TDS Racing Claims LMP2 Victory at Petit Le Mans Amid Driver Changes
In a fitting conclusion to a notable era, TDS Racing’s Steven Thomas, Mikkel Jensen, and Hunter McElrea secured their second consecutive LMP2 class victory at the Motul Petit Le Mans, held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The trio clinched the win in the bright yellow No. 11 ORECA 07-Gibson, wrapping up the 2025 season with similar successes at both Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Road Atlanta.
This victory not only highlights their prowess but also crowns them champions of the Michelin Endurance Cup, edging out Inter Europol Competition on a tiebreaker. Thomas’s departure from IMSA at season’s end marks a significant transition for the team, as both he and Jensen have confirmed they will leave TDS Racing.
Reflecting on the emotional weekend, Thomas stated, “This is my final IMSA race, and it was actually really emotional… When I got out of the car, I had done my drive time, and that was the end for me.” He expressed satisfaction with the race, particularly after starting from the back due to a disqualification from pole position.
Jensen, who has driven alongside Thomas for three seasons and also competes with Peugeot in the FIA World Endurance Championship, expressed his sadness over the team’s changes: “It’s just amazing to finish on top… Steven is not only my Bronze driver; he’s become a great friend.” Jensen commended Thomas’s driving performance, particularly in overcoming the starting position setback.
With Thomas and Jensen exiting, TDS Racing plans to revamp its driver lineup for the upcoming IMSA season. McElrea’s future in the series remains uncertain; the Kiwi narrowly avoided missing a race this year after hospitalization but completed all five Endurance Cup races, sharing in the title celebration.
TDS Racing is already confirmed to participate in the 2026 LMP2 season with a full squad of entries, ensuring the team remains a competitive force in the series. As the team moves forward, McElrea’s query to the media—“Anybody got a drive?”—sums up the uncertainty surrounding the future lineup.
This result at Petit Le Mans caps a successful chapter for the TDS team, embodying both triumph and transition in the highly competitive world of IMSA racing.
