The roar of engines, the crackle of campfires, and the electric buzz of anticipation: it could only mean one thing—Petit Le Mans was back at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for its 2025 edition, and what a spectacle it was! On October 11, 2025, the legendary 10-hour endurance race, serving as the grand finale for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, delivered drama, speed, and celebration to packed grandstands and grassy hillsides in Braselton, Georgia.
This year’s Petit Le Mans didn’t just live up to its reputation—it raised the bar. A record crowd jammed the 2.5-mile road course, with tickets selling out and traffic stretching for miles in both directions. The event, steeped in tradition and adrenaline, showcased 53 cars across four fiercely contested classes. Fans, some camping out for the weekend, reveled in the unique atmosphere, complete with a fan walk that brought them up close to the cars and drivers, and even Halloween-themed antics like the AO team’s skeleton suits.
The racing itself was nothing short of thrilling. The #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R GTP, piloted by the formidable trio of Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti, seized victory after a grueling 10 hours on the track. Their triumph was hard-fought, a testament to relentless strategy and teamwork. As the checkered flag waved, the team celebrated in Victory Lane, their joy mirrored by the thousands of fans who had witnessed endurance racing at its finest. According to IMSA, "Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti delivered a flawless performance for Cadillac Whelen."
But the Cadillac’s win was just one storyline in a weekend packed with milestones and memories. Porsche Penske Motorsports’ #6 Porsche 963 GTP not only finished strong but also clinched the coveted 2025 championship title. The team’s consistency throughout the season paid off, and their celebration in the pits was a scene of pure elation. As the Porsche team’s principal put it, "This is a championship we’ve chased all year. To win it at Petit Le Mans, with this crowd, is unforgettable."
Corvette Racing also had reason to celebrate. The #3 Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R, driven by Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, and Daniel Juncadella, secured the GTD PRO title, adding another illustrious chapter to the Corvette legacy. Meanwhile, the #4 Corvette, with Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg, and Nico Varrone behind the wheel, led the field at various points, showing the depth and talent of the team’s lineup.
Ford fans had their own highlights to cheer. The debut of the first Mustang customer team, #66 Gradient Racing Ford Mustang GT3, saw Joey Hand, Till Bechtolsheimer, and Mason Filippi compete in the GTD class, while #65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports fielded their Mustang GT3 in GTD PRO with Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch, and Dennis Olsen. Both teams battled valiantly, with the Mustang’s unmistakable growl echoing through the Georgia pines.
The race wasn’t without its heartbreaks and drama. Just minutes after the green flag, a crash knocked several GTD cars out of contention, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in endurance racing. Yet the crowd’s enthusiasm never waned. As dusk fell and headlights pierced the gathering darkness, the circuit lit up—not just with racing action, but also with the glow of campfires and the camaraderie of fans sharing stories, food, and laughter under the stars.
Rolex, a longtime partner of IMSA and an icon in the world of endurance racing, deepened its involvement this year. Their partnership was visible everywhere, from the branding on the circuit to the prized watches awarded to winners. Legendary driver Scott Pruett, now a key figure in race control, wore a special Rolex watch, nearly 40 years old—a personal memento from his own storied career. "It’s a symbol of what endurance racing means," Pruett shared. "You earn everything out here, every lap, every second."
IMSA President John Doonan, reflecting on the health and legacy of the series, remarked, "The series has never been healthier." He pointed to the diversity of teams, the influx of talent from around the world, and the passionate fanbase as proof that endurance racing is thriving. Doonan’s own journey—from childhood visits to racetracks to leading IMSA—embodies the spirit that keeps this sport alive and kicking.
Technology was front and center, too. Teams like Whelen Cadillac relied on an intricate web of data, with miles of fiber optic cable and dual O2 sensors feeding real-time information to both the team and IMSA race control. This level of sophistication not only optimizes performance but also ensures safety and fairness—a balance that’s crucial in a race where split-second decisions can make or break a championship.
The event wasn’t just about the pros. The fan walk allowed spectators to mingle with drivers and get up close to the machinery, while the festive atmosphere—complete with costumes and lively pit activity—made for a weekend that was as much a celebration as a competition. As the AO team’s Halloween skeleton suits proved, Petit Le Mans is a race with personality as well as pedigree.
As the season finale, the 2025 Petit Le Mans marked the end of a nearly year-long campaign for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Porsche’s GTP class championship was the culmination of months of high-stakes racing, and the emotional scenes in the pits and paddock told the story better than words ever could. For the drivers, teams, and fans, this was more than a race—it was a gathering of the global motorsport community, a chance to witness history and share in the passion that defines endurance racing.
With the dust now settled and the trophies handed out, the 2025 Petit Le Mans will be remembered as a race that had it all: record crowds, dramatic battles, legendary winners, and a celebration of the enduring spirit of motorsport. As IMSA looks ahead, the energy and excitement from Road Atlanta promise even greater things for the seasons to come.
