Two years following its entry into IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship racing, AO Racing is on the cusp of a title.
In Sunday’s TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, “Rexy” as fans know its Porsche 911 GT3 R, scored a crucial victory with co-drivers Laurin Heinrich and Michael Christensen at the helm.
After earning the pole, but having to start at the rear of the field because the car did not meet minimum ground clearance, the team powered through adversity throughout the six-hour endurance race to take a stranglehold on the GTD PRO points lead.
With one race remaining at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in October, AO Racing’s No. 77 entry has a firm 99-point gap over Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
Porsche factory driver Christensen, who was tapped to complete AO Racing’s lineup for the final two races of the season amid former driver Sebastian Priaulx’s exit to Multimatic Motorsports midseason, was proud of the team’s effort as they look to close out a title.
“It’s great to come here and support AO Racing and Laurin for the championship, and that was the whole purpose of being here, to try to support and help as good as I can,” Christensen said.
“I felt like we accomplished a very, very strong race after a most difficult start to the race. I’ve had a few of those lately, but this time was a good one.”
Heinrich, who’s been a mainstay with AO Racing this season, is confident entering the season finale.
“It’s great. As Michael said, we went through a lot in this race, especially with our championship competitors,” Heinrich said. “If they have to catch up 99 points in Atlanta, I don’t know what they will do there, but we will find out.
“Yeah, I mean, for sure, for the championship, coming from Europe, 99 points, that sounds crazy, but that’s not as much as it sounds. We still have to stretch our legs. I think Atlanta is a decent track for the Porsche. I’ve never been there in a GT3 car, but I’m very much looking forward to one of the greatest tracks in the U.S. I think it’s a great place to finish off the season,” Heinrich continued.
“Looking back, all these races, Petit Le Mans races, have been quite chaotic. It’s important to keep the nose clean and, hopefully, celebrate the championship Saturday night in Atlanta.”
Julien Andlauer will join the two drivers as a co-pilot at the 10-hour season finale at Road Atlanta.