Team Redline takes it all
- Dominant showing by Team Redline, winning in GTP and GTD.
- Challenging tyre management in scorching sunshine.
- Demanding traffic as 46 cars hit Watkins Glen.
For the second race of the IMSA Esports Global Championship, a total of 46 cars in the GTP & GTD classes headed to upstate New York to take on virtual Watkins Glen. The relentless sunshine proved to be a large factor, as teams had to adapt and find ways to preserve their tyres on a hot track. Under the watchful eye of three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, Team Redline was able to clinch a double victory, which has only happened once before in the history of the IMSA Esports Global Championship.
In the GTP class, BMW M Team BS+COMPETITION’s Niklas Beu had secured pole in qualifying but suffered a 10-second penalty for jumping the start. Diogo Pinto and Chris Lulham were able to bring a flawless performance to the track, finishing the race in dominant fashion. BMW M Team Redline improved on their P2 finish from the first round and have now taken the top spot in the GTP standings. Lulham commented on their approach to the race:
“I was definitely taking an extra step of caution here, with such a margin. We had the strategy under control. Also, when it’s so hot with 55°C on track, there’s no point really risking it going more aggressive in any way.”
Chris Lulham, BMW M Team Redline
In the GTD class, Team Redline drivers Ole Steinbraten and Gianni Vecchio were able to mirror their team-mates. After an intense but ultimately unsuccessful fight for the win in the first round of the season, Team Redline had some unfinished business to take care of. They quickly caught up to the pole sitters from Altus Esports and round 1 winners Mercedes-AMG E-Sports Team ART, taking the top spot in the GTD category. This is how Vecchio summarized their race:
“We are really confident, and I think that’s why I went super early for the move for P1. And then traffic management is key, we did that pretty good and that’s what gave us the gap of two to three seconds after the first wave.”
Gianni Vecchio, Team Redline
The second race of the season will take place at Sebring International Raceway on Sunday, 3rd December (LIVE from 19:30 CET on twitch.tv/iracing and youtube.com/@imsaofficial).
You can rewatch the second race of the season here:
IMSA Official YouTube: www.youtu.be/uthzymQGauk
iRacing Twitch: www.twitch.tv/videos/1975724021