In a thrilling display of skill and adaptability, IMSA veteran Corey Lewis emerged victorious in the first 45-minute IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge race held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Substituting for an injured Matthew Dicken, Lewis captured his first win in the Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) category driving the No. 36 RAFA Racing Ligier JS P320. The victory was not without its challenges as Oscar Tunjo initially crossed the finish line ahead but later received a post-race penalty for a false start, handing the top position to Lewis. Meanwhile, Valentino Catalano, who led early, encountered mechanical issues that dropped him down the ranks. In the Grand Touring Daytona X (GTDX) division, Turner Motorsport's BMW M4 GT3s dominated with Jake Walker leading from pole position for his third consecutive win.
A Day of Triumphs and Challenges at Mid-Ohio
On a crisp autumn morning at the iconic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, IMSA competitors gathered for the first of two races in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge series. Among them was seasoned driver Corey Lewis, stepping into the cockpit of the No. 36 RAFA Racing Ligier JS P320 after Matthew Dicken was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. With determination and strategic racing, Lewis navigated through the field, ultimately securing his first LMP3 triumph. Although Oscar Tunjo of Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports finished second on track, he was penalized post-race for a false start, elevating Lewis to the top spot. Elsewhere, Valentino Catalano, who had led for nearly 20 laps, faced intermittent mechanical difficulties, allowing both Tunjo and Lewis to pass him in Turn 2. Catalano eventually placed eighth overall.
In the GTDX category, Jake Walker showcased exceptional talent by maintaining his lead throughout the race in the No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3. His decisive move earlier in the race helped widen the gap between himself and other competitors. Walker expressed gratitude towards BMW and Turner Motorsport for providing such a competitive vehicle. Behind him, AJ Muss in the Af Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 secured another podium finish, while Adam Adelson in the Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R rounded out the top three. Vin Barletta claimed the Bronze Cup honor in the No. 95 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3.
The GSX class saw Steven Clemons achieve his inaugural win this season in the BSI Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. Kiko Porto, despite qualifying fastest, was relegated to the back due to a technical infraction but demonstrated remarkable resilience by advancing seven positions before the first caution period. Despite intense pressure from Porto, Clemons managed to maintain control and cross the finish line first, with Porto narrowly missing out on the top spot.
As the sun sets over Mid-Ohio, anticipation builds for Sunday’s concluding race, which promises further excitement and rivalry among these talented drivers.
This race serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adaptability and perseverance in motorsport. Corey Lewis' performance exemplifies how opportunity can arise unexpectedly, rewarding those prepared to seize it. It also underscores the significance of teamwork, as seen in Lewis’ acknowledgment of Dicken and their shared history. For aspiring racers watching from afar, this event highlights that even when circumstances seem unfavorable, maintaining focus and composure can lead to extraordinary achievements. Furthermore, the strategies employed by winners like Jake Walker and Steven Clemons illustrate the value of thoughtful planning and execution in high-pressure environments.
