The Action Express Racing (AXR) team, led by driver Alexander Sims and his teammate Pipo Derani, is currently holding onto a slim three-point lead in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With the final 10-hour enduro race at Road Atlanta approaching, the team is facing both challenges and successes in their pursuit of the championship title. While AXR managed to secure a victory at the Sebring 12 Hours, their performance in the recent races has not been as consistent. Despite this, they have remained a strong points scorer throughout the season, thanks to their new hybrid GTP cars.
As the season progressed, AXR encountered several setbacks that hindered their chances of dominating the championship. At Mosport, despite setting the fastest lap, they finished in seventh place due to a strategy that failed to pay off. A warm-up crash for Sims on cold tires at Road America forced the team to make hasty repairs and compromised their race, resulting in a sixth-place finish. Furthermore, a brake issue at Indianapolis hampered their performance for the entire weekend, although they managed to recover and secure a respectable fourth-place finish. Sims openly acknowledges that the team has missed opportunities to score crucial points in multiple races throughout the season.
Despite the challenges faced, AXR finds themselves surprisingly leading the championship going into the last round. Sims admits his surprise at this accomplishment, stating that it feels like they have left numerous points on the table. Nevertheless, he believes that this is the reality for most teams in the championship, as executing a flawless weekend has proven difficult with the introduction of the new cars. He attributes their current position to a combination of their own resilience and the difficulties encountered by their competitors.
Sims, who will be rejoining Corvette Racing next year, expresses his desire to conclude his time with AXR on a high note by clinching the championship title. The team will be racing the new Z06 GT3.R in IMSA’s GTD Pro class. Winning the championship would mark one of the biggest achievements of his career. However, Sims acknowledges that the competition is fierce, with the top four crews in the championship all vying for victory, separated by a mere 38 points. He emphasizes that nothing can be taken for granted in the final race, as it has the potential to dramatically alter the standings.
As the final race at Road Atlanta approaches, the AXR team faces a daunting task. With the tight points battle and the nature of the competition, no position can be considered secure. Sims acknowledges the challenges ahead and understands the need for the team to remain focused and composed. Despite the uncertainties, he expresses gratitude for their current position, stating that having a lead going into the last race, regardless of the margin, is something he would have welcomed at the beginning of the season.
The Action Express Racing team has experienced a rollercoaster season filled with both highs and lows. While they have encountered setbacks and missed opportunities, they find themselves leading the championship. With the final race ahead, the team faces immense pressure and competition from their rivals. Regardless of the outcome, the AXR team’s performance in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has showcased their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
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