IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge: Season Finale Report
The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge concluded its 2025 season with a dramatic finish at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, where unforeseen circumstances altered the race outcome just before the checkered flag.
Race Overview:
In the final 45-minute race, Oscar Tunjo, who led the event for 44 minutes, suffered a right front tire failure exiting Turn 12 on the last lap, allowing teammate Valentino Catalano to seize victory in the LMP3 class. Catalano’s win marked his eighth of the season.
Class Winners:
- LMP3: Valentino Catalano (No. 30 Gebhardt Duqueine D08)
- GTDX: Jake Walker (No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3) secured his ninth win of the season.
- GSX: Kiko Porto (No. 8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2) also clinched his ninth race victory.
The day featured a continuous green flag following an initial formation lap to warm the Michelin tires, crucial given the cool conditions.
Championships Secured:
Catalano and Porto celebrated championship titles in LMP3 and GSX, respectively, on Thursday, while Adam Adelson ensured his GTDX championship by starting Friday’s race.
Key Moments:
From pole position, Tunjo was poised for a flag-to-flag victory until his misfortune mirrored a previous incident at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where he also lost a front tire. This left Lucas Fecury (No. 80 Ligier JS P320) and Brian Thienes (No. 77 Ligier JS P320) to finish second and third, respectively.
Catalano commented, “It was a better race than yesterday for me. We made some changes, and it felt a bit better. Happy to end the season with a win.”
In GTDX, Walker secured another victory with a strategic overtake on Adelson. “Adam was really fast again… I was able to squeeze it off at the top of the hill,” he noted.
GSX Insights:
Porto’s dominance was evident as he led every lap, with teammate Ian Porter finishing second, marking a solid 1-2 finish for RAFA Racing. “We know the Supra is very, very good in the cold,” Porto stated, emphasizing the car’s performance in adverse conditions.
The race results concluded Toyota’s domination in GSX, achieving 12 consecutive wins throughout the season.
Bronze Cup Highlights:
Champions in the Bronze Cup category, including Thienes, Tan, and Porter, also took victories on Friday.
Upcoming Season
The 2026 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge will commence at Daytona International Speedway during the Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend, scheduled for January 16-18, 2026.
Results Summary
- LMP3: Catalano (1st), Fecury (2nd), Thienes (3rd)
- GTDX: Walker (1st), Adelson (2nd), Tan (3rd)
- GSX: Porto (1st), Porter (2nd), Di Benedetto (3rd)
This season finale reaffirmed the competitiveness and unpredictability of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season.
