasr and Tandy, entered the race in strong positions but faced fierce competition from BMW and other teams.
After a tense qualifying session, the race began with both Porsches starting in second and third positions. Nasr quickly overtook his teammate Matt Campbell and set his sights on the leading BMW. Meanwhile, the No. 6 Porsche encountered an early setback due to contact with a GT entry, necessitating a pit stop for repairs.
As the race progressed, Nasr executed a daring maneuver to take the lead, showcasing the car's speed and agility. Approximately 45 minutes into the race, he handed over the wheel to Tandy, who rejoined in a strong position behind the sister car driven by Mathieu Jaminet.
Final Lap Drama
The final moments of the race were nothing short of electrifying. With just a few laps remaining, the top three cars were separated by mere meters, engaging in a fierce battle for supremacy. The BMW made a last-ditch effort to reclaim the lead but ultimately lost control and ended up in the gravel, allowing Tandy to secure the victory.
Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "That was tough work. Looking at the results, it was a perfect day – but it wasn’t as straightforward as it seems."
GTD-Pro Class Victory
In the GTD-Pro class, former Porsche Juniors Laurin Heinrich and Klaus Bachler celebrated their second victory of the season with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, affectionately named "Roxy." They finished the race with an impressive 8.660-second lead, matching their previous success at Laguna Seca last year.
Upcoming Races
Following the thrilling events in California, the IMSA teams will head to Detroit for the next round of the championship on May 31. The Detroit Grand Prix promises to be another exciting race, with drivers eager to capitalize on their momentum.
Driver Insights
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 963 #6): "Our first win of the season at last! A perfect team strategy got us to the front.
Nick Tandy (Porsche 963 #7): "That was another fantastic day of racing for our team. We want to keep the momentum going."
Klaus Bachler (Porsche 911 GT3 R #77): "Winning today means we’re leading the championship, which feels great."
Race Results
Porsche Penske Motorsport's continued success solidifies its position as a formidable force in the IMSA series, with fans eagerly anticipating the next race in Detroit.
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