Kellymoss racer Loek Hartog charged to his sixth win of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup North America at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today in the first caution-free race of the season.
Fellow front-row starter Jimmy Llibre (ACI Motorsports) pushed Hartog hard in the run to turn one, but after the Dutchman emerged with the race lead – he was never headed throughout the remainder of the 40-minute journey.
Llibre looked set for a runner-up podium finish before, unfortunately, having to retire in the final moments of the race.
Ryan Yardley (Topp Racing) took second place at the finish ahead of JDX Racing’s Alex Sedgwick. Canadian Zach Vanier (JDX Racing) took fourth ahead of Dan Clarke (ERA Motorsport) and Colin Kaminsky (Topp Racing).
“I’m so happy with this result. I gave it my everything. I think it’s one of the best races I’ve ever done,” Hartog said.
“I’m very proud of what we achieved with the team. We built such a good car for this race and finished with maximum points and the fastest lap.
“Special thanks to my mom for giving me a little bit of extra motivation this morning – this one is for her, and I’m so happy.”
In the Pro-Am class, Alan Metni (Kellymoss) converted his pole position to his third race victory of the season and his first at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Metni led home team-mate Efrin Castro, who failed to win for only the second time in eight attempts at Indy. His only preview non-victory came in race three in 2021 when contact forced him out of the race.
Moisey Uretsky, whose championship challenge was boosted by his sixth podium for 2024, completed the podium in third place.
Scott Blind was another first-time Indy winner in what turned out to be a surprise result for the Rukus Racing driver. ACI Motorsports’ Richard Edge was first across the line but was penalized for exceeding track limits.
Kellymoss team-mates Chris Bellomo and John Goetz completed the podium.
“That was a fabulous, hard-fought race,” Blind said.
“A lot of tight racing there. We had a perfect car that came in late in the race. I had a great fight with Chris (Bellomo), and it’s always a fabulous time. The crew did an amazing job.
“I don’t know if I could have gone two more laps; it was getting hot, but what a great place to win. It’s so much fun to win in Carrera Cup, and I’m having a fabulous time aboard this 992.”
Round twelve of Porsche Carrera Cup North America will go green on Saturday at 11:10 am.