<\/p>\n
Mid-Season Momentum and Milestones\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n As we reach the halfway point of a thrilling 2025 season, this month\u2019s update offers a snapshot of Inter Europol Competition\u2019s relentless efforts on both sides of the Atlantic. A highlight of the year so far was reclaiming our LMP2 crown at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, adding a second win after our historic breakthrough in 2023 \u2014 a monumental achievement for the entire team.<\/p>\n The season so far has also brought a Sebring win, multiple podiums in both LMP2 and LMP3, and strong performances throughout the IMSA and ELMS championships. Most recently, the team took on the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen in IMSA, followed by the third round of the European Le Mans Series at Imola.<\/p>\n While there\u2019s no traditional summer break, the brief gap before the Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on 13th July gives the team a chance to reset. With three major races in just six weeks \u2014 CTMP, Road America, and Spa-Francorchamps \u2014 it\u2019s a crucial stretch in both the IMSA and ELMS campaigns.<\/p>\n Just one week after their unforgettable Le Mans victory, Inter Europol Competition were back in action \u2014 this time stateside \u2014 for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship\u2019s Six Hours of The Glen.<\/p>\n With barely time to catch their breath after conquering the world’s most iconic endurance race, the team made the transatlantic trip to Watkins Glen, where Jeremy Clarke, Tom Dillmann, and Bijoy Garg shared driving duties in the #43 LMP2 car. Jeremy qualified the car in sixth position, setting the stage for a race that promised to be as unpredictable as it was demanding.<\/p>\n The team braced for a race filled with unpredictability as torrential rain gave way to warm sunshine, creating a constantly evolving track and plenty of drama.<\/p>\n The race got off to a tough start with a broken clutch within the first hour, immediately putting the team on the back foot. Multiple safety car periods followed, and each pit stop under yellow saw the #43 car drop back down the order.<\/p>\n Despite the setbacks, the crew delivered a strong recovery drive. Through clever fuel-saving and strategic calls, the team fought back into contention and took the lead with just over an hour remaining. Unfortunately, a minor pit lane\u00a0infringement\u00a0triggered a drive-through penalty, dashing hopes of a podium.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, Clarke, Dillmann, and Garg battled to the end, ultimately finishing in 8th place \u2014 a result that speaks to the team\u2019s perseverance and never-give-up spirit.<\/p>\n \n Race Report \u2013 ELMS Round 3: Imola<\/strong><\/p>\n Inter Europol Competition returned to the European Le Mans Series for Round 3 at the iconic Imola circuit with a strong three-car line-up: the #34 and #43 entries in LMP2, and the #88 in LMP3. After a historic Le Mans win just three weeks earlier, the team came into the weekend with high momentum and confidence \u2014 and they showed strong pace throughout a challenging, eventful few days.<\/p>\n Testing<\/strong> \u00a0from the outset, and feedback across the board was positive, putting the team in a strong position heading into official sessions.<\/p>\n Free Practice<\/strong> Bronze driver Tim Creswick also took part in the dedicated Bronze Test session in the #88, finishing a solid P7 as he built valuable experience around the demanding Imola circuit. Qualifying<\/strong> Race<\/strong> #43 \u2013 LMP2<\/strong> #34 \u2013 LMP2<\/strong> #88 \u2013 LMP3<\/strong> It was a challenging but rewarding weekend for Inter Europol Competition, with podium success in LMP2 and strong recoveries from both the #34 and #88 cars. The Michelin Le Mans Cup did not race at Imola, but will return at Spa-Francorchamps at the end of August.