Mitchell deJong was forced to fight for his third consecutive Porsche Esports Carrera Cup North America victory, retaking the lead on the final lap at Watkins Glen to secure another Coanda Esports 1–2 finish ahead of Xander Reed.
Unlike the opening rounds, deJong remained under constant pressure at the front. He took the lead on the opening lap after qualifying second, but repeated safety car periods erased any advantage, repeatedly bringing Reed and the rest of the field back into contention.
The interruptions also led to incidents in the pack, eliminating several drivers, including real-world Porsche Carrera Cup North America racer Aaron Jeansonne in the opening phase.
Each restart placed deJong under renewed pressure. Reed remained close throughout, positioning himself for a late challenge as the race stayed tightly bunched into the closing laps.
With under three minutes to go, Reed made his move at the chicane to take the race lead only for deJong to take the top spot back on the following lap.
“I felt really comfortable, but it was a lot more intense this time,” deJong said.
“Every restart brought everyone right back to me, so there was no chance to manage a gap. You had to be perfect every time.
“After Xander got by, I knew if I stayed close, I might get one more chance.
“Xander made a great move, but I was able to position the car well and get it back. It came down to the last lap, which made it a really fun race.”
Reed’s late charge fell just short, but the result completed a third consecutive 1–2 finish for Coanda Esports.
“We pushed hard all race,” Reed said.
“The safety cars kept mixing things up, and that gave me a shot at the end. I got by, but Mitchell came straight back at me. It was close, but it’s still a great result for the team.”
Guillaume Lévesque completed the podium in third after running consistently near the front following the safety car interruptions.
“It was intense the whole way through,” Lévesque said. “With all the restarts, it was about staying clean and taking opportunities when they came.”
Lévesque maintained position through the closing laps to secure the final podium place.
“To come away with third in a race like that feels solid,” he said. “There wasn’t much margin for error, so I focused on being consistent and keeping it together.”
IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Czabok-Simpson Motorsport driver Morgan Burkhard impressed on his Porsche Esports Carrera Cup North America debut, keeping clean through multiple safety car periods to secure seventh place.
The result keeps Coanda Esports unbeaten at the front through three races, all in the same 1–2 order.
The championship continues next Wednesday at America’s [virtual] National Park of Speed – Road America.
All Porsche Esports Carrera Cup North America races stream live – and are available to watch anytime – on the Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube channel. Stay up-to-date on all the latest news by following Porsche Motorsport North America on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and Twitter, and by subscribing to the newsletter.
RESULTS.
Qualifying
- Maximillian Muir #99
- Mitchell deJong #48
- MIchael Janney #23
Race
- Mitchell deJong #48
- Xander Reed #77
- Guillaume Lévesque #44
