Next challenge awaits in Watkins Glen

There’s no rest for Proton Competition, as the team returns to the track for the next round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: the Six Hours of The Glen (22 June). Held at the storied Watkins Glen International, the race comes just days after the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For the first time in its history, Proton Competition heads into the Six Hours of The Glen with a shot at overall victory. Competing in the GTP class, the team’s entry is the #5 Mustang Sampling Porsche 963, driven by Nicolás Varrone, Nicolas Pino and Neel Jani. Varrone, who is normally part of Proton Competition’s FIA WEC line-up, will be making his first IMSA appearance for the team in 2025.

“I think this will be the first time in ten years that I’ll be racing on a circuit I don’t know at all,” said Neel Jani. “But I’m really excited about the new experience. With only two free practice sessions over the weekend, we won’t have much time to find the right set-up, which makes it a real challenge. We’ll need to work very efficiently, so it’s a big plus having both Nicos on board. We know each other well and make a strong team.”

‘Challenge’ is the right word – especially from a logistical standpoint. With the 24 Hours of Le Mans ending at 16:00 local time on Sunday 15 June, the car and team must be ready for action at Watkins Glen International just five days later, with the weekend sessions beginning on Friday 20 June.

The race itself goes green at 12:10 local time on Sunday, 22 June (18:10 German time) and will be broadcast in full and for free on IMSA’s YouTube channel.

Schedule

Friday 20 June
11:25 – 12:55 Practice 1*
(CEST: 17:25 – 18:55 Practice 1)

Saturday 21 June
9:00 – 10:30 Practice 2*
(CEST: 15:00 – 16:30 Practice 2)
14:20 – 15:50 Qualifying*
(CEST: 20:20 – 21:50 Qualifying)

Sunday 22 June
12:10 – 18:10 Race*
(CEST: 18:10 – 00:10 Race)

*local times

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Copyright: Proton Competition (José Mário Dias / Lenssen Photo)