IMSA Michelin GT Challenge at VIR: High-Stakes Duel for Akin Award
As the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge approaches this weekend at Virginia International Raceway, all eyes rest on the fierce competition in the GTD PRO and the critical showdown in the GTD class. In the spotlight are Inception Racing’s Brendon Iribe and AWA’s Orey Fidani, contending for the prestigious Bob Akin Award, which offers not only recognition but also an automatic entry to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Since the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, Iribe and Fidani have been the only Bronze-rated drivers consistently participating in every GTD round. With both drivers eligible for the Akin Award, their rivalry has intensified, especially following Fidani’s successful win of the award in 2022. Each driver is keen to secure another Le Mans entry.
Current standings show Fidani and his co-driver Matt Bell leading Iribe and Frederik Schandorff by 44 points in the GTD championship. However, the Akin Award standings reveal a tighter race, with both drivers tied at 2,260 points.
"Stressed I don’t get, because I love this, and do it for fun, but I really do want to get that (award)," Fidani remarked to IMSA Radio. His experience from Le Mans has emphasized the significance of the opportunity as he looks to return in 2026.
Crucially, the competition has become a two-man race after Sheena Monk’s departure from Triarsi Competizione, which eliminates her from Akin Award contention. Fidani expressed a relaxed but determined attitude, stating, “Now that we’ve got that under our belt, I’d like to go back again and give it a clean shot.”
Both drivers are aware of the changes this season has brought, with the AWA team feeling optimistic following their debut at Le Mans, where they achieved a tenth-place finish. Bell emphasized their focus going forward: "We have to beat one car every weekend we go out to get back to Le Mans."
For Iribe, the stakes are equally high; VIR marks a pivotal moment where the Akin Award effectively slipped away last year. Milroy from Inception Racing noted, “It’s a huge prize that money almost can’t buy. We’re desperate to be back there next year.”
Although Iribe and Fidani may not compete for the class win, their rivalry will be closely monitored. Victory for one in this crucial race at VIR could yield a 30-point lead heading to Indianapolis, significantly shaping the remainder of the season as both drivers chase their dreams of returning to Le Mans.
