Several Canadians took part in the IMSA race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, in California, all competing in the GTD class. Here’s a recap of how they did.
Roman De Angelis
Roman De Angelis and Spencer Pumpelly joined forces once more after co-driving for the first time in Long Beach in April. Pumpelly qualified the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage GT3, securing a fourth-place in class starting position for the duo.
Pumpelly drove the No. 27 Heart of Racing GTD entry for the first 37 laps and was able to keep the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the top-five, before handing it over to De Angelis.
“It was great working with the Heart of Racing Team and Roman again,” said Pumpelly. “I really appreciate the opportunity and how hard everyone works to give us a good car. I think there were some things out of our control that put us back today. Despite a great effort from Roman there at the end, he just got beat up by some competitors and we had to replace parts on pit road. A big thanks to everyone at the Heart of Racing Team for having me.”
A caution came out just two laps after De Angelis took the wheel. De Angelis had a run in with another car, which took off the left-side mirror, just before pitting for the last time on Lap 76, where the team was forced to replace the drivers side door. On Lap 97, De Angelis was forced off track by a GTP car, putting the Canadian driver in eighth, but he was able to make up two spots in the final 21 laps to finish sixth.
“I wish I could say it was a great day here at Laguna Seca, but it’s probably one of the most difficult races I’ve ever driven,” said De Angelis. “We seemed to just not be able to catch a break today, with issues with tire pressures, our camera going out, and contact with other cars. I’m more disappointed in not being able to get the team a good result after this many weekends of bad luck. I just hope that at some point our luck changes; once again, thank you to the guys for hanging in there with us. They did everything they could, but it was a frustrating day. It will make our next good result even better.”
Parker Thompson
The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 had Parker Thompson and Frankie Montecalvo behind the wheel.
The team ended Sunday’s race at Laguna Seca in the ninth position of the GTD class after beginning the day fifth. Montecalvo started in the No. 12, running between fourth and seventh position during the early portions of the race. After an early-race caution, Montecalvo cycled to the front of the GTD field and led seven laps during the first pit stop cycle. Thompson jumped into the No. 12 RC F GT3 with an hour and 21 minutes remaining, running as high as second during pit stop cycles. However, the team needed one more caution to make their strategy work, which did not occur and they earned a ninth-place finish.
“Today is a perfect day to describe sprint, endurance racing,” said Thompson. “We were in a perfect position, had a really fast Lexus RC F GT3, but unfortunately, a yellow came out 30 seconds before we needed it to, and that means we missed getting into the pits on schedule. It basically put us a lap down on the road. Apart from that, the No. 12 team did an awesome job with a great strategy to put us in contention to compete for a win. But we didn’t get another yellow like we needed, which meant I was saving (fuel) and battling for a position lower than we had hoped. But we live to fight another day. We’re all hungry. I know it sounds like a broken record, but this No. 12 crew deserves more, and we’re locked in for the upcoming rounds. I think we’re going to get a win.”
Grenier Tops Canadian Drivers
Mikael Grenier (co-driver Mike Skeen) was the top finishing Canadian in the race, ending the day just off the podium, placing fourth in the GTD class. Kyle Marcelli (co-driver Danny Formal) was fifth in class, while Misha Goikhberg (Loris Spinelli) finished eighth, and Orey Fidani (Matthew Bell) finished 11th.
- With files from The Heart of Racing Team and Lexus Racing
