IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Season Finale: Road Atlanta Results and Championships
Race Overview:
The season-ending Fox Factory 120 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta saw Michael Cooper and Moisey Uretsky clinch their third Grand Sport (GS) victory, driving the No. 44 Ibiza Farm Motorsport McLaren Artura GT4. They executed a commanding performance, following up their Indianapolis win with another triumph, finishing 4.323 seconds ahead of Jaxon Bell in the No. 23 Copeland Motorsports Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. Eric Powell and Tyler Gonzalez in the No. 99 Victor Gonzalez Racing Team Cupra Leon VZ TCR also secured their second consecutive Touring Car (TCR) victory.
Championship Context:
Jan Heylen and Luca Mars secured the GS championship in the No. 28 RS1 Porsche 718 GT4 RS CS. The trio’s performance throughout the season enabled them to maintain a 70-point lead over Jeff Westphal and Sean McAlister before clinching the title with a sixth-place finish in the finale. Harry Gottsacker, alongside co-driver Mason Filippi, captured the TCR championship with a fourth-place finish, outpacing their nearest rivals by 20 points.
Key Results:
- GS Class:
- Michael Cooper/Moisey Uretsky (No. 44 McLaren)
- Jaxon Bell/Ford Koch (No. 23 Toyota)
- Robby Foley/Beltre Curtis (No. 96 BMW)
- TCR Class:
- Tyler Gonzalez/Eric Powell (No. 99 Cupra)
- Denis Dupont/Preston Brown (No. 76 Hyundai)
- Harry Gottsacker/Mason Filippi (No. 98 Hyundai)
Technical Insights:
Cooper’s decisive overtake of Bell occurred shortly after the only full-course caution, which saw the majority of the GS field pit. Employing a strategic two-tire change during the pit stop, Cooper acknowledged this as a pivotal advantage that allowed him to maintain control of the race.
Uretsky, who also earned the Motul Pole Award for the race, expressed pride in the team’s performance, highlighting the competitive atmosphere, particularly given their home track’s proximity. “We’ve got a great group of people who have been working their butts off,” he stated.
Championship Reflections:
Heylen lauded the teamwork and resilience exhibited throughout the season. “It takes a whole year of hard work and consistency to be here,” he noted. His co-driver Mars made history as one of the youngest champions in IMSA’s history, a feat not lost on him as he expressed gratitude for the RS1 crew’s efforts.
In TCR, Gottsacker emphasized the significance of the Hyundai Elantra N TCR’s performance, assuring consistency was key to securing their championship. The mid-season shift to Cupra proved a turning point for Powell, who noted, “We just destroy people on corner entry, and it takes care of its tires.”
Conclusion:
The Fox Factory 120 not only crowned new champions but also underscored the competitive nature of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. With the season concluding, teams will look forward to building upon their experiences as preparations for the next season begin.
