IMSA: Michelin Tires Make Difference at Laguna Seca

Another strong tire performance helped slash qualifying and race lap records across all classes in IMSA WeatherTech Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge.

Porsche scored their 600th and 601st IMSA win with No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport in GTP and No. 77 AO Racing in GTD Pro. This marked the first IMSA win for the famed and beloved Rexy.

“I’m over the moon to be apart of AO’s first win in IMSA, Rexy’s first win in IMSA in GTD PRO against all of these tough competitors.” Laurin Heinrich, driver for the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), said. “We have a new tarmac here at Laguna, so it was new for everyone.”

Heinrich set a new GTD Pro race lap record by 3.293 seconds with a 1:21.186 split.

“Everyone expected really low degradation, but I think it was key to keep the tires in the window for the first part of the stint, and then have a quick and grippy tire at the end,” Heinrich said. “We didn’t have the fastest car, but we had our tires in the right window, had a really good long run at the end.”

Heinrich brought the car to the checkered flag after co-driver Seb Priaulx started the race.

“I’m super proud,” Heinrich said. “It’s my first win in IMSA, and it’s an amazing achievement.”

Winward Racing took GTD honors in the No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with drivers Philip Ellis and Russell Ward. This was the team’s third victory of the season in four races.

The next round of the WeatherTech Championship takes place on Saturday, June 1. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix will feature the GTP and GTD PRO for a 100-minute sprint. The race airs live at 3pm ET on USA Network and Peacock.