GT World Challenge America: Koch and De Phillippi Clinch Championships at Indianapolis
The GT World Challenge America powered by AWS concluded with a dramatic finish at the rain-soaked Indianapolis 8 Hour Presented by AWS, where Kenton Koch and Connor De Phillippi of Random Vandals Racing secured the Pro class championship. The duo, piloting the #99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, achieved an impressive five overall and six Pro class wins throughout the season.
Koch and De Phillippi’s fourth-place finish at the Indy 8 Hour was sufficient to clinch the title after JMF Motorsports incurred a post-race penalty for a maximum stint length violation.
Koch’s Championship Double
In addition to his GT World Challenge victory, Koch also earned the Silver class title in the Pirelli GT4 America championship, making him the first driver in the series’ history to hold titles in both events within a single season. “This weekend, the car felt the best it ever has… I’m proud of everyone and excited for what’s to come,” said Koch.
Koch’s performance was notable in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where he finished second in the GTD Drivers’ standings with a win and four podiums in the last five races, despite changing teams mid-season.
De Phillippi’s Return to Form
De Phillippi emphasized the growth and cohesion of their team, stating, “We executed, we won races, and we grew stronger as a unit.” This championship marked a successful return for De Phillippi to BMW’s North American operations, following a previous displacement from the IMSA GTP line-up.
Random Vandals Racing’s Future
With a championship in both GT World Challenge and two titles in GT4 America, Random Vandals Racing is positioned for continued success. Team Principal Paul Sparta indicated plans for participation in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, alongside a confirmed return to the Michelin Pilot Challenge featuring IMSA Diverse Driver Development (D3) Scholarship winner Nicky Hays.
Turner Motorsport’s Continued Success
Turner Motorsport solidified its dominance by winning the Pro-Am championship through drivers Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley. Rothberg also claimed back-to-back GT America SRO3 Championships, contributing to the team’s total of 12 championships. “The stars really aligned for us,” Rothberg remarked, acknowledging the team’s supportive performance during the race.
A critical component for Turner was the malfunction of the rival #11 DXDT Racing Corvette, which cleared the path for their title victory.
AF Corse USA Triumphs in Am Class
In a dramatic finish for the Am championship, AF Corse USA’s Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri Jr. outlasted their competitors, clinching the title after a six-weekend campaign. Negri, reflecting on his long racing career, expressed profound satisfaction with the victory, stating, “Seeing [Schreibman] on the top step of the podium means everything.”
The Indianapolis 8 Hour served as a fitting climax to a season full of strategic brilliance and competitive intensity, with champions emerging across multiple categories as they prepare for future endeavors in motorsport.
