A total of 53 cars will participate in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Motul Petit Le Mans this weekend. The entry list has seen only one change since the pre-event announcement, with the No. 021 Trarsi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 now fielding Riccardo Agostini and Robert Megennis alongside AJ Muss in the GTD category. Joel Miller has been removed from the lineup, with no reason provided for this change.
Notable Livery Debuts
AO Racing has unveiled its two new ‘Skeleton Rexy’ and ‘Skeleton Spike’ liveries. These designs feature reflective vinyl, enhancing visibility under flash photography during nighttime events. Team principal Gunnar Jeannette confirmed that the team will continue its dual-class program next year but has no plans to enter the GTP ranks.
Driver Updates
Nick Tandy will experience a notable transition this weekend. After competing in the MINI Challenge UK, where he secured a victory, he returns to drive the No. 7 Porsche 963. He will team up with co-drivers Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor, who previously won both the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Mustang GT3 Achievements
The Ford Mustang GT3 scored its first championship title at Hockenheim last weekend. Haupt Racing Team clinched both the team and drivers’ titles in the ADAC GT Masters, with drivers Finn Wiebelhaus and Salman Owega taking the honors. A total of 41 Mustang race cars are competing globally this weekend, including entries in the Michelin Pilot Challenge and the GT World Challenge Europe.
Championship Titles and Competitions
- Paul Miller Racing has secured the Michelin Endurance Cup GTD Pro title.
- BMW leads in both drivers’ and teams’ titles, with Connor De Phillippi participating in the race.
- Only BMW and Ferrari have locked in the manufacturers’ championships ahead of the race.
Porsche holds a narrow seven-point lead over Acura in the GTP manufacturers’ championship. Matt Campbell emphasized the importance of both drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships, highlighting teamwork for optimal results.
Ceremonies and Tributes
Michelin North America will honor Aviation Boatswain’s Mate First Class Timothy Justin Williams this weekend. Williams, who served from 2006 to 2018, died by suicide in 2018. The event will feature tributes in collaboration with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Corvette Racing will display a TAPS program decal on its Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs, underlining the event’s significance beyond just racing. Michelin also plans a series of activations to honor families associated with TAPS.
Innovations in Motorsport
Forte Racing has integrated hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into its operations since 2021. The team’s fleet includes two Toyota Mirai and two Hyundai Nexo models. These vehicles have collectively driven over 88,000 miles, equating to a significant reduction in gasoline usage, crucial for sustainable motorsport.
As IMSA prepares to release its 2026 WeatherTech Championship entry list, action at the WeatherTech Championship will begin tomorrow with three practice sessions scheduled throughout the day. Coverage will be available via IMSA Radio.
