Austin, USA – September 1, 2024: In a historic moment for Aston Martin, the new Vantage GT3 has achieved its first victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), with The Heart of Racing (THOR) team delivering an impeccable performance at the Lone Star Le Mans held at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
A Triumph of Precision and Strategy
The race was a masterclass in endurance racing as THOR’s trio of drivers—Ian James, Alex Riberas, and Daniel Mancinelli—dominated from start to finish. Starting from pole position, the team led an impressive 160 out of 164 laps, showcasing their strategic prowess and the Vantage GT3’s capabilities. Riberas further cemented their lead by clocking the fastest lap in the LMGT3 class.
James, who has an intimate knowledge of the COTA circuit, executed a flawless double-stint, expertly defending against fierce competition from a Lamborghini rival. Mancinelli, marking a historic milestone as the first Italian driver to secure a WEC win in an Aston Martin, extended the lead before handing over to Riberas. The latter’s double-stint ensured a comfortable margin, with THOR finishing over 20 seconds ahead of their nearest competitor.
A Milestone for Aston Martin and THOR
This victory at COTA is significant for Aston Martin, marking their tenth win at the circuit since WEC’s inaugural visit in 2012 and the 53rd class win in the series overall. This achievement places Aston Martin third on the all-time list of manufacturer wins and highlights their enduring success in endurance racing.
For The Heart of Racing, this win is a testament to their consistent excellence across various racing disciplines. The team, which also competes in IMSA and SRO’s Pirelli GT4 America, has enjoyed a remarkable year, with notable successes including a win at Watkins Glen and podium finishes in both the GTD Pro and GTD classes.
James, the team principal, expressed his elation: “To achieve this in America, on the global stage, and secure our first WEC win is a remarkable accomplishment. The entire team and Aston Martin Racing have delivered an exceptional effort, making this victory truly unforgettable.”
Looking Ahead
As the WEC moves towards its final rounds, including the 6 Hours of Fuji in Japan, THOR remains a strong contender in the LMGT3 standings. With two races left and only nine points separating them from second place, the team is poised for a thrilling finish to the season.
Aston Martin’s Vantage GT3 also demonstrated its prowess across the Atlantic, with partner team Walkenhorst Motorsport achieving multiple podium finishes in the ADAC GT Masters series at Spa-Francorchamps. This ongoing success underscores the Vantage GT3’s competitive edge and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the WEC season.
Upcoming Races
The WEC will next be hosted at Fuji Speedway for the 6 Hours of Fuji, scheduled for September 13-15. As teams prepare for the penultimate round, all eyes will be on Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing as they continue to push the boundaries of endurance racing.
