Yelloly, a first pole in IMSA at the edge of the walls

Nick Yelloly secured his first ever pole position this weekend in IMSA, on a street circuit as demanding as it was tricky. At the wheel of the Meyer Shank Racing No. 93 Acura, the Briton proved himself equal to the challenge by flirting with the limits... and the walls.

« Pole is the best place to start on a street circuit; it usually makes the race much easier " explained Yelloly after his performance. " I'm super happy to have won my first pole in IMSA. We're working very hard as a team to get everything in place, and we're improving week after week. Every weekend, we're stronger. »

On this urban track, the slightest mistake can have serious consequences. Yelloly is well aware of this, and he has built his fast lap with a precise approach.

« On this type of circuit, you can't just do a lap in one go. You risk making a mistake. You have to gradually approach the limit. I knew I'd already done a good lap, and that I had two more attempts. I gave it my all, I even brushed the walls a few times... but it was just enough to take pole. »

Yelloly's performance marks a turning point for Meyer Shank Racing, which hadn't secured a pole in IMSA since July 2023, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It was also the last time a pole-sitter won the race in the GTP class. In another nod to history, the team's last front-row double in the premier class dates back to the 24 2008 Hours of Daytona.

Proud of his effort, Yelloly accepts the small scars left on his car. Every lap here, you're flirting with the limit. And when you hit it right on time, you brush the wall. I checked the bodywork: it's just a scratch, and a mark on the tire. Generally, that means the lap was good. I'm happy with my little drawing on the side of the car. » With this pole position, Yelloly ended the series of four poles in a row for Dries Vanthoor and BMW.

Join us at 21:40 p.m. for the start of the race this evening, to be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr.

ALSO READ > Nick Yelloly puts Acura on pole position in Detroit