GEBHARDT Motorsport extended its lead in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge standings with a victory in Mosport, Canada.
GEBHARDT Motorsport has completed the fourth race weekend of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. The Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, also known as Mosport, hosted the only Canadian race of the series. GEBHARDT Motorsport lined up with two Duqueine D08s, driven by Valentino Catalano and Oscar Tunjo.
Before the race weekend in Clarington, Catalano had a clear lead in the overall standings, and the team from Sinsheim was also leading the team standings. It was already clear in practice that the German team would be a force to be reckoned with. Tunjo set the fastest time in the second practice session. The Colombian also set the fastest time of the weekend in qualifying and secured pole position. ADAC Sports Foundation driver Valentino Catalano finished third.
However, Tunjo had to start the race from the back of the field after his Duqueine car failed the technical inspection. He fought his way back up to second place with a spectacular comeback. But in lap 18, the fast South American's race came to an end when he lost his left front wheel and had to retire.
Catalano took the lead on lap eight and then controlled the race from the front. The 19-year-old Catalano went on to secure a controlled race victory, his fourth in this year's IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season.
The second race, originally scheduled for Sunday morning, had to be cancelled due to weather conditions. Heavy rain made racing impossible. The IMSA organisation will announce at a later date whether and when the race will be rescheduled.
With a 240-point lead, Valentino Catalano continues to lead the championship in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Oscar Tunjo slipped to fourth place in the championship standings as a result of the retirement. GEBHARDT Motorsport also remains in the lead in the team standings.
"We are very happy for Valentino that he was able to extend his lead in the standings. His controlled performance to win the race was very impressive. It took him a while to get up to speed this weekend, but it was great to see his progress throughout the sessions. We are very sorry for Oscar that he had to start the race from the back of the grid. However, his fight back to the front before the retirement was very strong! Unfortunately, the second race had to be cancelled, which was a decision that the IMSA had no alternative but to take," said Fritz Gebhardt.
The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge will continue from 22 to 24 August at Virginia International Raceway, considered one of the most spectacular tracks in the United States.
