Cadillac’s Late-Season Surge in IMSA: A Report on the 2025 Championship
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Cadillac’s 2025 season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship began disappointingly, marked by a winless streak stretching to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, the longest since the brand’s return to prototype racing in 2017. However, the tide turned dramatically in the latter part of the season.
The #31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, driven by Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti, clinched consecutive victories at Indianapolis and Petit Le Mans, propelling Action Express Racing to second place in the teams’ championship. This successful conclusion has positioned Cadillac as a front-runner heading into the 2026 season.
“I think the fundamentals were always good,” Aitken noted. “Winning two races back-to-back after a challenging start was bizarre but welcome.” He praised the pit crew’s efficiency and the inherent speed of the Cadillac, emphasizing a commitment to continual improvement.
Notable Driver Changes and Performances
2025 saw a reshuffle in the driver lineup, with Aitken in his second full season alongside newcomers Bamber and Vesti, as well as rookie Felipe Drugovich. Vesti emerged as a standout, adapting impressively to GTP after a single season in LMP2. “He was quick from the off,” Aitken commented on Vesti’s capabilities, highlighting the young driver’s growing confidence as the season progressed.
With the same driver core returning for 2026, minus the addition of NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch for Daytona, the team gains stability, which Aitken acknowledges as crucial. “We all get along well,” he stated. “There’s no ego, which is vital in endurance racing.”
The ‘One Cadillac’ Ethos
Cadillac’s strategy of collaboration, termed the “One Cadillac” approach, emphasized close cooperation among its IMSA and FIA WEC teams, including Wayne Taylor Racing and Hertz Team JOTA. Aitken described the ethos as “really positive,” noting benefits from shared knowledge and engineering insights.
Aitken will also expand his role in 2026, participating in the FIA WEC alongside his IMSA commitments. “It’s a different beast,” he remarked, referring to the unique challenges of WEC compared to IMSA. He looks forward to collaborating with Sébastien Bourdais and applying shared knowledge for improved performance.
Season Preparations
The season kicks off at the Roar Before The 24 at Daytona International Speedway, where Aitken, Bamber, Vesti, and Zilisch will finalize preparations for the 24-hour race. Aitken expressed enthusiasm about the dual program and reiterated the importance of gaining more drive time in the V-Series.R, especially with significant upgrades underway, including a new rear wing.
As Cadillac looks ahead to the 2026 championship, the groundwork laid in the challenging 2025 season may prove pivotal in reclaiming its former dominance in sportscar racing.
Images © IMSA, Dailysportscar.com
