The 2025 Petit Le Mans saw the No. 31 Cadillac cross the finish line first, delivering a remarkable victory in a thrilling endurance race held on October 14, 2025. This standout achievement for Cadillac also coincided with Porsche securing the GTP title, further emphasizing the dramatic twists within the IMSA series.
Cadillac’s Victory and Aston Martin’s Historic Finish
Cadillac’s No. 31 Whelen Cadillac, driven by Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederick Vesti, showcased impressive performance throughout the race. The event commenced at 12:10 PM EST, led initially by the No. 60 Meyer Shank Acura, with Cadillac closely following in pursuit. The race faced early interruptions due to an incident at turn four, involving the No. 34 Conquest Racing Ferrari that spun into the GTD pack. This resulted in extensive damage and multiple retirements, culminating in a full course yellow.
- Cadillac No. 31: Winner of Petit Le Mans
- Porsche: Secured GTP title
- Aston Martin Valkyrie: Finished second, marking the first podium for the team
Notable Incidents and Race Dynamics
Significant incidents unfolded during the race, including a collision between the No. 70 Inception Racing Ferrari and the spinning No. 34 Ferrari, which caused severe damage to various competitors. Notably, the No. 45 Wayne Taylor Lamborghini and the No. 66 Gradient Racing Ford sustained extensive bodywork damage, particularly the latter losing its front end entirely.
Throughout the race, the driver lineup changes impacted team strategies, particularly for Porsche when Laurens Vanthoor stepped in for the unwell Julien Andlauer. The intensity ramped up as multiple full course yellows occurred, affecting pit strategies and track positions.
Race Highlights and Challenges
As the race progressed, various teams experienced technical challenges and penalties. The No. 44 Aston Martin retired due to early damage, and the No. 60 Acura faced mechanical issues later on, impacting their competitiveness. Meanwhile, the battle between the leading GTPs intensified, particularly between the Cadillac and the Acura, with Jack Aitken eventually claiming the lead.
- Lead Changes: Aitken took the lead from Blomqvist after a strategic maneuver around GT traffic.
- Endurance Cup Points: Teams secured valuable points throughout the race.
Final Stages and Championship Conclusions
In the final laps, Cadillac and Porsche strategized their pit stops. Aitken’s Cadillac exited the pits just ahead of competitors, securing the victory as the race neared its conclusion. The final moments showcased close racing with shifting gaps as traffic played a significant role.
Ultimately, Cadillac clinched the win, while Porsche’s performance throughout the season earned them the GTP title. In LMP2, the No. 11 TDS Racing emerged victorious, significantly impacting the championship standings. Meanwhile, the No. 3 Corvette triumphed in the GTD Pro category despite not winning a race all season, securing the overall title.
This year’s Petit Le Mans illustrated the excitement and unpredictability of endurance racing, with Cadillac asserting its dominance while Porsche celebrated a championship title in a spectacular showdown.
