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Lilou Wadoux Makes History with First IMSA GTD Pole Position at Road America

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Lilou Wadoux has etched her name in motorsports history by claiming her first-ever IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD pole position during qualifying at Road America. This remarkable feat was achieved despite facing considerable hurdles, including adverse weather conditions and navigating a new Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO for the AF Corse USA team. Wadoux's exceptional performance showcased her talent and resilience, making her the first woman to secure an IMSA pole since Katherine Legge in 2018, and adding a significant chapter to her burgeoning career.

Driving the #21 AF Corse USA Ferrari, Wadoux recorded an impressive lap time of 2m04.688s on the 4.048-mile, 14-turn Road America circuit. This pole position came in her 13th start in the WeatherTech Championship and marked her debut at the challenging Wisconsin track. The journey to this achievement was not without its difficulties, as the team had to overcome technical issues encountered at Watkins Glen, necessitating the use of a freshly prepared Ferrari for the Road America event. Additionally, the unpredictable weather, with a wet second practice session, limited the teams' dry setup time, adding another layer of complexity to the qualifying session.

Wadoux expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, acknowledging the immense effort put in by her team. "We had issues on the car [in Watkins Glen], so we had a new car for here. The team did an amazing job to have a good car," she stated after qualifying. She further elaborated on the challenging conditions: "For sure it was not easy with FP2 in the rain. We weren't really ready for quallie, but at the end, we did a pretty good job. I'm quite happy with this pole position." Her comments highlight the demanding nature of the event and the team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

This historic pole position places Wadoux in an elite group, following in the footsteps of Katherine Legge, who achieved an IMSA pole at Laguna Seca in 2018. While this is a momentous occasion for women in North American sports car racing, Wadoux remains singularly focused on her primary goal: competing and winning at the highest level. She views her achievement not just through the lens of gender, but as a testament to her capabilities as a racer.

When questioned about the broader implications of her success for women in motorsports, Wadoux emphasized the importance of representation while firmly asserting her identity as a dedicated competitor. "To show that we are able to do the same, it's good," Wadoux remarked. "But I'm quite happy as a driver to do the pole position. We are more and more [women in racing], so we will see in the next years if it continues in this way." With her starting position secured, Wadoux is now concentrating on translating her single-lap speed into a successful endurance race performance. She concluded, with determination, "Yeah, we'll see what we can do tomorrow.”

Lilou Wadoux's impressive pole position at Road America is a testament to her talent and the AF Corse USA team's collaborative spirit. Overcoming technical hurdles and challenging weather, Wadoux showcased her potential to excel in high-stakes racing environments. This achievement is not only a personal best but also a beacon for increased representation and recognition of women in motorsports, as she continues to prove her mettle on the track.

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Vote for the Autosport Best of the Month: July 2026

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Each month, readers are given the unique opportunity to celebrate the pinnacle of motorsport achievements. The 'Autosport Best of the Month' poll allows you, the global fanbase, to recognize the most impressive drivers and the most memorable moments that defined the previous month's racing spectacle. This initiative spans across a diverse range of premier racing series, including the fast-paced world of Formula 1, the thrilling oval tracks of NASCAR, the competitive circuits of IndyCar, the high-octane battles of MotoGP, and the endurance challenges of Sportscars.

July 2026 Motorsport Highlights: Cast Your Vote Now!

The month of July 2026 witnessed an array of exhilarating motorsport action, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Now, it's your turn to decide who and what truly stood out. Voting is officially open for the 'Autosport Best of the Month,' and your input is crucial in crowning the champions of this past month's racing feats.

You can effortlessly participate by visiting Motorsport.com/vote. Here, you'll find meticulously curated categories, each presenting four compelling nominees. Beyond simply casting your ballot, the platform offers immediate insights into the current standings, allowing you to track which drivers and moments are leading the popular vote in real-time.

Moment of the Month Nominees:

  • The breathtaking three-wide battle for victory at Atlanta (NASCAR).
  • Marc Marquez's dominant display at the Sachsenring (MotoGP).
  • Tom Dillmann's inspiring comeback and redemption at CTMP (Sportscars).
  • Max Verstappen's decisive overtake on Lewis Hamilton during the Hungarian Grand Prix (Formula 1).

