AXR Triumphs at Petit Le Mans: Jaminet and Campbell Clinch GTP Championship – Sportscar365

Action Express Racing clinched a thrilling victory at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s season finale, the Motul Petit Le Mans. Earl Bamber drove the No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R to a 5.182-second win over the No. 23 Aston Martin driven by Roman De Angelis. This win came after a nail-biting energy management phase in the final minutes.

Bamber and his team, which included Frederik Vesti and Jack Aitken, controlled much of the race, especially in the last four hours. Remarkably, there were no caution periods in the last 3 hours and 51 minutes. This consistent performance secured the team’s second win in a row at this championship, following their success at Indianapolis just weeks prior.

In a surprising turn, Romain Grosjean, racing in the Lamborghini SC63, pushed hard in what seemed to be its last outing. He briefly moved up to second place but ultimately had to pit again, allowing the Valkyrie of De Angelis to secure second. This was the Valkyrie’s first-ever podium finish in global sports car racing, marking a significant achievement for the team.

Consistency played a big role here. Bamber’s team took advantage of well-timed pit stops, especially when a full-course caution created an opening for them to gain the lead. It’s worth noting that this event was notable for its fierce competition and strategic racing decisions. Many teams struggled with energy management, reflecting a growing trend in motorsport where efficiency is as crucial as speed.

On a broader scale, Porsche celebrated a significant win by securing the GTP manufacturers’ title, with Jaminet and his co-driver Matt Campbell finishing third overall. This season proved to be stellar for Porsche, showcasing durability and the ability to adapt in tough races.

In LMP2, TDS Racing turned back the odds. After starting at the back of their class grid, they fought through multiple challenges to take home the top spot. This victory also marked the last outing for driver Steven Thomas in the WeatherTech Championship, adding an emotional touch to their win.

AO Racing, meanwhile, earned the class title with a sixth-place finish, securing a spot in next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their steady performance is a reminder of how crucial teamwork and resilience are in motorsport.

In conclusion, the Petit Le Mans showcased not just thrilling race tactics but also highlighted the evolution of strategy in racing. As teams adapt to new regulations and technology, the need for balancing speed with energy efficiency is becoming increasingly vital. The competition remains fierce, and as this season wraps up, teams are already strategizing for the next challenge ahead.

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