IMSA GT Drivers Preview Motul SportsCar Six-Hour Challenge At Road America

GTD cars face off at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Image Credit: IMSA Plus Gemini Reformation (2026)

IMSA GT Drivers Preview Motul SportsCar Six-Hour Challenge At Road America

Ahead of the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix from Road America on Sunday, August 2, at 11:30 a.m. ET (broadcast on Peacock and IMSA YouTube), three IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT drivers joined a Zoom press conference on July 27, 2026, to discuss their preparations and expectations for the six-hour race. Max Esterson of the No. 59 RLL Team McLaren McLaren 720S GT3 EVO (GTD PRO), Aaron Telitz of the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 (GTD), and Kenton Koch of the No. 023 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO (GTD) shared insights on strategy, car performance, the unique challenges of the longer format at the iconic Wisconsin circuit, and their personal connections to the track.

One of the younger drivers in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series, Max Esterson brings a wealth of international experience backed by open wheel and iRacing virtual experience.Image Credit: RLL Team McLaren (2026)

Max Esterson of the No. 59 RLL Team McLaren McLaren 720S GT3 EVO opened the conference by sharing his unexpected path into professional racing. Growing up in New York City with limited access to karting, he progressed through high-level sim racing on iRacing before the COVID period allowed him to move to the United Kingdom, compete in Formula Ford—where he won the 2022 Formula Ford Festival as only the second American after Josef Newgarden—and advance into Formula 3 and Formula 2. With a clear Formula 1 path closed, he transitioned full-time to sports cars in 2026 for his debut WeatherTech Championship season in GTD PRO alongside Nikita Johnson. Esterson noted steady progress after an underprepared start at Daytona caused by a late program assembly and a TPMS issue, highlighting stronger performances from Sebring onward despite occasional mechanical problems and bad luck, such as a fuel shortfall that limited them to sixth at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park after a career-best second in qualifying.

Looking ahead to his first visit to Road America, Esterson explained that he had prepared extensively on iRacing and expected the high-speed, high-grip layout to suit the McLaren well, particularly after the team unlocked unexpected pace at Mosport. As one of only two drivers in the car for the six-hour race, he emphasized a more measured approach than in sprint events—avoiding early risks that could end a long race prematurely and focusing on positioning for the final one to two hours through fuel saving, short stops, or gap-building. He preferred longer formats overall because they keep drivers in contention regardless of qualifying or early setbacks, and he hoped for dry conditions given his lack of wet experience in a GT car, though years of racing in England had prepared him for rain if it arrived. Esterson also discussed the adjustment from single-seaters, where pace often dictates results rigidly, to IMSA’s emphasis on pit strategy, traffic management, and consistency, while expressing optimism that the team now possesses the pieces needed for stronger, more consistent results.

Champion icon for Vasser Sullivan and Lexus, Aaron Telitz expressed the desire to win at his home track. In this call, both Aaron and Kenton Koch revealed their shared connection with this Wisconsin held America's best road racing challenge. Image Credit IMSA ZOOM (2026)

Aaron Telitz of the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 spoke with clear enthusiasm about returning to his home track of Road America, where he grew up racing karts and completed his first Skip Barber events. Currently second in the GTD championship standings and fresh off a Long Beach victory with Benjamin Pedersen plus a second-place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the veteran of 73 WeatherTech starts stressed a focused, race-by-race mindset rather than dwelling on the possibility of multiple championships in what may be the Lexus RC F GT3’s final year. Drawing on years of experience—including past near-misses—he described applying lessons about what works and what does not, maintaining the same clean, maximizing approach whether the car has outright speed or must recover from penalties or average days. For the first six-hour race at the circuit in his career, Telitz viewed it as still largely a sprint in IMSA terms, where track position remains critical throughout, though he anticipated fewer yellow flags and more green-flag running as teams prioritize reaching the finish.

Telitz identified tire management as a primary setup priority, noting that even after the relatively recent repave, Road America’s abrasive surface and rough curbs cause significant degradation over a stint, requiring a consistent car that preserves Michelin tire performance. He praised the unique atmosphere of the event—the passionate fans, the chance to see supporters in Telitz T-shirts, and the classic post-race gathering at Siebkens—calling it the most old-school sports-car experience on the calendar. On race length preferences, he singled out the 10-hour Petit Le Mans as ideal for its blend of strategy, endurance recovery potential, and sustained intensity. Regarding weather, the Upper Midwest native dismissed forecasts beyond a couple of days, predicting a typical Wisconsin mix of sunshine and possible thunderstorms, while expressing genuine enjoyment of wet racing for the added challenge, elevation-driven water pooling, and alternative lines available at Road America.

