GTD PRO Title Battle Heats Up Ahead of Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic
As the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic approaches, the GTD PRO class presents a tightly contested title race. Four teams from distinct manufacturers are within 107 points of each other, a stark contrast to the dominant performance of the Porsche Penske Motorsport in the GTP class, which sees a 280-point gap between its leading entry and the nearest competitor.
Klaus Bachler of AO Racing leads the GTD PRO standings, alongside co-driver Laurin Heinrich. The duo seeks to continue their momentum after securing victories at Sebring and Laguna Seca, with Bachler optimistic about their prospects at the challenging 2.6-kilometer Detroit street circuit. “I really love street circuits. My teammate Laurin drove there last year, and the team won,” Bachler noted, emphasizing the importance of qualifying: “There’s no room for mistakes; starting position is crucial.”
Bachler’s history with street racing, dating back to his early days in Porsche series, serves as an advantage. "Every lap you get closer to the limit; one mistake can ruin your race,” he recalled, underscoring the pressure of tight confines.
In stark contrast, Ford Multimatic Motorsports’ Christopher Mies faces the challenge of stabilizing the #65 Ford Mustang GT3’s standing after finishing eighth at Laguna Seca—dropping from first to fourth overall. Mies anticipates that the Mustang’s long wheelbase could complicate maneuverability on Detroit’s narrow layout: “Tracks like Watkins Glen and Road America should suit our car better.”
Despite the obstacles, Mies remains hopeful, acknowledging IMSA’s propensity for unexpected outcomes thanks to strategic opportunities and potential Safety Car interventions. “In IMSA, even if you think you can’t win, you can still have a shot,” he asserted, looking forward to thrilling competition right in the heart of General Motors territory.
With significant points up for grabs—385 during qualifying and the race—the stakes are high as teams prepare for a fierce battle on the streets of Detroit.
