The #31 Whelen Cadillac V‑Series.R captured its inaugural victory of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on Detroit’s nine‑turn, 1.645‑mile temporary street circuit last Saturday.
Unrivaled pace secured a flag‑to‑flag triumph
Cadillac topped every practice session, claimed pole position and dominated the race, leading 73 of the 82 laps. Co‑driver Earl Bamber qualified on pole and handed the car to teammate Jack Aitken, who maintained the advantage through the closing stint.
Aitken, now holding four IMSA wins from 27 starts, described the result as a long‑awaited breakthrough, emphasizing the significance of winning on GM’s home turf. “It’s a win we’ve been searching for, especially with Cadillac rooted in Detroit,” he said.
Corvette Racing’s home‑race success adds to the celebration
The same weekend saw Pratt Miller‑fielded Corvette Racing secure victory in the GTD Pro class, with Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims crossing the line first. Bamber praised the Corvettes, noting the “faultless drive” and the shared pride of both teams winning at their hometown event.
Championship standings widen after Detroit
Jack Aitken’s win leaves him atop the drivers’ leaderboard with 1,760 points, a 144‑point cushion over second‑place Laurin Heinrich, who earned a recent Laguna Seca sprint win for JDC‑Miller MotorSports after earlier endurance duties with Porsche Penske Motorsport.
With five races already contested and co‑driver rotations involving Bamber and Frederik Vesti, Aitken’s lead underscores the momentum his partnership with Cadillac has built early in the season.
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