Doriane Pin’s notable qualifying and opening race stint were memorable highlights for the Iron Dames’ first ever Petit Le Mans after contact early on hampered their competitive chances.
The #85 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 marked the end of their first ever IMSA WeatherTech (Endurance Cup) campaign this year with a difficult outcome.
Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Doriane Pin all drove the #85 GTD entry to finish 14th in a class of 16, three laps down on the winning #57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG.
The female-run outfit recognised their highlight qualifying performance in the hands of WEC Prema Racing LMP2 driver Pin, who qualified second in GTD and third in the entire classification of Pros and GTDs, with a 1:23.795 lap time.
After the qualifying results were amended for others’ infractions, Pin started the race and asserted the fastest laps of the category during her opening stint, which saw her fight past the two Vasser Sullivan Lexus’ who she was racing around.
Afterwards, she quickly established a 10-second gap at the front of GTD.
“The Iron Dames put in a very solid weekend for their first Petit Le Mans, which unfortunately was not reflected in the final result due to a contact at the end of the second hour,” said Deborah Mayer, founder of the Iron Dames project.
“Nevertheless, the results of the weekend, and more generally of this first season in the highly competitive IMSA championship, are very encouraging.
“Doriane, Rahel and Michelle showed very strong driving and mental qualities and there is no doubt that they were up there with the best.
“Doriane’s performance in qualifying will remain a highlight, further confirming her speed, determination and high-speed progress.”
Little over two hours in, rear left contact with an LMP3 car damaged the corner on the #85, thus the suspension had to be repaired behind the wall.
Frey said: “It was a pleasure even if it was a hard first one for us. We have finished Road Atlanta with a lot of positive notes.
“We have been fast, all the three of us, throughout the race unfortunately a contact dropped us down eight laps.
“It’s a pity, I am very sorry for the entire team which did [a] great job but it is overall a good finish to the season and something we can build on for next one.”
Gatting added: “Of course, it is a very disappointing result for this race because Doriane did a great qualifying and a great first stint which put us in the lead with a big gap and gave us a lot of confidence.”
Pin said: “The result is not the one we expected after a strong qualifying yesterday and with a very good car we could aim for something great.
“For sure, the unfortunate contact didn’t help us but we tried to push until the end but it was not enough. I really enjoyed driving here.
“Road Atlanta is a fantastic track like most of the American ones and I hope to come back soon.”
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