During an intense 15 minute qualifying session, Kenton Koch of Random Vandals Racing secured pole on the last lap of the session to start the 2025 GT World Challenge America at Sonoma Raceway.
Both Regulator Racing and AF Corse USA decided to employ an alternate strategy by starting their pro drivers within the Pro-Am Class, potentially giving them an advantage over the rest of the field in the first stint. P. Ellis was chosen to drive the #91 Regulator Racing Mercedes, while A. Khodair took the wheel of the #16 AF Corse USA Ferrari to start Round 1. Depending on how this strategy plays out, this may become more common throughout the rest of the season.
The 2025 season also introduces a new regulation banning tire warmers, which will now require drivers to spend a few laps building heat to increase tire grip before committing to a push lap. While this did lead to a few vehicles getting squirrely during turns, no incidents occurred during the qualifying session.
Top Results:
Overall Pole:
| Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| K. Koch | Random Vandals | #99 BMW | 1:33.445 |
Pro Top 3:
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | K. Koch | Random Vandals | #99 BMW | 1:33.445 |
| P3 | M. Stephens | JMF Motorsports | #34 Mercedes | 1:33.960 |
| P5 | A. Sedgwick | RS1 | #18 Porsche | 1:34.416 |
Pro-Am Top 3:
| Position | Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2 | P. Ellis | Regulator Racing | #91 Mercedes | 1:33.509 |
| P4 | A. Khodair | AF Corse USA | #16 Ferrari | 1:34.336 |
| P6 | B. McDonald | DXDT Racing | #11 Chevrolet | 1:35.618 |
Am Pole:
| Position | Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P18 | J. Schreibman | AF Corse USA | #163 Ferrari | 1:39.784 |
Standout Performance:
M. Stephens showed impressive pace and consistency in the #34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes throughout the entire session securing P3 overall in their GT3 debut. Stephens’ ability to maintain competitive lap times and consistency across the qualifying session suggest that the JMF team is well prepared for the upcoming race.
Incidents & Penalties:
Tire Pressure Adjustments:
Ellis and S. Dollahite (#6 Dollahite Racing Mustang) both entered the pits after the first lap, presumably just to make adjustments to the tire pressures before heading back out to the track to finish the session. Dollahite ended the session in P15 overall with a lap time of 1:37.005, which is a little disappointing to see coming from the new Mustang.
Drive-Through Penalty:
The #88 Archangel Motorsports McLaren received a Drive-Through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, which was served during qualifying. No further action would be taken, but the #88 McLaren would end up starting P11 overall.
Engine Fire – Unauthorized Work in Pit Lane Penalty:
B. Auberlen in the #51 Random Vandals’ BMW was forced to enter the pits due to an engine fire, which was very surprising to see in a qualifying session. Acting quickly, the team managed to subdue the fire and repair the damage before sending their driver back on track, receiving a penalty for unauthorized work in the pit lane in the process. Unfortunately, this would drop the Pro down to P19 to start the race.
Analysis:
Personally, I hope to see the Corvette Z06 GT3.R make a clean drive throughout the race with consistency and a decent pace. With the #11 DXDT Corvette starting at P6 overall, I hope to see them drive cleanly and defensively during the first stint to hold on to their position. The #50 Chouest Povoledo Corvette is starting P12, so I would like to see them drive with aggression and hopefully climb up a few positions on the grid.
But, BMW and Mercedes seem to have the upper hand starting out in Sonoma, with both showing incredible pace and exceptional consistency throughout qualifying. But, with the Regulator Racing Mercedes opting for the alternate starting strategy, it will be interesting to see if this choice will pay off for them during the race.
Looking Ahead
If the results of the first qualifying session aren't proof enough, the Round 1 race at Sonoma Raceway is quickly shaping up to be a thrilling and hard-fought battle to start the 2025 GT World Challenge America season.