Porsche has kicked off the Michelin GT Challenge at VIR weekend in the best possible way with a one-two in opening practice, while the championship-leading Corvette suffered a fuel line issue.
Laurens Vanthoor led the way in the #912 Porsche 911 RSR-19 with a time of 01:41:550 to go 0.386s faster than team-mate Nick Tandy in the sister #911 Porsche.
Antonio Garcia was third fastest in the championship leading #3 Corvette C8.R, despite completing fewer laps due to a cracked fuel line sitting that had to be replaced. The car was back out on track for Garcia to post a 01:42:036, which was enough to go third fastest.
The Spaniard’s best time was 0.070s quicker than that set by team-mate Tommy Milner in the #4 Corvette C8.R.
The two BMW M8 GTEs brought up the rear, with the #25 of Connor de Phillippi 0.065s quicker than team-mate Jesse Krohn in the #24 car.
GTD troubles
Several runners in the GTD category experienced troubles during the opening session at Virginia International Raceway.
The #44 GRT Magnus Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo was the only car to not set a lap time during the hour-long session, as it struggled with an electrical issue and was unable to complete a timed lap.
Additionally, the session was red flagged in the dying minutes when the #23 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 had an off at turn 4.
Lexus on top on GTD
AIM Vasser Sullivan continued its stronghold on GTD by setting the quickest time in opening practice, with Jack Hawksworth setting the quickest time in the #14 Lexus RC F GT3.
The Briton’s best effort of 01:45:264 was 0.076s quicker than the #16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R of Patrick Long.
Bryan Sellers set the third fastest time for Paul Miller Racing upon its return to IMSA competition. Sellers’ best effort in the #48 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo, a 01:45:412, was 0.148s behind Hawksworth.
Toni Vilander was fourth fastest for Scuderia Corsa. The #63 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo was 0.253s off, but still a tenth faster than the #96 Turner Motorsports BMW M6 GT3 in the hands of Robby Foley.
Track action for the Michelin GT Challenge at VIR continues with free practice 2 at 12:00 PM ET.
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