Kenton Koch approaches the Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO for a driver change in last year's class winning effort that will have additional challenges in store if this team looks to pull off a repeat performance. Inage Credit: Kenton Koch FB/META Timeline (2026)

Kenton Koch of the No. 023 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO reflected on the special place Road America holds in his career, having raced there since 2011 and sharing early Skip Barber roots with Telitz. As the defending GTD winner from the previous year’s aggressive contest and now competing in a Michelin Endurance Cup-only program with Onofrio Triarsi and Robert Megennis, he expected a different complexion for the six-hour event. Koch noted that IMSA had drawn a firmer line against excessive aggression at the end of 2025 before easing slightly, resulting in controlled but still competitive racing that he considered fairer and more enjoyable than pure “track-outs.” He explained that the longer distance introduces greater strategic complexity—varying pit cycles, decisions on yellow-flag stops, and evolving driver roles between fuel-saving and full attack—while still feeling like an extended sprint compared with a true 10-hour endurance race.

Discussing the relatively new Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO package, Koch looked forward to his first true back-to-back comparison at the track, believing the car’s aero responsiveness, strong stopping power, and ability in short-duration corners would suit Road America well. Setup priorities centered on maintaining front-end sharpness over long runs to avoid understeer that particularly hurts the Ferrari’s lap times, alongside capitalizing on multi-class traffic opportunities created by prototype braking zones. He valued the team’s strong development culture and improving communication after a full year together, applying lessons from Watkins Glen’s high-grip characteristics. Koch enjoyed both sprint and endurance formats for the variety IMSA now offers with five of each, and like Telitz he welcomed potential rain for the extra driver input required and the chance for certain cars or drivers to shine. Overall, he expressed confidence and excitement about returning to a track he considers one of the calendar’s high points for its layout, fans, and atmosphere.

ZOOM Call Press Confrence

As the drivers concluded their remarks, a shared sense of anticipation emerged for the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix from Road America on Sunday, August 2, at 11:30 a.m. ET, available on Peacock and IMSA YouTube. Whether navigating the six-hour strategic nuances, managing tire wear on the demanding circuit, or embracing the event’s classic sports-car atmosphere, Esterson, Telitz, and Koch conveyed readiness to compete in what promises to be a compelling chapter of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

... notes from The EDJE

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The Passing Of Bob Tullius Marks The End Of A Legendary Era In American Motorsports

Bob Tullius, the legendary founder and driver of Group 44, Inc., captured in a focused portrait while wearing his signature Jaguar racing suit as the lead driver of the XJR-5 GTP prototype during the mid-1980s IMSA Camel GT era. Image Credit Courtesy of IMRRC Group 44 archives / Motorsports Photography Collection

The Passing Of Bob Tullius Marks The End Of A Legendary Era In American Motorsports

The racing world lost one of its true pioneers with the passing of Bob Tullius on March 16, 2026, at his home in Port Orange, Florida. He was 95 years old. Born Robert Charles Tullius on December 7, 1930, in Rochester, New York, Tullius transitioned from a promising athletic background to become an iconic figure in sports car racing through his creation and leadership of Group 44.

As president of the Road Racing Drivers Club, Bobby Rahal issued a statement reflecting the deep sadness felt across the community. "All of us at the Road Racing Drivers Club are saddened at the passing of one of its icons and heroes, Robert (Bob) Tullius."

1978 Group 44 Jaguar XJS, XJR-3. Image Credit: Tim Scott for RM Auctions via Hemmings

Rahal emphasized Tullius's disciplined journey from the gridiron to the racetrack. "After success as a star quarterback in college, only to be injured and forcing his retirement from football, Bob brought the discipline of his athletic career to amateur motorsports with the founding of Group 44."

Founded in 1965, Group 44 revolutionized amateur racing by introducing professional standards, including meticulous preparation, manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive branding. Tullius and his team achieved remarkable dominance, securing over 300 wins across club racing, Trans-Am, and IMSA GTP competition, along with multiple national championships.

