Jack Aitken and Motion Categorical Racing are making excellence look routine within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, even when it feels something however odd from contained in the cockpit.
Following a masterful efficiency in Sunday’’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, Aitken admitted it “feels a bit surreal” to maintain the crew’s relentless momentum. The victory marks the crew’s second consecutive IMSA win and a GTP class record-extending eighth consecutive podium end.
Full Management at The Glen
#31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Sequence.R: Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti
Photograph by: Jake Galstad / Lumen by way of Getty Photographs
Aitken, alongside co-drivers Earl Bamber and Fred Vesti, delivered a masterclass in dominance piloting the #31 Whelen Cadillac V-Sequence.R. After launching from the pole place, the trio firmly managed the tempo, main a staggering 143 out of 182 laps through the third leg of the Michelin Endurance Cup season.
Regardless of their command of the sector, the ultimate 90 minutes launched a wave of pressure as various pit methods shuffled the GTP class order.
“The yellow sequence, the best way it labored out, we had a few automobiles in entrance of us with a little bit of a bonus, stopping simply earlier than the yellow got here out,” Aitken defined. “And we knew we had a little bit of a gas benefit, so it was simply making an attempt to remain near them and maintain saving gas, see if we may get by if there have been any alternatives.”
The pit wall finally delivered when it mattered most.
“I believe the following pit cease sequence the crew performed it just about completely, so we bought out with an honest hole,” Aitken stated. “We had been capable of simply handle it from there and form of simply ensure that we’re caring for the automotive and managing the site visitors, which is all the time a bit — numerous enjoyable right here however fairly scary at instances.”
Surviving the Chaos
#31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Sequence.R: Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti
Photograph by: Jake Galstad / Lumen by way of Getty Photographs
The ultimate stint of the race was something however simple, punctuated by a chaotic rhythm of 9 full-course cautions. Whereas Aitken braced for late-race drama, he was capable of settle right into a rhythm and exploit a uncommon pocket of green-flag operating to construct a snug buffer.
“I believe you simply by no means know in IMSA racing. That’s the cool factor,” Aitken stated. “You possibly can say it’s going to be tremendous predictable, then there’ll be one other yellow coming, however then you definately’ve bought a large inexperienced run till proper on the finish when you may’t go inexperienced once more.
“It was behind my thoughts, however I used to be simply making an attempt to run clear laps, maintain the automotive in a pleasant place, maintain the tires completely happy and all that good things and simply wait watching the (different rivals).”
Finally, the mixture of a “implausible” Cadillac, flawless pit execution, and easy driving ensured the #31 crew stood atop the rostrum as soon as once more. Moreover, Aitken prolonged his stranglehold of the championship to 203 factors (2,145-1,942) over Porsche manufacturing unit driver Laurin Heinrich after Sunday’s win.
“It’s an actual pleasure, and it feels a bit surreal to maintain the streak going,” Aitken stated. “However it’s a testomony to what’s been completed and the expertise of the individuals concerned.”
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