Title: Competitive Dynamics Heat Up Ahead of Lone Star Le Mans at COTA
As the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) arrives at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the Lone Star Le Mans, the spotlight is on the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Drivers. With only three races remaining in the season, the competition remains fierce among American drivers, specifically Ryan Hardwick, Ben Keating, and Simon Mann, who are all in contention for the championship.
Ryan Hardwick leads the standings with the Manthey 1st Phorm team, supported by Riccardo Pera and Richard Lietz. The trio has secured two wins this season, notably clinching victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ahead of this weekend’s race, Hardwick expressed his intention to build on his momentum. “Our expectation is to continue leading the championship when we leave here,” he stated, acknowledging the competitive prowess of the Chevrolet Corvette driven by Keating.
Notably, Hardwick’s #92 Porsche 911 LMGT3 R carries the highest success ballast of 36 kilograms this race, a challenging factor particularly under the extreme Texas heat, which Hardwick believes can be managed due to his rigorous physical training. “Being in the best physical condition gives me an advantage over many competitors,” he commented.
Chasing Hardwick is Ben Keating, driving the #33 TF Sport Chevrolet Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R, who is currently 23 points behind. Keating, a home hero at COTA, noted the pressure of needing strong performances in the crucial final races: “If you have a bad race, then it almost takes you out of the hunt.” The Texan boasts a deep connection to COTA, having previously achieved multiple victories there and aims to leverage it this weekend.
Meanwhile, the third competitor, Simon Mann from the #21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3, occupies a different role in this title fight. As a Silver-graded driver, Mann’s improvement throughout the season has him positioned as one of the stronger Silver competitors. He highlighted the team’s performance and chemistry as integral to their success: “We started off well with some good results… there’s still three races to go, so anything can happen.”
Mann, currently 13 points behind Hardwick, emphasized the urgency for his team to maximize their points at COTA, acknowledging, “I don’t think we’re going to be the fastest this weekend… scoring points is crucial.”
Racing dynamics in the LMGT3 class suggest compelling battles on track, especially between Hardwick and Keating, both driven by a healthy respect for one another. Hardwick remarked, “I enjoy racing around Ben… but I definitely hope to come out in the front!”
With potential for strategic competition and high-stakes pressure, the Lone Star Le Mans promises an intense showdown. The race will not only impact the championship standings but will also showcase the resilience and skill of American drivers in the global arena of endurance racing.
Images © Julien Delfosse / FIA WEC / DPPI
