Sunny days and hot asphalt: Business as usual in California. This past weekend, the Porsche factory drivers headed for the Laguna Seca Raceway.

The Porsche factory team will halt its commitment to the IMSA to the end of the running season – therefore, every race is a farewell to each racetrack. And it was a successful and perfectly executed one thanks to a well-thought-out strategy on the hot and sandy course in California. According to plan, the starting number 912 with the reigning champions Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor was due to make 3 pit stops. Meanwhile, starting number 911 with Frédéric Makowiecki and Nick Tandy should only stop twice. So, the plan was for quick laps and differing strategies.

In the tightly packed starting field, both Porsche 911 RSR could hold their ground with confidence. Starting from second place, Laurens Vanthoor defended his position while also putting pressure on the lead right from the start. An effective strategy, as proven in lap 17: The Porsche driver managed to put himself ahead of the field and defend the position. After a perfect pit stop including a driver switch, Earl Bamber seamlessly continued the strong performance and defended the lead against any maneuvers from the competitors. Earl Bamber safely led the Porsche 911 RSR throughout the remaining race including a yellow phase to a well-deserved victory on the Laguna Seca Raceway. Securing the second victory in a row for the Porsche Team.

Factory drivers Frédéric Makowiecki and Nick Tandy in the starting number 911 raced equally quick laps and held one of the leading positions throughout the majority of the race. Up toward the end of the race, position 3 was the aim. Nick Tandy had to sacrifice the third place for a moment and saw the checkered flag from fourth position – but this result luckily didn’t last. After a technical inspection of all vehicles, the team in the Porsche 911 RSR subsequently moved up to third place and thus, brought a perfect race day to completion.

In the end, everyone involved kept a cool head despite the summer temperatures and treated themselves to a first victory on the Laguna Seca Raceway. A fitting farewell on the traditioned course in California. On the following weekend, it’s on to the Sebring International Raceway in Florida – for the last time. And the Porsche factory commitment with the IMSA will come to an end in the Sunshine State.