Driver of the Month Nominees:

Formula 1:

  • Charles Leclerc
  • Kimi Antonelli
  • Lando Norris
  • Max Verstappen

NASCAR:

  • Corey Heim
  • Joey Logano
  • Christopher Bell
  • Todd Gilliland

MotoGP:

  • Marc Marquez
  • Fabio Quatararo
  • Raul Fernandez
  • Ai Ogura

IndyCar:

  • Alex Palou
  • David Malukas
  • Pato O'Ward
  • Rinus VeeKay

Sportscars:

  • Tom Dillmann
  • Ben Barnicoat/Jack Hawksworth
  • Kevin Magnussen
  • Alessandro Pier Guidi

Engage with the motorsport community and help celebrate the incredible talent and unforgettable moments that grace our tracks and circuits. Your vote not only acknowledges excellence but also shapes the narrative of racing history. Visit the voting portal today and be a part of this exciting monthly tradition!

This initiative transforms passive viewership into active participation, fostering a deeper connection between fans and the sport. By empowering the audience to select the 'Best of the Month,' Autosport not only highlights remarkable achievements but also stimulates lively discussions and debates within the global motorsport community. It's a testament to the fact that every fan's voice contributes to the rich tapestry of racing, celebrating both individual brilliance and collective excitement across diverse categories.

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Robert Wickens' Unexpected Return to IMSA Endurance Racing at Road America

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Robert Wickens is set to make an unexpected return to endurance racing this weekend at Road America, joining DXDT Racing's Corvette team for his first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class endurance appearance in nine years. His inclusion came at the last minute, replacing Salih Yoluc in the No. 36 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Wickens will be sharing driving duties with Mason Filippi and Charlie Eastwood on the challenging 4.048-mile, 14-turn natural terrain circuit. Despite the rapid call-up and minimal preparation time, Wickens expressed confidence in his ability to tackle the event, highlighting his extensive experience in various endurance formats.

This opportunity is particularly significant for Wickens, whose plans for a full-season WeatherTech campaign, including endurance races, were initially hampered by financial constraints and an earlier incident where a team transporter fire forced DXDT to withdraw from a sprint race. His participation underscores a renewed push toward his long-term career goals in motorsports. With a strong driver lineup and a competitive car, Wickens is optimistic about their prospects for success in the upcoming race, aiming for a podium finish.

Last-Minute Opportunity: Wickens' Return to Endurance

Robert Wickens is embracing a sudden and exciting opportunity to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class endurance race at Road America this weekend. The Canadian driver received a late call on Wednesday afternoon to join the DXDT Racing team, stepping in for Salih Yoluc. He will pilot the No. 36 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside sprint co-driver Mason Filippi and Charlie Eastwood. This marks a significant milestone for Wickens, as it is his first IMSA endurance start since the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he competed in LMP2. Despite the short notice, Wickens remains focused and determined, ready to contribute to the team's performance on the challenging 4.048-mile, 14-turn natural terrain road course.

The unexpected nature of this opportunity means Wickens has had limited time for specific race preparation, such as reviewing extensive video footage or telemetry. However, he views this as a positive challenge, stating, "I don't know the exact details of why Salih couldn't make it... but for me, it was a great opportunity." He added, "I found out Wednesday afternoon that it was official that I was doing it. So, I wasn't able to watch the race tapes, onboards to kind of get into the swing of it as much. But we're here, the car's fast, the team's doing a great job. We're looking forward to it." This last-minute call-up is a testament to his adaptability and the team's trust in his capabilities, especially given the complexities of endurance racing and the high-stakes environment of the IMSA championship.

Experience and Ambition: Aiming for Victory

Despite the lack of recent IMSA endurance starts, Robert Wickens brings a wealth of experience and a strong competitive spirit to the Road America event. His extensive background includes participating in the grueling 24 Hours of Nürburgring and completing four six-hour NLS races in a TCR car during the previous season. Furthermore, he demonstrated his ability to handle extended stints during a sprint race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) last year, where he spent nearly two hours behind the wheel. In this year's GTD action, Wickens has already achieved a best result of sixth place, building on a fourth-place finish at CTMP last season. These experiences provide a solid foundation for him to confidently tackle the endurance format, despite its perceived challenges.

Wickens dismisses the notion that endurance racing is an insurmountable hurdle, emphasizing that the strategic differences are more pronounced than the physical demands compared to sprint races. "Everyone puts so much attention on the endurance aspect of it... but even though it's a sprint, the stints are not that different," Wickens explained. "A two-hour and 40-minute race isn't even half of what a six-hour race is. Strategies are a little more open—more opportunity to gain, more opportunity to lose." With Mason Filippi qualifying the #36 Corvette ninth in class and Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood completing the lineup, Wickens is confident in his team's potential. He believes that with their combined talent and the team's dedication, they possess all the necessary elements to contend for a top spot, echoing his belief that "the goal is always the same: this team wants to win."

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