"Group 44 and Bob brought a professionalism to amateur racing that had yet to exist and by doing so became one of the most dominant teams in both the amateur and professional sides of the sport," Rahal stated.

Bob Tullius in his signature white Group 44 racing suit posing with his topless Jaguar shod with
Goodyear rubber. Image Credit: jaguarheritage.com via Petrolicious

Tullius's career became synonymous with Jaguar and British Leyland machinery. He piloted iconic cars such as the E-Type, XJS, and later the groundbreaking XJR GTP prototypes, delivering numerous SCCA National Championships, Trans-Am titles in 1977 and 1978, and key IMSA victories that paved the way for Jaguar's return to endurance racing, including Le Mans.

"Although he raced many different types of cars throughout his career, Bob was forever tied to his relationship with British Leyland and Jaguar cars, achieving many SCCA National Championships and overall victories," Rahal noted.

A proud member of the RRDC, Tullius earned inductions into prestigious halls of fame, including the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the SCCA Hall of Fame, and recognition from IMSA for his enduring contributions as both driver and team owner.

Rahal closed with a personal and collective tribute. "He was a proud member of the RRDC. We offer our deepest sympathies to Bob's family. Godspeed, Bob Tullius."

Tullius's legacy endures through the professional ethos he established, the victories he achieved, and the inspiration he provided to generations in motorsports. From football fields to winner's circles, his story exemplifies determination and excellence.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #BobTullius, #Group44, #JaguarRacing, #SCCA, #IMSA, #TransAm, #RRDC, #MotorsportsLegend, #MotorsportsJournal, #TheEDJE

IMSA GTD Class Drivers Reflect On Milestones, Past Successes And Sebring Expectations

Poster Image Credit: IMSA (2026)

IMSA GTD Class Drivers Reflect On Milestones, Past Successes And Sebring Expectations

Jack Hawksworth of the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 in GTD PRO marked his upcoming 100th IMSA start with Lexus—a milestone that surprised him until recently highlighted by the team's PR efforts. Hawksworth reflected on a decade-long journey with the program, from its early days in 2017 to consistent competitiveness, championships (including the 2023 GTD PRO title with Ben Barnicoat), and race wins. 

He highlighted the 2024 Sebring victory as a standout memory and praised the team's reliability and strength in tough endurance conditions. Despite the RC F GT3's age, Hawksworth emphasized a positive mindset, noting recent progress, a strong lineup including Kyle Kirkwood (fresh off an IndyCar win), and the car's historical suitability for Sebring's mix of high-speed, bumpy, high-degradation sections. He views the track as more representative of the season ahead compared to Daytona's straight-line demands, expressing confidence in contending for the win.

ROXY RETURNS! AO Racing's Roxy To Make Endurance Debut At Sebring - Rexy sidelined due to tooth injuries at Daytona, paving the way for Roxy's endurance debut - Image Credit: AO Racing via Dailysportscar (2026)

BEGIN ZOOM Call Interview - Edmund Jenks, Motorsports Journal & Alessio Picariello, No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (GTD PRO)

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: My question is more of a fan base type one, and I wanted to ask Alessio how he finds the fans and the reaction to driving Rexy or Roxy? With its unique personalized livery, I wanted to get his take on that. 

ALESSIO PICARIELLO: “I mean, it's insane to see how many people are loving this livery, and it's getting more and more every year. So, when I got to experience it first in Daytona last year, I was amazed, and in Sebring, I feel like it's even more. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how it is this year. This year we will use the Roxy livery. So, it's the first time for me driving, I mean, driving a pink car, a pink dino! So yeah, I think, I mean, the concept for sure is nice and it's good for motorsport that it attracts so many people. Every time when we have the autograph session, when you see the queue, it's absolutely crazy. So, it's nice. It's nice for us as drivers to drive such a famous car, let's say.”

EDMUND JENKS - Motorsports Journal: Also, are they planning to do the, I guess, the change of the teeth in the front every time there's a race win? Like they do with the green Porsche. 

