Indy 120 Recap: Cooper’s Last-Lap Heroics Propel McLaren to Victory
Indianapolis, IN—The Indianapolis Motor Speedway played host to an exhilarating IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race on Saturday, culminating in a dramatic last-lap showdown that saw Michael Cooper snatch victory for the Ibiza Farm Motorsports McLaren Artura GT4.
Cooper, steering the No. 44 entry, executed a pivotal move against Robert Noaker in the No. 60 KOHR Motorsports Ford Mustang GT4 with just one minute remaining in the two-hour contest, ultimately finishing 1.279 seconds ahead of Jesse Lazare in the No. 21 Motorsports In Action McLaren Artura GT4, marking the first 1-2 finish for McLaren in this competition.
This win secures the second triumph of the season for Cooper and co-driver Moisey Uretsky, following their success at the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona. Cooper adeptly navigated from 17th to third position after a strategic pit stop under caution just before the race resumed with 56 minutes left.
Noaker initially held a five-second lead during the race’s final caution period. However, after the restart, he was unable to maintain distance from Lazare, who took over the No. 21 McLaren. With four minutes remaining, Cooper maneuvered past Lazare and quickly chased down Noaker. After a tense battle, Cooper took the lead entering Turn 1, with Lazare following suit to secure second place as Cooper clinched victory.
“I took any opportunity I was given,” Cooper stated, reflecting on the climactic finish. “Everyone was struggling with braking and grip, and I managed that better early on.”
Uretsky praised Cooper’s drive: “Credit to the team and McLaren, but a lot to Cooper for pulling that out.”
TCR: Cupra Claims First IMSA Victory
In a significant achievement for Cupra, co-drivers Eric Powell and Tyler Gonzalez piloted the No. 99 Victor Gonzalez Racing Team Cupra Leon VZ TCR to victory in the Touring Car (TCR) class, overcoming an early penalty to finish 6.998 seconds ahead of the competition. This marks Cupra’s first IMSA win, making them the 16th manufacturer in IMSA history to achieve this feat.
Powell began the race from pole but found himself at the back of the field due to a penalty for incident responsibility. By the midpoint, Gonzalez had successfully climbed to fifth place before seizing the lead following a decisive move on the Precision Racing LA Audi RS3 LMS TCR.
“I knew the car would be stronger at the end of the race,” said Gonzalez. “The Cupra is really easy on tires, which was crucial today.”
The TCR standings shifted dramatically as Karl Wittmer passed Harry Gottsacker in the final lap, propelling the No. 93 MMG Honda Civic FL5 TCR into second place and unofficially the points lead.
“We played the championship race very well,” said co-driver LP Montour, reveling in their strong finish amid the pressure of competition.
Both the Grand Sport and TCR classes head into the season finale at the Fox Factory 120 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on October 10, with Cooper and Uretsky looking to extend their championship lead while Gonzalez and Powell aim to solidify Cupra’s victory momentum.
