In a stunning display of late-race heroics, Laurin Heinrich delivered JDC-Miller Motorsports its first-ever GTP class victory at Laguna Seca, making a dramatic last-lap pass that will be remembered as one of the season's defining moments.
With the weather clearing after a cloudy afternoon, Heinrich seized his opportunity on the final lap, diving past Earl Bamber's No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series R in turn five. The move was executed with surgical precision, allowing Heinrich to pull away and cross the line 0.758 seconds ahead. This victory is particularly remarkable as it comes in only Heinrich's second race with the team, following his mid-season transfer from the championship-winning Porsche Penske No. 7 entry.
The win marks a historic milestone for JDC-Miller Motorsports, making them the first privateer team to conquer the GTP class. Their weapon of choice? The 2025 Porsche 963, which proved more than capable of taking the fight to the factory teams. Heinrich's co-driver, Tijmen van der Helm, also celebrated his first overall IMSA victory, adding another chapter to what has been a breakthrough season for the Dutch driver.
The GTD Pro class delivered its own share of drama, with Ford Racing finally breaking through for their first win of the year. Christopher Mies and Fredric Vervisch piloted the No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 to the front of the field, but not without controversy. The No. 65 found itself in a heated battle with the No. 6 Porsche Penske entry, resulting in nose damage to the GTP car that would ultimately impact their race.
Behind the Ford winners, the Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette Z06 of Nick Catsburg and Tommy Miller claimed second in class, while BMW M Team WRT's Philip Eng and Marco Wittman rounded out the podium in third.
It was a day to forget for Porsche Penske Motorsports, who suffered their worst results of the season. The No. 6 and No. 7 Porsche 963 entries could only manage sixth and seventh place finishes respectively, a far cry from their dominant performances at Daytona and Sebring earlier this year.
In the GTD class, the No. 45 Lamborghini Huracan from Wayne Taylor Racing took the checkered flag first, with Danny Formal and Trent Hindman combining for a masterful drive that kept their championship hopes alive.