Mid-Race Report: 28th Annual Motul Petit Le Mans
Outstanding Performance by Porsche at Halfway Point
As the 28th Motul Petit Le Mans reaches its midpoint at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 is in a commanding position, leading the GTP field with five hours remaining. Matt Campbell’s early efforts, complemented by co-driver Mathieu Jaminet’s sustained pace after a strategic pit stop during a full-course caution, have kept the team ahead of the competition.
Race Order and Key Competitors
Notably behind Jaminet is Earl Bamber in the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R, who maneuvered into second place past Philipp Eng’s No. 24 Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8. Colin Braun is currently fourth in the No. 60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing ARX-06. The No. 31 Cadillac struggled with a puncture that has hampered its challenge following an impressive lead by Jack Aitken.
All GTP cars remain in the race, although the No. 93 Acura is off the lead lap in 12th due to ongoing gear selection issues.
LMP2 Dynamics and Incidents
In the LMP2 category, the No. 22 United Autosports USA ORECA 07-Gibson, now driven by Rasmus Lindh, leads, while Hunter McElrea in the No. 11 TDS Racing ORECA follows. Jonny Edgar’s No. 99 AO Racing ORECA suffered a setback after being involved in a collision with the No. 88 AF Corse car, resulting in a puncture and a loss of lap. As the race progresses, they currently sit in ninth, complicating their title aspirations.
Logan Sargeant in the No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports car holds third position, with AF Corse now fourth after recovering from earlier issues.
GTD PRO and GTD Class Updates
In GTD PRO, Max Hesse has extended the lead for the No. 48 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO, now three seconds ahead of Aaron Telitz’s No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus. The Corvette Racing team’s No. 3 Z06 GT3.R is third, ahead of the No. 81 DragonSpeed Ferrari.
Alessandro Pier Guidi is leading the GTD class in the No. 21 AF Corse Ferrari, eyeing the Michelin Endurance Cup title, supported by a strong performance over early laps. Onofrio Triarsi’s No. 023 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari and the Vasser Sullivan Lexus form the second and third positions, respectively.
Race Incidents and Updates
Several incidents have affected the ongoing race. A significant collision involved AJ Muss and Sebastian Alvarez, which resulted in both cars retiring from the race. Additionally, the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG has officially retired due to mechanical failure.
Conquest Racing has provided a health update on driver Manny Franco, who was hospitalized after an early incident and is reportedly in good spirits.
Final Thoughts
With five hours remaining, the race is still wide open, but with the Porsche 963 exhibiting superior pace, it currently appears to be the car to beat as teams strategize for the remaining hours ahead.
