GT World Challenge America: Circuit of the Americas Qualifying Report

Regulator Racing’s Philip Ellis secured pole position for Race 1 of the GT World Challenge America at Circuit of the Americas, clocking a stunning lap time of 2:03.045 in the #91 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. The team’s strategic decision to delay his qualifying run paid off, allowing Ellis to clinch pole by a half-second over the competition.

Ellis’ performance led an impressive showing for the Mercedes-AMG contingent, with JMF Motorsports’ Michai Stephens placing second overall, achieving a time of 2:03.524 after overcoming challenges with a right-front suspension issue. The two Random Vandals Racing BMWs rounded out the top four, with Kenton Koch in the #99 car leading teammate Bill Auberlen in the #51.

Fastest Am-class driver Blake McDonald finished seventh overall in the #11 DXDT Racing Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, followed closely by Justin Rothberg in the #29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3.

Qualifying 1: Key Results

1. Philip Ellis (Regulator Racing) – 2:03.045
2. Michai Stephens (JMF Motorsports) – 2:03.524
3. Kenton Koch (Random Vandals Racing) – 2:03.928
4. Bill Auberlen (Random Vandals Racing) – 2:04.013
5. Alex Sedgwick (RS1 Porsche) – 2:04.191

In the second round of qualifying for Race 2, Tom Sargent momentarily captured provisional pole with a 2:02.254 in his #32 GMG Racing Porsche before Turner Motorsport’s Robby Foley edged him out by just 0.008 seconds, setting a new benchmark at 2:02.246.

Qualifying 2: Key Results

1. Robby Foley (Turner Motorsport) – 2:02.246
2. Tom Sargent (GMG Racing) – 2:02.254
3. Michai Stephens (JMF Motorsports) – 2:02.350
4. Matt Bell (DXDT Racing) – 2:02.447
5. Andy Lee (Flying Lizard Motorsports) – 2:02.498

The first race is scheduled to commence at 1:05 PM CT today, where tension and competition are expected to peak as teams contend for crucial championship points.

Images © Fabian Lagunas / SRO Motorsports America