IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Season Opener: Tunjo and Workman Clinch Dominant Victories at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway, January 6, 2026 – The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge kicked off its 2026 season with commanding performances from polesitters Óscar Tunjo and Westin Workman in the respective LMP3 and GSX classes.
LMP3: Tunjo Charges Ahead Despite Challenges
Colombian driver Óscar Tunjo secured victory in the 45-minute race, driving the #1 Gebhardt Motorsport USA Duqueine D08. Competing against the new-for-2026 entries, Tunjo emphasized that a strong start was critical. After initially losing the lead to Brady Golan in the #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325, he regained control and finished 3.729 seconds ahead.
“It was a really tough race,” Tunjo stated. “I had to manage the new car’s turbo power and traffic effectively. Pulling a gap with 20 minutes to go made the end smoother.”
This win marks an important start for Tunjo, who previously competed most of the 2025 season but did not race at Daytona. “Winning at Daytona is a dream come true,” he added, acknowledging the team’s support.
Brady Golan finished second, while Danny Soufi rounded out the podium in third place with the #11 Pinaxis-Zone 4 Racing Duqueine D08. Brian Thienes, the 2025 P3 Bronze Cup champion, opened his 2026 campaign with a fifth-place finish overall, taking the Bronze Cup victory in the #77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320.
GSX: Workman Impresses on Debut
In GSX, Westin Workman made an impressive debut, clinching first place in the #8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. After starting from pole, Workman quickly established an early lead, ultimately finishing 10.247 seconds ahead of Ismaeel Ellahi in the #25 CSM Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport.
“This weekend is my first-ever time driving the car,” Workman commented. “It was amazing to experience its capabilities.”
The victory was Toyota’s 14th consecutive win in GSX, following a successful run through 2024 and 2025. Behind Ellahi, Canadian driver Justin Di Benedetto finished third in the #4 Di Benedetto Racing Porsche, while Sean Quinlan secured fourth place as the top GSX Bronze Cup entry in the #19 Stephen Cameron Racing Ford Mustang GT4.
Race Summary
The season opener showcased a blend of seasoned drivers and newcomers, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
Race Results:
- LMP3: 1. Óscar Tunjo (Gebhardt Motorsport USA) 2. Brady Golan (Toney Driver Development) 3. Danny Soufi (Pinaxis-Zone 4 Racing)
- GSX: 1. Westin Workman (RAFA Racing) 2. Ismaeel Ellahi (CSM) 3. Justin Di Benedetto (Di Benedetto Racing)
The next race promises further competition as teams continue to refine their strategies in anticipation of the upcoming challenges in the 2026 season.
