JMF Motorsports Claims Pole Position in 2026 GT World Challenge America Season Opener
Sonoma Raceway, CA – JMF Motorsports secured pole position for the inaugural race of the 2026 GT World Challenge America, with drivers Michai Stephens and Mikaël Grenier leading the grid in their #34 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. The race features a revamped format, transitioning to a single three-hour endurance event from the previous two 90-minute sprint races.
Qualifying Overview
The qualifying sessions implemented a new aggregate time strategy, combining the best laps from both drivers. In the first session, Stephens clocked a time of 1:33.637, placing him ahead of Alex Sedgwick, who posted 1:33.856 in the #6 Dollahite Racing Ford Mustang GT3. Other notable performers included Michael McCann Jnr (#8 McCann Racing Porsche) and Matias Pérez Companc (#12 AF Corse USA Ferrari).
Grenier maintained JMF’s momentum in Q2, achieving a time of 1:32.809, just behind Tom Sargent in the #32 GMG Racing Porsche (1:32.673). The duo’s average lap time of 1:33.223 secured pole for the #34 car. The #6 Dollahite Racing Ford commands the front row with an average of 1:33.912.
JMF Motorsports expanded its lineup this season, adding the #27 Mercedes-AMG of Jason Daskalos and Lorcan Hanafin, who qualified third with an average of 1:34.020. Rounding out the top four were Pérez Companc and Frederik Schandorff in their Ferrari, with Archangel Motorsports’ McLaren rounding out the top five.
Race Details
Eighteen cars will compete today, a reduction from the original 20 entries. Chouest Povoledo Racing’s #50 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R will not race, opting instead for additional track time for Ross Chouest in the GT America sprint series. Meanwhile, a crash involving Kellymoss’ #88 Porsche during testing has sidelined that entry, marking a disappointing turn of events for driver Loek Hartog.
Start Time
The season opener begins at 1:45 PM PDT, with live coverage available on the official SRO GT World YouTube channel and Twitch.
Images © Fabian Lagunas / SRO Motorsports Group.
