Detroit IMSA and IndyCar Weekend: Key Highlights and Results
As both the IndyCar and IMSA Weathertech Sportscar series converge in Detroit, the challenging track surface remains a focal point. The rubber laid down throughout practice sessions aims to enhance grip on the notoriously slippery street circuit.
IMSA GTP Qualifying: Yelloly Takes Pole
Nick Yelloly secured pole position for IMSA’s Saturday race in the #93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, clocking a lap time of 1:05.762. Displaying mastery over the challenging conditions, Yelloly remarked, "If you get the limit just right, you will rub the wall," indicating the fine line between speed and risk on this technical track. His teammate Tom Blomqvist rounded out the front row in the #60 car with a time of 1:05.908, 0.146 seconds off the pace.
However, the session was marred by difficulties for the #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport entry and both Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillacs, as their fastest laps were disqualified due to red flags from earlier practice incidents.
GTD Pro Class: Priaulx Prevails Amidst Challenges
In the GTD Pro class, Sebastian Priaulx clinched his second consecutive pole position in Detroit, driving the #64 Ford Multimatic Motorsports car. The session was disrupted when Rasmus Lindh’s #81 DragonSpeed Ferrari caused a red flag with just over six minutes remaining. Despite the setback, Priaulx managed to navigate the circuit’s challenges, stating, "This place is unforgiving…you need to be on your A-game here."
Priaulx will share the front row with his #65 Ford Multimatic teammate, Chris Mies. Notably, Antonio Garcia in the #3 Corvette and Andrea Caldarelli in the #9 Lamborghini, both penalized for earlier red flag incidents, will start from ninth and seventh positions, respectively.
Upcoming Races
With additional on-track sessions scheduled ahead of the IMSA’s 100-minute Detroit race at 3:40 PM EDT, teams anticipate improvements in grip as the weekend progresses. The convergence of multiple racing series signals an exciting day ahead for motorsport enthusiasts.
