Jaminet and Campbell Secure Victory at Laguna Seca
In a dramatic race at Laguna Seca, the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport team, driven by Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell, claimed a significant victory in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This triumph halts the winning streak of their sister car, the #7 entry, driven by Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy.
Race Highlights:
Jaminet showcased exceptional driving skills, particularly in the closing laps, where he fended off a late challenge from Tandy. The tension peaked as Tandy collided with pole-sitter Dries Vanthoor, causing the #24 BMW M Team RLL to spin off track at the critical final corner.
The race unfolded with thrilling action, especially when Jack Aitken’s Cadillac inadvertently bunched up the field. Jaminet maintained composure amid the chaos, enabling Campbell to achieve their first victory of the season. Reflecting on the win, Campbell stated, “It was good to finally get a really good result… keeping this streak going of podiums is really important for PPM and the championship."
Key Strategies:
Critical to the #6 team’s success was a well-executed pit strategy that allowed them to capitalize on the undercut against the #7 car. Nasr had earlier demonstrated brilliance with an overtaking maneuver on Vanthoor at Turn 5, taking the lead. However, a rare error by Tandy exiting the pits ultimately gifted the advantage to Jaminet, who skillfully navigated through back markers to secure the win.
Campbell noted the competitive nature of the race, stating, “It wasn’t the easiest race… Thank you to the team for the strategy. Mathieu did a fantastic job making no mistakes.”
Post-Race Analysis:
The outcome marks a notable shift in the dynamics of the championship, with no pole-sitter in GTP converting from first position in two years. The #24 BMW’s collision and subsequent third-place finish underscore the challenges that come with maintaining front-row advantages under pressure.
As the IMSA season continues, the victory at Laguna Seca serves as a critical boost for Jaminet and Campbell as they aim for consistent podium finishes moving forward.
