The checkered flag brought the curtain down on the Indy 8 Hour, and with that drew a close to the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge seasons, capping off a weekend of high drama and hard-fought battles. With championships decided in the final hours and unexpected twists along the way, emotions were raw as the new winners and champions shared their thoughts.
No. 49 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 - Indianapolis 8 Hour Winner
Valentino Rossi, Indianapolis 8 Hour Pro Class Winner: “In the end, we were a little bit lucky, but that’s racing. For me, winning here is special. I won the MotoGP race in 2008 at Indianapolis, so to come back and win again is fantastic. I’m very happy to have helped Kelvin win the championship. We did a great job as a team, and it’s a truly special feeling.”
Kelvin van der Linde, Indianapolis 8 Hour Pro Class Winner & Intercontinental GT Challenge Drivers’ Champion:
“Honestly, it feels a bit like an anti-climax. It was such a cool race, but spending almost two hours behind the Safety Car made it tricky. I think the No. 777 really deserved the win today, so there are mixed emotions. Still, four out of five wins this year for BMW Motorsport makes me very proud. All my teammates and everyone who helped me along the way, from engineers, mechanics, and the entire WRT and ROWE Racing crews made this an incredible year. Some seasons, luck is just on your side, and this was one of them. It’s been a very special journey.”
Charles Weerts: “I remember being in this exact same place last year, winning the race and the championship, so it’s great to be back. I’m really happy to have helped Kelvin secure his title this season. Of course, it’s a bit of mixed feelings because the No. 777 had an incredible race and definitely deserved more, but overall it’s a fantastic result for BMW. We sealed the Manufacturers’ Championship, which is hugely important for all of us.”
No. 99 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT3 - GT World Challenge America Pro Class Champions
Kenton Koch: “I’m really proud to be part of this team. Having both Connor and Conor here this weekend has been a lot of fun, and working with Connor all season has been amazing. We came in with things to learn, but we’ve shown incredible performances throughout the year. This weekend, the car felt the best it ever has, which is such a testament to how far the team has come. I’m proud of everyone and excited for what’s to come. Hopefully this is just the beginning of many more successes together.”
Connor De Phillippi: “It’s been an amazing effort from the entire team. At the start of the year, we knew we had a lot to learn, but we focused on improving every time we hit the track, and we did exactly that. We executed, we won races, and we grew stronger as a unit. This weekend, we came in focused on performance rather than points. We wanted to race against the best teams and drivers in the world, and we did. I’m so proud of this group. This championship is my first with BMW, and that makes it even more meaningful. Hopefully it’s just the start of many more together.”
No. 21 Blattner Company by Herberth Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) - Indianapolis 8 Hour Pro-Am Class Winners
Dennis Marschall: “At some point, the track was really flooded, and we’ve seen what can happen when mistakes are made in those conditions. Our goal was to stay on track and we did that. For the short time it went green again, it was great fun. We were in P1, so there was more to lose than to gain, but it was still enjoyable while it lasted.”
Alfred Renauer: “We did a great job from the very beginning. The strategy was spot on, and my teammates were super fast. In the end, it all came together perfectly for us. We’re very happy with the result.”
Dustin Blattner: “This whole event was an incredible experience. The way the race unfolded and ultimately ended was completely unexpected, but that’s endurance racing. I’m just thrilled with how it all played out for us.”
No. 29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 - GT World Challenge America Pro-Am Champions
Justin Rothberg: “The stars really aligned for us. I didn’t get back in the car to redeem my earlier stint, but Robby and Patrick did an amazing job. The weather worked in our favor, everything fell into place perfectly. Indy came through again. Robby and I are champions once more, and it feels fantastic.”
Robby Foley: “Justin has made incredible progress this season, he’s on a great trajectory. Our second year working together has been awesome; we were faster, more consistent, and racked up more wins. We definitely wanted to finish the season racing under green, but regardless, it’s been an amazing year. Huge thanks to Turner Motorsport, Laticrete, all our partners, and every member of this incredible team.”
No. 163 AF Corse USA Ferrari 296 GT3 - GT World Challenge America Am Class Champions and Indianapolis 8 Hour Am Class Winners
Jay Schreibman: “We worked so hard for this. This is the best win of my life. Getting to kiss the Bricks here at Indianapolis is beyond special. The effort, the strategy, the training, every single detail mattered. I’m so grateful for this team and for my teammates, Conrad and Oz, the best I could ask for.”
Oswaldo Negri: “I wanted this championship as badly as I did during my prototype racing days. I can’t thank the team enough for the strategy calls, the preparation, and the commitment. I’m so proud of Jay, he completely transformed his life to make this happen, and seeing him on the top step of the podium means everything.”
No. 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO - Intercontinental GT Challenge Independent Cup Champion
Kenny Habul: “My teammates were amazing. I’m just happy to carry their luggage! The speed they showed was phenomenal. Will had never driven this car in the rain, didn’t even know where all the switches were, and he was setting purple sectors. Chaz was a monster out there, absolutely flying. I’ve been with Mercedes-AMG for seven or eight years now, and to see him beat some of the fastest AMG drivers out there today is a huge achievement. I’m incredibly proud. Thank you to Mercedes-AMG. I’m a four-time Intercontinental Cup Champion! Now it’s time for a drink.”