Written by Sean McKean
A nearly month-long break was afforded to the IMSA grid as we head into the penultimate sprint round of the season at Road America. This will be the first round featuring all classes since the Sahlen’s Six Hours at The Glen.
There are 47 entries expected: 10 in GTP, 12 in LMP2, 10 in GTD Pro, and 15 in GTD.
This event will be the last sprint race featuring all classes, as the next one – Virginia International Raceway – only features GTD Pro and GTD.
The GTP class took more than a month off, seeing as they didn’t participate in the Chevrolet Grand Prix in Mosport. However, the class will be just as competitive as always.
The #7 Porsche of Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr are certainly the favourites. Not only are the pair coming off a victory in Watkins Glen, but they now hold the best average finish of anyone in their class, with an average finish of 2.5. Furthermore, they have yet to finish outside the top four all season.
The team keeping Cameron and Nasr on their toes, though, is the #01 Cadillac of Renger van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais. The two finished right behind the #7 Porsche in Watkins Glen and also sit second in the GTP standings. They look to add another win, alongside their only victory this season in Long Beach.
As for the LMP2s, the #52 Inter Europol of Nick Boulle and Tom Dillmann have momentum on their sides. Having taken the class victory in Watkins Glen, they moved up to second in the LMP2 standings.
However, they have yet to usurp the LMP2 championship leaders: the #74 Riley of Gar Robinson and Felipe Fraga. Consistency has been key for the pair, as they have yet to finish outside of the top five this season – all the while having no victory to their names thus far.
Speaking of momentum, the #3 Corvette of Alexander Sims and Antonio Garcia have the ball rolling in their camp too in the GTD Pro class, having taken victory in Watkins Glen. They’ve finally seemed to have put it all together, but will they carry it into Road America?
A team that has remained at the top all season is the #77 Porsche of Laurin Heinrich and an unconfirmed second driver. Since Detroit, Heinrich and AO Racing have led the GTD Pro standings with two victories to their name. Will they continue their pace?
The favourite in the GTD class has remained the same all season: the #57 Mercedes of Russell Ward and Philip Ellis. They have dominated the season, taking five podiums – including four wins – out of six races so far. Their only finish outside of the top five was in Long Beach, where they finished ninth. Given their record, Ward and Ellis are certainly the ones to watch in GTD.
The race will begin at 15:00 local (20:00 UK).
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