Pipo Derani (Whelen Engineering Racing): “I can’t believe we are champions”

The 24th edition of Le Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta saw the Whelen Engineering Racing team crowned champions, thanks to the No. 31 Cadillac of Pipo Derani and Felipe Nasr. At the end of a race interrupted numerous times by yellow flags and accidents, the two Brazilian drivers managed to finish ahead of the No. 10 Acura of Taylor and Albuquerque, then leader in the general classification at that time - there. A coronation that Pipo Derani still cannot achieve.

“I can't believe we're champions. The end of last season and the start of this year were so difficult. With a lot of faith in God, and in my family, I rebuilt my confidence and here I am, champion IMSA 2021. It's simply amazing. I'm just so grateful to Whelen Engineering, Action Express, Cadillac, and everyone who supported me. It’s just fantastic.”

His teammate and compatriot, Felipe Nasr, took pole position. If he has difficulty understanding the desperate attempt of the No. 10 Acura to overtake on the last lap, that does not prevent him from savoring this new coronation.

“It was intense, that’s the word. I worked a lot for this moment. The Whelen Engineering team did an excellent job. Winning the race was possible. I saw car 10 coming, why does it have to be so hard in the last corner? I saw the 10 make a very late move and I knew it wasn't going to make the turn. I just focused on getting through the exit cleanly and reaching the finish line. It’s another championship for the team. I have a lot of love and respect for Pipo (Derani), Mike (Conway) and everyone at Action Express Racing. They gave us everything we needed to fight and win this championship.”

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