IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge: VIRginia International Raceway Results
The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge witnessed another competitive 45-minute race at Virginia International Raceway, concluding the second of three races over the weekend without any cautions. Friday’s winners continued their dominance, with Valentino Catalano (P3), Jake Walker (GTDX), and Kiko Porto (GSX) each securing their sixth victories of the season.
Detailed Results and Highlights:
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Valentino Catalano took the checkered flag in the Le Mans Prototype 3 category aboard the No. 30 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08. Dominating from pole position, Catalano completed a flag-to-flag victory, distancing himself from teammate Alexzander Kristiansson by 42.439 seconds after Kristiansson lost time following an off-track excursion at Turn 11.
“We did some slight changes on the car to change a bit of balance,” said Catalano. “It was tricky today because it was way warmer, and the grip was lower.”
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In GTDX, Jake Walker replicated his Friday performance in the No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3. An early overtaking maneuver on a P3 vehicle enabled Walker to control the race pace, finishing 4.879 seconds ahead of Adam Adelson in the No. 24 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R (992).
“I saw the opportunity again… That kind of gave me some momentum,” Walker noted regarding his early race strategy.
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Kiko Porto claimed victory in the Grand Sport X category, leading from pole in the No. 8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. He managed to fend off competitor Steven Clemons, finishing 2.299 seconds ahead after a tightly contested race.
“We fixed that major problem… I pushed the limits as much as I could,” Porto stated, referring to improvements made to his vehicle.
Bronze Cup Winners
Brian Thienes (No. 77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320, P3), Ian Porter (No. 68 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2, GSX), and Vin Barletta (No. 95 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3, GTDX) each secured Bronze Cup victories, embodying consistent performances by finishing third in their respective classes.
Upcoming Events
Competitors who were set to race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park have the opportunity to participate in the third race of the VIR weekend, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET. Live coverage will be available via Peacock, IMSA.TV, and IMSA’s official YouTube channel.
Results Summary:
- P3 Winner: Valentino Catalano (No. 30 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports)
- GTDX Winner: Jake Walker (No. 6 Turner Motorsport)
- GSX Winner: Kiko Porto (No. 8 RAFA Racing)
- Bronze Cup: Brian Thienes, Ian Porter, Vin Barletta
The continued success of these drivers highlights the intense competition and evolving strategies within the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
