French driver Lilou Wadoux secured IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship history by capturing the first pole position of her career during GTD qualifying at Road America.
Historic Milestone at Road America
Wadoux’s 2:04.688‑second lap on the 4.048‑mile, 14‑turn natural‑terrain circuit locked her at the front of the field for the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix.
Her speed made her the first woman to claim an IMSA pole since Katherine Legge at Laguna Seca in 2018, a landmark moment for diversity in North American sports‑car racing.
Adapting to Rain and Technical Hurdles
AF Corso’s Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO was freshly rebuilt after setbacks at Watkins Glen, challenging the team to reverse a sub‑optimal car into a race‑ready contender.
Unpredictable weather turned the second practice session into a wet run, leaving little dry‑setup time before the decisive qualifying session.
Despite the rain, Wadoux noted the team’s rapid adaptation, stating that a “pretty good job” with the new car allowed her to convert speed into a pole position.
Looking Ahead to the Endurance Race
With track position secured, Wadoux remains focused on translating single‑lap prowess into endurance success, emphasizing her commitment to winning races at the highest level.
She acknowledged that visibility for women in racing is valuable but reaffirmed her identity primarily as a driver.
As the day refines strategies, Wadoux keeps her eye on the 24‑hour push ahead, confident that her momentum will carry through the race.
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