ALESSIO PICARIELLO: “Well, I think it depends on how many times they will use Roxy this year. We don’t get the info as drivers. It’s Roxy this time, and I guess it will have the, the, the, the golden teeth for the 2024 championship. But on race wins, we don't have any this year, so if we win Sebring, I guess Rexy will have a golden tooth for the next round.”

ENDS

Alessio Picariello, defending GTD PRO winner from 2025 with the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) - nicknamed "Roxy" - shared his evolution at Sebring. Initially disliking the bumpy, unique layout and IMSA's endurance demands as a young Silver driver, he grew to appreciate it through WEC runs and prior IMSA experiences, culminating in last year's near-perfect victory. With new teammates Nick Tandy (experienced but "old school") and Harry King (making his Sebring race debut after testing), Picariello noted quick chemistry built in Daytona, shared mindsets, and no major concerns about King's adaptation. He described minor evolutions in the updated Porsche as setup-focused with slight reliability gains, expecting a fun, competitive outing.

Tom Gamble of the No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo in GTD highlighted a strong season start, including a near-win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and third at last year's Sebring. He credited the team's reliability, strategy, and ability to stay clean in traffic—key for Sebring's challenging overtaking and elbows-out finales. 

With new teammate Dudu Barrichello joining Zacharie Robichon, Gamble expressed excitement for the warm Florida weather and ambitions to improve on last year's podium, potentially challenging the dominant Winward Mercedes. He appreciated the relief from WEC postponements easing travel, while noting his second IMSA year brings greater familiarity and comfort across tracks.

Philip Ellis, stepping in for Russell Ward (travel issues) in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in GTD, joined alongside Ward and Indy Dontje ... the trio aiming for a Sebring hat-trick after wins in 2024 and 2025. 

Ellis recounted the intense Rolex 24 finish, including a close front-straight incident with Nicki Thiim, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges to secure a third Rolex victory. He stressed preparation for the final hours: focusing practice on late-race conditions (cooler temps, dirty track), maintaining car integrity, staying calm under pressure, and leveraging strategy. Sharing data with the sister GTD PRO Mercedes aids setup, while the car's age benefits from BoP, tire focus, and deep team knowledge rather than constant development.

These 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring previews underscore Sebring's demanding nature of bumps, heat, strategy, traffic, and reliability—while highlighting defending strengths, milestone moments, and competitive ambitions across GTD PRO and GTD.

The 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring event features a packed 55-car field across classes, with live streaming on Peacock starting at 10 a.m. ET, plus additional coverage on NBCSN from 5 p.m. ET and the IMSA YouTube channel.

... notes from The EDJE

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Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For the second day in the row, the No.75 75 Express AMG of Kenny Habul/Maro Engel/Will Power/Chaz Mostert (1:47.612) set the best time of the day.. Image Credit: Chaz Mostert via FB/META (2026)

Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For Will Power, the iconic banking of Daytona International Speedway has long represented unfinished business. The veteran IndyCar star, about to start in his first full campaign with Andretti Global, finally checked a major item off his personal bucket list this week, making his debut appearance at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 in the No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Power, sharing driving duties with team owner Kenny Habul and a strong lineup, described the experience as everything he had anticipated - and more.

"I'm really enjoying it," Power said following a busy day of on-track running and fan engagement. "It's a very big event that I've wanted to do for a long time. So, really happy to be here, and doing it with Kenny Habul. We raced against each other years ago in Australia in Formula Ford and Formula Three, so we've talked about it actually for a while."

The Australian Indy500 Champion driver admitted that previous commitments and scheduling conflicts had repeatedly delayed his sports car debut at the "World Center of Racing." But after gaining valuable experience in an eight-hour race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway late last year, the timing finally aligned perfectly with Habul's program.

"I've always been a bit too late to the game of talking to teams," Power explained. "But I had that experience in Indy, so it was a lot easier to ask Kenny, 'Hey, can I run with you?' And he [Kenny Habul] immediately said, 'Yeah, absolutely'."

Will Power also praised the sprawling facility, noting its sheer scale and rich heritage in both NASCAR and sports car racing, "It's just an amazing facility. The first time I drove in here, it was just crazy how big it is. I feel Indy was big - this has got to be bigger. It's an iconic track with a lot of history."

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 machines carve through traffic on the legendary 3.56-mile road course during practice sessions at the Roar.

Competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will mark Will Power’s second GT3 appearance after taking part in last year’s Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS. Prior to that, his only other sports car experience came in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hours at the wheel of a Porsche 996 GT3-RS. The Australian, who also won the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, has set his sights on a debut victory, which would also mark Mercedes-AMG’s first GTD Pro class win at Daytona since 2023. Image Credit: 75 Express (2025)

Adapting from the open-wheel precision of IndyCar to the closed-cockpit world of GT3 racing has come with its challenges, though Power downplayed the difficulty.

"The first couple laps in Indianapolis felt very strange ... the amount of roll and everything," Power recalled. "But they're not that hard to drive. They're probably very difficult to extract the time out of. You've got ABS and traction control, so it requires a specific driving style."

Will Power was quick to credit the seasoned GT3 competitors around him, calling them "top-level drivers" and valuable teammates from whom to learn.

Power topped at least one GTD Pro practice session during the Roar, a result he greeted with the same satisfaction that has defined his career, even while acknowledging the gamesmanship often at play with Balance of Performance.

"Always," Power said when asked if leading a session felt good. "When you're quick, it's a nice feeling."

The 24-hour endurance format itself has brought a refreshing change of pace.

"It's really nice to get practice without pressure," Power noted. "You've only got 30 minutes, and then you're gonna qualify something. So plenty of time to get comfortable and find the limits at a slow rate. The racing will be a little bit that way as well - it's obviously 24 hours, so it takes a lot of desperation out of it."

The No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 in action, highlighting the car's aggressive stance as Power and his co-drivers prepare for the Rolex 24.

Away from the track, conversation inevitably turned to Power's high-profile switch to Andretti Global for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. He fielded numerous questions from fellow drivers about the team, the car, and the engine, responding with measured optimism.

"Everyone wants to know, 'What's it like, man? How's Andretti? What was the car like? What's the engine like?'" Power said with a grin. "I tell them it's a good team. These guys are gonna be tough. They've got all the ingredients to win a championship. No question. And they're very proactive ... they really want to win."

Looking ahead, Power expressed strong confidence in the program's potential. "I really believe this team will be the top team in the next three years."

For now, though, the focus remains squarely on Daytona. With the Rolex 24 At Daytona fast approaching, Will Power is savoring every lap in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, thrilled to finally compete on one of motorsport's most storied stages.

[Quotes Resource: IMSA Transcript]

... notes from The EDJE

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GODSPEED JUSTIN WILSON - Video - August 24, 2015

 GODSPEED JUSTIN WILSON - Video Tribute

With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.

Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.

Race car driver Justin Wilson, who enjoyed success in multiple motorsports series (F1, ChampCar, Indycar, IMSA) during a two-decade professional career, died from a head injury sustained in the Verizon IndyCar Series ABC Supply 500 race Aug. 23 at Pocono Raceway. He was 37.

Statement on the passing of Justin Wilson - Art St. Cyr, president, Honda Performance Development

“To say that we are heartbroken over the loss of Justin Wilson would create the false impression that our pain is localized.

At a time earlier in the season, when we were in a continuing struggle to remain competitive in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Justin was the guy who WANTED to be with Honda, and he demonstrated that time and again. That allows you to take the measure of the man, and we will be forever grateful for his loyalty, and the gracious and gentlemanly way he represented our company, on and off the race track.

He was our friend, and our comrade.

All of our thoughts and prayers are for his wife, Julia, daughters Jane and Jessica; his parents Keith and Lynne; his brother Stefan; and his many friends around the world.”

Statement from race team Andretti Autosport - He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport. While Justin was only part of the Andretti lineup for a short time, it only took a second for him to forever become part of the Andretti family. His life and racing career is a story of class and passion surpassed by none. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Wilson family and fans worldwide.

Motorsports Journal - So brutally sad to hear about the passing of race car driver, engineer, and great friend to most all he met ... Justin Wilson. May peace surround the fans, friends, & family Justin leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers and other remembrance, please consider a donation to:

Wilson Children’s Fund
c/o INDYCAR
4551 W. 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222

Video from still photography from two races run in 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and the MAVTv500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.

The main qualifying sequence was captured as Justin Wilson was set to make his qualifications run under the direction of IndyCar Race Control Director, Beaux Barfield. Asset Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

... notes From The EDJE


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