Action Express winner at Petit Le Mans, Montoya-Cameron champions

Starting from pole position, the Cadillac DPi of Felipe Nasr, Pipo Derani and Eric Curran resisted the return of another Cadillac, that of Taylor-Vaxiviere-Van Der Zande to win the 2019 edition of Petit Le Mans on the Road Atlanta circuit (Georgia).

“I've been trying to win here for three years, explained Pipo Derani. Unfortunately, we didn't finish top of the championship but I hope we can continue our momentum next season. »

Indeed, the coronation went to veteran Juan Pablo Montoya accompanied by Dane Cameron (Acura). With special help from the winner of the 500 Indianapolis 2019 simon pagenaud, the Penske crew finished the event in fourth place, which was enough to secure the title.

“It’s a nice rebound after a season of learning, recognizes Dane Cameron, who won three races in 2019. This is the first time that I have been so involved in an official program with a manufacturer. »

As for the former pilot Williams et McLaren en Formula 1, he garners an additional reward to an already impressive list of achievements. “I think it’s fun!” When you join Team Penske and Acura, you expect to be fast. If we hadn't won, the bosses would have been disappointed.", explains the 44-year-old Colombian.

In GTLM, Risi Competizione dominated the debates, with the Ferrari 488 GTE driven by the winning trio of the 24 2019 Hours of Le Mans, Calado-Serra-Pier Guidi. This is the first victory for the Houston (Texas) team since 2016!

Petit Le Mans 2019 also marked the final competitive appearance of the Ford GT and Corvette C7.R. The Briscoe-Westbrook-Dixon crew paid tribute to the oval brand with a second place and a title in theEndurance Cup 

At Corvette, Garcia-Rockenfeller-Magnussen manquent le podium de peu, la troisième place étant occupée par la BMW M8 de Blomqvist-De Phillippi-Herta. Mais ce sont Earl Bamber et Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche) qui décrochent le sacre malgré une course prudente en compagnie de Mathieu Jaminet. 

“It was a dream for me to go to America and drive for Porsche, explained Laurens Vanthoor. When I arrived, I knew nothing, neither the circuits, the teams, the rules, nor the car. Nothing. Winning the championship makes me very proud. »

“We fought for a podium but it didn't happen, completes Earl Bamber. It was a difficult day. It’s definitely one of the hardest championships to win. »

Find in AUTO issue 2238hebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands, the analysis of Petit Le Mans 2019