BMW achieves 1-2 finish at the IMSA Battle on the Bricks

BMW M Team RLL achieved first place at the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks, a six-hour IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Philipp Eng and Jesse Krohn, driving the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8, crossed the finish line in first place, followed by their teammates Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly in the No. 25, securing the top two spots for their team.

Challenging Start Due to Weather

The race began under rainy conditions, which quickly intensified, leading to the deployment of a yellow flag that lasted nearly an hour. During this time, efforts were made to remove accumulated water in various parts of the 2.439-mile and 14-turn circuit, introducing an element of uncertainty into tire and fuel strategies.

Resumption After Rain Delay

As the weather improved and the track dried, teams switched to slick tires, facilitating a faster and more technical race. Eng and Krohn implemented aggressive tactics that allowed them to advance in the competition.

Decisive Action in the Final Phase

With 46 minutes remaining, Philipp Eng made a crucial pass on Louis Deletraz in the No. 40 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Acura ARX-06. This maneuver at turn 13 provided them with the advantage needed to maintain the lead until crossing the finish line.

Intense Rivalry in GTP Category

The third place was taken by the No. 6 Penske Motorsport Porsche, driven by Nick Tandy and Mathieu Jaminet, bringing them within just 14 points of the category leaders in GTP, who faced mechanical issues during the event.

Highlights in Other Categories

In the LMP2 class, TDS Racing's No. 11 ORECA LMP2 07, driven by Steven Thomas, Mikkel Jensen, and Hunter McElrea, took the victory. In GTD PRO, Laurin Heinrich and Michael Christensen brought the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R from AO Racing to first place. In GTD, the win went to the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R from Wright Motorsports, driven by Adam Adelson, Elliott Skeer, and Jan Heylen.

Significance of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup

This race was also significant as an additional round of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, awarding intermediate points at the three-hour mark. At this point, the provisional leaders were the No. 7 Porsche Penske in GTP, the No. 52 Inter Europol by PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports in LMP2, the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW in GTD PRO, and the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG in GTD.

Season Finale at Road Atlanta

With only one race remaining in the 2024 WeatherTech Championship season, attention turns to the Motul Petit Le Mans, set to take place on Saturday, October 12 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Teams are preparing for a final competition where every point will be crucial in defining the championships.