The GTD Pro field at the Northeast Grand Prix saw an exciting start with Ross Gunn in the #23 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 taking an early lead. He left behind fierce competitors Jack Hawksworth in the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 and Antonio Garcia in the Corvette Racing C8.R. It was an impressive display of skill and determination, showcasing Gunn’s prowess behind the wheel.
In the non-Pro class, Mike Skeen in the #32 Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes AMG GT3 quickly claimed the lead. However, he faced immediate competition from Frederik Schandorff in the #70 Inception Racing McLaren 720S GT3 EVO. The two drivers even made contact at the chicane, adding an element of drama to the race. Despite the collision, Skeen managed to hold on to his lead, showcasing his resilience and commitment.
Meanwhile, Madison Snow, the GTD points leader, started the race from a disadvantageous position. However, he displayed incredible skill and determination as he impressively gained three positions in the #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. It was a testament to Snow’s exceptional driving abilities and his ability to navigate through challenging circumstances.
As the first pit cycle began, Gunn initially maintained control of the GTD Pro class. However, he soon fell behind Hawksworth and Garcia, adding an element of unpredictability to the race. The pit cycle presented an opportunity for teams to strategize and make crucial decisions that would ultimately impact their performance.
Around 30 minutes into the race, a major accident occurred at Turn 1, resulting in the first full-course caution. Alan Metni in the #91 Porsche 911 GT3 R attempted to overtake in the first corner but misjudged the braking point, causing a collision with Jarett Andretti’s #94 Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The incident had significant consequences for both drivers, with Metni managing to return to the pits with a damaged car and Andretti coming to a stop against the tire barrier. This incident brought the race to a momentary halt and allowed other drivers to reposition themselves strategically.
The full-course yellow gave many drivers the opportunity to pit, resulting in changes in the field. Gunn was able to capitalize on this yellow-flag period and reclaim the lead in the GTD Pro class, extending his advantage to over six seconds at one point. On the other hand, Madison Snow’s team faced disappointment as they received a drivethrough penalty for pit contact, significantly impacting their chances of victory. Roman De Angelis in the #27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 took advantage of this turn of events and claimed the lead in the GTD class, giving the team control over both classes with the #23 and #27 Astons.
With just over an hour remaining, the final set of green-flag pit stops began, leading to driver changes throughout the field. The race saw another full-course yellow when Brendan Iribe’s #70 McLaren crashed into the tire barriers near the pit entry. Despite these interruptions, the green-flag racing resumed, and the battle for victory intensified.
In the GTD Pro class, Alex Riberas, now driving the No. 27 Aston, took the overall lead, showcasing his speed and precision. In the GTD class, Marco Sorensen in the #23 Aston faced fierce competition but managed to defend his lead against his pursuers. As the clock ticked down, Heart of Racing emerged as the dominant force, securing victory in both classes. The team’s exceptional performance allowed them to claim the overall win at the Northeast Grand Prix, cementing their status as leaders in the world of GT racing.
The Northeast Grand Prix delivered an adrenaline-filled race with intense battles and unexpected twists. From Ross Gunn’s early lead to Madison Snow’s remarkable comeback, the competitors showcased their skills and determination throughout the event. Heart of Racing emerged as the dominant force, dominating in both the GTD Pro and non-Pro classes. With their double victory, they proved their prowess and sent a clear message to their competitors. The Northeast Grand Prix was a thrilling showdown, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next race in the series.
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