Porsche Penske Motorsport (PPM) clinched its first IMSA GTP victory with the 963 driven by Nick Tandy and Mathieu Jaminet. Despite a lack of pace in practice and qualifying, they strategically ran the same set of tires throughout the entire 100-minute race, allowing for a faster pit stop compared to rivals and avoiding the slow warm-up phase associated with new rubber.
The team’s victory was secured amidst lengthy yellows, with the added advantage of Ricky Taylor’s crash in the faster Wayne Taylor Racing Acura while attempting to overtake Jaminet for the lead.
The introduction of a soft tire compound, along with an extra set now available compared to the previous year, is expected to significantly quicken warm-up times around the 1.968-mile temporary circuit. Jonathan Diuguid from PPM anticipates more tire strategies this year, aiming to maintain their streak of race wins and podium finishes. With the #7 car leading the championship and PPM leading the manufacturers’ points, the team is focused on maintaining its competitive edge.
When questioned about the possibility of forgoing tire changes, Diuguid hesitated to dismiss it entirely, citing the unpredictable nature of street circuits and increased traffic from additional GTP and GTD cars compared to the previous year.
He emphasized the importance of securing track position on tight circuits and anticipates various strategies being employed during the race, though running the entire race on one set of tires seems improbable.
Diuguid also noted improvements in the 963’s handling on bumpy surfaces, which should benefit the team at Long Beach and the newly added downtown Detroit track. With a focus on refining their performance, PPM aims to control races as they did in Daytona and compete for victories as they did in Sebring, positioning themselves at the forefront of the competition.
Jaminet, paired with Tandy in the #6 car, looks to secure another win at the former United States Grand Prix West venue. Acknowledging the increased competition and the challenge posed by the new soft tire, Jaminet remains optimistic about its chances but acknowledges the unpredictability of the upcoming race. With the prospect of back-to-back wins at Long Beach, the team faces a new set of challenges and uncertainties, heightening the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event.
