Quick Report: Indianapolis 8 Hour Test Session Highlights
Leading the Pack: GMG Racing Porsche
During Wednesday’s test session for the Indianapolis 8 Hour, the #32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R set the pace with a time of 1:24.333, driven by Ayhancan Güven. He shares the car with Riccardo Pera and GT World Challenge America Pro-Am points leader Kyle Washington. Following closely, Hampus Ericsson of Random Vandals Racing clocked in at 1:24.583 in the #99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, securing the second fastest time. The #79 Tsunami RT Porsche, driven by Alex Fontana, and the #69 Archangel Motorsports McLaren 720S GT3 EVO with Aaron Telitz, rounded out the top four, posting times of 1:24.661 and 1:24.693, respectively.
The #29 Turner Motorsport BMW, piloted by Robby Foley, was the fastest in the Pro class and fifth overall with a time of 1:24.761, closely followed by Nicklas Nielsen in the #12 AF Corse USA Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo in sixth. A notable 1.407 seconds separated the entire field, excluding the #31 Wright Motorsports Porsche, which faced mechanical issues during the session.
Key Test Session Results:
- #32 GMG Racing Porsche – Ayhancan Güven: 1:24.333
- #99 Random Vandals Racing BMW – Hampus Ericsson: 1:24.583
- #79 Tsunami RT Porsche – Alex Fontana: 1:24.661
- #69 Archangel Motorsports McLaren – Aaron Telitz: 1:24.693
- #29 Turner Motorsport BMW – Robby Foley: 1:24.761
- #12 AF Corse USA Ferrari – Nicklas Nielsen: 1:24.762
SRO GT Academy Update
Tom Sargent’s absence from the Indianapolis 8 Hour due to a scheduling conflict with the European Le Mans Series has significant ramifications. Despite leading the SRO GT Academy standings, he has been ruled ineligible for the title due to missing the final race. The championship will now be contested between Wright Motorsports’ Ryan Yardley and McCann Racing’s Zachary Vanier, who are nine points apart.
Riley Motorsports Unveils Special Livery
Riley Motorsports debuted a children’s contest-winning livery on its #14 BMW, featuring a design by five-year-old Addilyn from South Carolina. The team also includes Jesse Krohn, a former BMW M factory driver.
McLaren Trophy Highlights
In a rescheduled race following the Miami Grand Prix weekend, RWE Motorsport’s #74 McLaren Artura Trophy Evo, driven by Sam Neser and James Li, captured victory. They were followed closely by Patrick Liddy and Tanner Harvey in the Forte Racing entry.
GT America Notables
The Risi Competizione team is set to race the Maserati MC20 GT2 for the first time in North America, classified alongside GT3 cars. Additionally, the Ginetta GTP8 will continue its campaign with RacingSupport, marking its presence in the final race meeting of the Bronze sprint series season.
Keelan Harvick Makes GR Cup Debut
Keelan Harvick, son of NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick, participated in Wednesday’s test for the Toyota GR Cup North America. Competing in a Mobil 1-sponsored car, Harvick is poised to join a field of rising stars as Spike Kohlbecker and Jeremy Fletcher vie for the championship this weekend.
Conclusion
The Indianapolis 8 Hour weekend promises compelling competition across various classes as key drivers and teams prepare for the challenges ahead. Further developments are expected as practice continues leading to the main event.
