IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge: Mid-Ohio Race Summary
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Date – Rain-soaked conditions dramatically influenced the results of the second 45-minute IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge race held on Sunday. Oscar Tunjo claimed his inaugural victory in the series, winning the overall and LMP3 class in the No. 31 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08.
Starting from P2, Tunjo quickly surpassed his pole-sitting teammate, Valentino Catalano, at Turns 4 and 5. He established a commanding lead of over 10 seconds, motivated by a 10-second penalty he received the previous day. A late race restart brought Catalano within striking distance, but Tunjo maintained momentum, finishing 1.279 seconds ahead. This marks the fourth different winner in LMP3 in as many races.
“I saw the gap in the first corner and just broke a little later,” Tunjo said post-race. “Super happy to get my first win in IMSA.”
In the GTDX category, Adam Adelson continued his strong season, securing his third victory in the No. 24 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R. He started behind Jake Walker’s No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3, passing both Walker and A.J. Muss’s No. 66 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 with decisive moves, including a critical overtake for the lead on lap nine. Adelson crossed the line 5.019 seconds clear of Muss, who had made a strong effort to reclaim the lead.
Adelson reflected on his rain experience, noting, “The wet is a great equalizer… I’m so proud to bring it home for Wright.”
Samantha Tan secured a notable win in the GTDX Bronze Cup, demonstrating her skill in the wet conditions. She commented that her previous experience at Daytona helped inform her approach in the challenging weather.
In the GSX category, Kiko Porto dominated in the No. 8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2, taking the lead from teammate Ian Porter early and maintaining it to earn his fourth win of the season.
The VP Racing SportsCar Challenge continues with rounds seven and eight at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park during the Chevrolet Grand Prix weekend from July 11-13.
Results Summary:
- Overall & LMP3: Oscar Tunjo (No. 31 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08)
- GTDX Winner: Adam Adelson (No. 24 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R)
- GTDX Bronze Cup: Samantha Tan (No. 38 ST Racing BMW M4 GT3)
- GSX Winner: Kiko Porto (No. 8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2)
The season remains competitive, with varied winners creating excitement as teams prepare for the next round.
