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4/14/2021

Double victory for Joshua Rogers in Le Mans. Race #9 in the #PESC.

Once again, we reflect on a race day in which one name in particular stood out: Joshua Rogers. First in qualifying, winner of the sprint race and the victor of a dramatic main race. After nine of the ten races, he now has an unassailable lead at the top of the overall standings – but as per PESC regulations, he will not be crowned until the final day of racing on 24 April in Monza. In addition to Joshua Rogers' dominance, the race day in Le Mans offered us plenty of other highlights.

Charlie Collins stands up to Sebastian Job.

With a 1-2 placing in qualifying for Joshua Rogers and teammate Charlie Collins, they went into the sprint race ahead of Sebastian Job in third. From their position at the front, the two drivers showed perfect teamwork around the 13.6km track and skilfully fought off attacks from the competition. But you could sense relatively quickly that the defending champion Sebastian Job was not impressed by their gimmicks. With his daring manoeuvres, he put Charlie Collins under pressure time and time again – but the rookie held his own against the champion. An impressive race at the front of the field developed: on the third and last lap of the sprint race, Sebastian Job attacked decisively. On the famous Mulsanne Straight, Job used the slipstream to pass Charlie Collins first and then Joshua Rogers. The Australian now showed all his skills, passing Sebastian Job in a heart-stopping final dual shortly before the end of the race. The two champions were separated by less than a car length as they crossed the finish line.

Reversed starting order – even more of a show.

Diogo C. Pinto found himself in pole position for the main race. The Portuguese proved once again that he was not a one-hit wonder after his success at Nürburgring, but that he has earned his place in the PESC. But the start in the main race clearly belonged to Mitchell deJong. Starting from third on the grid, he first overtook Diogo C. Pinto in front of him and then Jeremy Bouteloup. What then unfolded in the six laps of the main race was – typical for the PESC – hard to beat in terms of excitement and drama. First, Sebastian Job and Jeremy Bouteloup collided on the Mulsanne Straight after as many as four 911 GT3 Cup race cars were fighting side by side for the lead. Sebastian Job spun off the Porsche curves a short time later, damaging his car as a result of the ensuing collision with Mack Bakkum. For the Brit, this meant retirement from the main race. And at the front? Mitchell deJong, Diogo Pinto, Tommy Østgaard, Joshua Rogers and Charlie Collins were fighting for every inch. After contact between Tommy Østgaard and Mitchell deJong, Joshua Rogers took advantage of the situation and moved to the front of the field. He finished the race ahead of the Norwegian Tommy Østgaard and the American Zac Campbell. Moreno Sirica's fourth place was particularly impressive. With this performance, he earned crucial points in the battle to secure 20th place in the overall standings and direct qualification for the next PESC season.

The Grand Finale will take place in Monza.

The Grand Finale in Monza on 24 April will give us answers to the crucial questions. While the question of who will be crowned champion has already been answered mathematically, no position behind him is certain: there are just 12 points between second and third place in the championship. Mitchell deJong will give it his all in Monza to defend his second place. Perhaps one of the most important questions for the final is: who will secure their place in the top 20? Moreno Sirica currently occupies the all-important position in the standings with an 8-point lead over David Williams. But even off the track, the final will be something very special: on 24 April, we will broadcast the Champion's Show live from the Hockenheimring. We have prepared various highlights from the races and are looking forward to a spectacular show. Of course, you will be able to watch it as usual on the Porsche YouTube and Twitch channels as well as on the Porsche Facebook page. #NeverNotRacing

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