IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge: Tripleheader at VIR Highlights Championship Contenders
VIRginia International Raceway – The addition of a makeup race from Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has created a critical tripleheader weekend for the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Following a strong performance at VIR, three class leaders are positioned to clinch their respective championships in the upcoming race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Race Results and Standings:
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Le Mans Prototype 3 (P3):
Valentino Catalano (No. 30 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08) dominated the weekend, securing a clean sweep with victories across all three races, including a flag-to-flag win on Sunday by 29.269 seconds over closest rival Brian Thienes (No. 77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320). Catalano aims to wrap up his title, currently leading by an unofficial 370 points."My first time winning three races in a single weekend," Catalano stated. "I’m really happy with the results, especially with the title fight."
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Grand Touring Daytona X (GTDX):
Adam Adelson (No. 24 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R) finished second in all three races, expanding his lead to an unofficial 210 points over Jake Walker (No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3), who fought hard to close a 300-point gap. Walker won the final race by 7.258 seconds after an intense battle with Adelson, who took the lead early but faced multiple position exchanges throughout the race.“Adam and I had a great battle,” Walker recounted, while Adelson praised the thrilling competition.
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Grand Sport X (GSX):
Kiko Porto (No. 8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2) maintained a strong performance, winning Sunday’s race and extending his champion lead over Steven Clemons (No. 76 BSI Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2) from 340 to an unofficial 440 points.Porto reflected on the weekend, noting significant improvements in car balance.
Noteworthy Performances:
Matthew Dicken (No. 36 RAFA Racing Ligier JS P320) and Justin Di Benedetto (No. 4 Di Benedetto Racing Porsche 718 GT4 RS CS) secured the best finishes of their seasons, placing third in P3 and GSX, respectively.
The season concludes with a doubleheader at Michelin Raceway on October 9 and 10, where the champions will be determined.
