Collision Amid Final Restart Ends GTP Duel
On the six‑hour IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup’s final restart at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Kevin Estre’s Porsche 963 and Jack Aitken’s Cadillac V‑Series.R collided in Turn 1, immediately launching both cars into the outer barriers and forcing a full‑course caution.
Albuquerque Wins While Estre & Aitken Finish Imposed
Filipe Albuquerque’s #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac seized the overall victory. Estre and Aitken were subsequently classified eighth and ninth in the GTP class, though the results are still provisional pending a comprehensive review from IMSA.
Podium Swings After Penalties and Championship Shakeup
Laurin Heinrich of JDC‑Miller Motorsports moved into second place after the Heart of Racing Aston Martin Valkyrie was penalised with a drive‑through for contact with the #93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing ARX‑06. The penalty also dropped Aitken down the order, erasing his championship advantage and trimming his lead to 108 points with only two races remaining.
Official Statement and Drivers’ Perspectives
IMSA confirmed that a “comprehensive review is underway to finalise the official classification.” Estre commented on social media: “We were fighting for a podium. On the restart, the #31 tried a move on the left in Turn 1; both of us put too little space together and hit the brakes – contact happened, and we ended up in the barriers.”
Aitken Laments Aggressiveness and Seeks Recovery
Aitken added: “It’s a real shame. We could have earned another strong result, but the driving on track was over the line. We’ll carry the fight into Indianapolis.”
Championship Implications Remain Critical
With the collision stripping Aitken of his playoff edge, the overall points situation has tightened—only 108 points separate him from rivals and the final two races may decide the GTP crown.”
"