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Porsche Penske Motorsport Aims To Extend Championship Lead At Watkins Glen Six-Hour Race
Porsche is gearing up for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Watkins Glen International, New York. This event marks the sixth round of the championship and is part of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. The race will feature two Porsche 963 prototypes from Porsche Penske Motorsport in the GTP class, alongside entries from JDC-Miller MotorSports and Proton Competition.
The historic Watkins Glen circuit is renowned for its speed, making it the fastest track on the IMSA calendar. The six-hour endurance race is a key component of the Michelin Endurance Cup, which also includes races at Daytona, Sebring, Indianapolis, and Road Atlanta. Porsche's performance at this circuit has been strong, with victories in previous seasons.
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, expressed confidence ahead of the race. "After our strong performance at Le Mans, we head into the IMSA race at Watkins Glen full of confidence," he stated. The track's characteristics align well with the Porsche 963, which has shown impressive results in North America.
Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Racing LMDh, highlighted Watkins Glen as a standout venue for teams and fans. "Watkins Glen is a real highlight for teams, drivers, and fans alike – nowhere else in IMSA does our Porsche 963 set such high average lap times," he said. The team aims to continue their successful streak at this circuit.
Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy are leading the drivers' championship in their No. 7 Porsche 963. Nasr shared his excitement about returning to Watkins Glen: "Watkins Glen is a fantastic venue, especially with its fast corners." He hopes to maintain their momentum and extend their championship lead.
Matt Campbell from Australia will share driving duties with Mathieu Jaminet in the No. 6 car. Campbell noted the track's challenges and expressed optimism about their preparation: "The track is incredibly fast and a lot of fun – I’m really looking forward to it."
GTD Pro Class Highlights
The GTD Pro class will see AO Racing fielding a Porsche 911 GT3 R with drivers Klaus Bachler and Laurin Heinrich. Bachler commented on their season's success: "Our season has gone well, with class wins at Sebring and Laguna Seca putting us at the top of the championship."
The return of "Rexy," a fan-favourite dinosaur-liveried car in bright green, adds excitement to this category. It replaces its pink counterpart "Roxy" from previous races.
Endurance Race History
The Watkins Glen Grand Prix began on public roads in 1948 before moving to its current location in 1956. From 1961 to 1980, it was part of the Formula 1 calendar while also hosting endurance races for sports cars and prototypes.
Porsche has claimed twelve overall victories at Watkins Glen over time. The track features eleven corners and significant elevation changes across its 3.450-mile length through scenic Finger Lakes near Canada’s border.
Upcoming Race Schedule
| Date | Time (EDT) | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 20 | 11:25 a.m. - 12:55 p.m. | Free practice 1 |
| Saturday, June 21 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Free practice 2 |
| 2:20 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. | Qualifying GTD | |
| 2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Qualifying GTD Pro | |
| 3:35 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. | Qualifying GTP | |
| Sunday, June 22 | 12:10 p.m. - 6:10 p.m. | Race |
The upcoming race promises thrilling action as teams aim for victory at this iconic venue known for its challenging layout and high speeds.
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