Final DESDER Indianapolis 8 Hour: AF Corse USA Takes Control
In a gripping four-hour stint of the final DESDER Indianapolis 8 Hour, the #12 AF Corse USA Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo surged to the lead, overtaking the previously dominant #34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. The shift in lead occurred post-pit stops, with Frederik Schandorff swiftly getting his Ferrari’s tires up to temperature, allowing him to overtake Maxime Martin’s Mercedes at turn seven.
As it stands, Schandorff holds a commanding lead of over 11 seconds. This performance not only positions AF Corse USA for a potential race victory but also ensures that Matías Pérez Companc, alongside Schandorff and Nicklas Nielsen, secures the GT World Challenge America Pro class championship.
While the second-place finish for the #34 Mercedes-AMG, driven by Michai Stephens and Mikaël Grenier, is insufficient for their championship hopes, it allows Martin to clinch the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) Drivers’ Championship following a setback for title rival Luca Stolz. The #80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG suffered terminal damage after a collision involving a spinning #13 Kellymoss Porsche, eliminating Stolz’s chances in the title fight.
The third position is held by the #29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 EVO, which started on pole. In the Pro-Am class, Laurin Heinrich in the #31 Wright Motorsports Porsche has taken the lead, putting his co-drivers in contention for the Pro-Am title. Noteworthy is the #32 GMG Racing Porsche, which is employing an alternate strategy and currently holds the fastest lap of the race, driven by Riccardo Pera.
The #28 RS1 Porsche, through effective strategy and drivers Danny Dyszelski and Daan Arrow, is also making an impact in eighth. Currently, nine cars remain on the lead lap, with the #120 Wright Motorsports Porsche and the #8 McCann Racing Porsche following closely behind.
Among the casualties, the #6 Dollahite Racing Ford Mustang GT3 Evo led early but suffered suspension failure, and the #27 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG was forced out during the second hour due to mechanical failure.
With the race approaching its latter half, Porsche is on track to clinch the IGTC Manufacturers’ Championship, boasting five cars in the overall top ten. In the Am class, the #163 AF Corse USA Ferrari leads, currently positioned 16th overall.
Key Highlights:
- Race Leader: #12 AF Corse USA Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo
- Key Performance Drivers: Frederik Schandorff (Ferrari), Maxime Martin (Mercedes)
- Current Standings: Ferrari leads followed by Mercedes and BMW
- Championship Impact: Matías Pérez Companc wins GT World Challenge America Pro class, Martin wins IGTC Drivers’ championship.
Images © SRO Motorsports America
