Pre-Qualifying Report: Indianapolis 8 Hour Presented by AWS

Indianapolis, IN — The #34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, driven by Mikaël Grenier, seized the top spot in Pre-Qualifying for the Indianapolis 8 Hour with a lap time of 1:23.265, performing strongly amidst a tightly contested field where only one second separated the top 22 cars.

JMF Motorsports dominated the session, achieving a top-four lockout for Mercedes-AMG, showcasing their competitive edge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Grenier initially set the pace with a time of 1:23.316 before improving on his own record.

Will Power, making his GT3 debut, impressively took the second-fastest time in the #75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3, clocking in at 1:23.391. Maxime Martin of Mercedes-AMG Team Lone Star Racing followed closely, securing the third position with a time of 1:23.507.

Colin Braun delivered a notable performance in the #04 CrowdStrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG, posting a time of 1:23.610, leading the Pro-Am category and bouncing back from a gearbox issue during free practice.

Robby Foley rounded out the top five in the #29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 EVO with a commendable time of 1:23.631, the fastest among non-Mercedes competitors.

In the Am class, the #6 Dollahite Racing Ford Mustang GT3, driven by Eric Powell, not only led its category but also secured an impressive sixth overall time with a lap of 1:23.635. This performance outpaced several seasoned drivers and highlights Powell’s rapid adaptation to GT3 racing.

Top-Ten Results

1. 34 JMF Motorsports – 1:23.265

2. 75 75 Express – 1:23.391

3. 80 Lone Star Racing – 1:23.507

4. 04 CrowdStrike by Riley – 1:23.610

5. 29 Turner Motorsport – 1:23.631

6. 6 Dollahite Racing – 1:23.635

7. 51 Random Vandals Racing – Philipp Eng

8. 10 Wright Motorsports – Patric Niederhauser

9. 61 Earl Bamber Motorsport – Ricardo Feller

10. 777 Team WRT – Al Faisal Al Zubair

Next Steps: The competitive atmosphere will escalate as qualifying for the Indianapolis 8 Hour begins at 3:35 PM ET with a series of three 15-minute stages, culminating in a 15-minute pole shootout at 5:45 PM ET.

This event marks the sixth running of the Indianapolis 8 Hour, further intensifying the battle for the GT World Challenge America Pro class championship.

Images © Fabian Lagunas / SRO Motorsports America