<\/p>\n Inter Europol Competition is gearing up for a busy and exciting summer, with back-to-back racing action on both sides of the Atlantic. The team returns to IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition at the Chevrolet Grand Prix on 13th July at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where they\u2019ll aim to build on their recent momentum in the fiercely competitive LMP2 category. Just a few weeks later, the IMSA campaign continues at Road America on 3rd August. Attention then shifts back to Europe for Round 4 of the European Le Mans Series and the return of Le Man Cup at Spa-Francorchamps on 24th August. As the season enters its second half, the team is fully focused on delivering strong results at the iconic\u00a0Belgian circuit.<\/p>\n Chevrolet Grand Prix Timetable Saturday 12th July<\/strong> Sunday 13th July<\/strong> Follow our journey between races on Instagram and X for behind-the-scenes content and race weekend updates!<\/p>\n
\nThursday\u2019s test sessions allowed all three cars to focus on tyre and fuel strategies, with the crew using the time to fine-tune setups and simulate various race scenarios. All cars showed promising pace<\/p>\n
\nFriday brought sweltering heat to the track, with ambient temperatures hitting 37\u00b0C and the track soaring past 50\u00b0C. Despite the tough conditions, all three cars delivered competitive results in Free Practice 1:<\/p>\n\n
\nIn Free Practice 2, the team continued to build momentum, with the #88 showing particularly impressive pace to go quickest in class.<\/p>\n
\nSaturday\u2019s qualifying sessions were impacted by a dramatic change in weather. For LMP2, storms delayed the session by over an hour, and all cars went out on wet tyres. A late red flag with just three minutes to go meant only one final chance to set a lap. The #34 team made a strategic call to pit for fresh wets, and Luca Ghiotto delivered an excellent lap to secure P2. The #43 stayed on used tyres, but Nick Yelloly pushed hard and managed P4 \u2014 placing both LMP2 cars in strong grid positions.
\nIn LMP3 qualifying, the #88 initially went out on slicks as the rain hadn’t fully set in, but worsening conditions forced a late switch to wets. Unfortunately, multiple yellow flags and traffic prevented Reece Gold from setting a clean lap, with the car qualifying P5.<\/p>\n
\nSunday\u2019s four-hour race was a rollercoaster, featuring multiple safety cars, a red flag, and changing weather. The track temperature settled at 44\u00b0C with 30\u00b0C air temp \u2014 still physically demanding conditions for all drivers.\n<\/p>\n
\nKuba Smiechowski started from P4 and quickly moved up to second, holding strong pace and position throughout his stint. Nick Yelloly took over next, choosing to stay on slicks despite light drizzle \u2014 a call that paid off as he kept the car in podium contention. Tom Dillmann drove the final stint and found himself in a nail-biting battle with Panis Racing and Proton Competition. With just 12 minutes to go, Tom made contact with the Vector car, damaging the nose. The team opted not to replace it, and Tom brought the car home in an impressive P2 \u2014 a hard-fought podium and another strong result for the championship campaign.\n<\/p>\n
\nPedro Perino took the start from P2, but lost a few places in the opening corners and completed his stint in P9. Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer took over in changing conditions and was initially on wets, before switching back to slicks. Unfortunately, contact with an LMP3 car sent him into the gravel, causing rear damage and a tyre change that dropped the car to P12. JB recovered well to climb back to P7 before handing over to Luca Ghiotto. Luca showed consistent pace in the final stint, bringing the car home in P6 \u2014 a solid recovery after a tough mid-race setback.\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0Tim Creswick took the start but was caught up in early-lap contact when a car spun ahead, forcing him into the gravel and damaging the front wing. After a nose change and tyre swap, the car rejoined at the back, caught behind GT3 traffic. Tim managed to fight back to P8 before handing over to Douwe Dedecker, who held position without issue. Reece Gold completed the final stint, maintaining strong, clean pace and securing a P7 finish for the #88 crew.<\/p>\n
\nFriday 11th July<\/strong>
\nPractice 1: 1:55pm – 3:25pm ET<\/p>\n
\nPractice 2: 10:35am – 12:05pm ET
\nQualifying: 3:55pm – 5:05pm ET<\/p>\n
\nRace: 2:00pm – 5:00pm ET<\/p>\n<\/div>\n