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Unexpected Fuel System Error Stuns IMSA Race: Gebhardt’s Double DNF Debacle at COTA

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 5, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Unexpected Fuel System Error Stuns IMSA Race: Gebhardt’s Double DNF Debacle at COTA

IMSA WeatherTech practice in preparation for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.

In a bewildering turn of events at the recent IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge at the renowned Circuit of The Americas, an unexpected double DNF (Did Not Finish) jolted the racing fraternity. The incident left spectators and commentators scratching their heads, asking, “How did this even transpire?”

The seasoned Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports’ team was confidently steering the race, with their two Duqueine D08s operated by the formidable Valentino Catalano and the proficient Oscar Tunjo. Catalano, the current Prototype Cup Germany champion, had already marked his supremacy by clinching two victories at Daytona in the crimson No. 30 Duqueine.

Markus Pommer, the 2024 co-champion, was conspicuously absent due to health issues. His spot was filled with aplomb by Tunjo, who had previously finished second to Pommer in the 2023 series. Tunjo, driving the violet No. 31, secured pole position for the first race.

As the first race progressed, Tunjo maintained the lead for most of the initial 45 minutes, only to be surpassed by Catalano with a mere seven minutes left on the clock. However, in a shocking twist, both drivers, who were nearly a minute ahead of the third-placed Jonathan Woolridge’s Ligier JS P320, began to slow down simultaneously with about 90 seconds left in the race. This abrupt halt allowed the trailing vehicles to overtake them.

This unexpected incident led to Woolridge and MLT Motorsports clinching the victory. However, the post-race discussions were dominated by the baffling halt of the two Gebhardt Duqueines. The unusual occurrence of two cars, especially from the same team, running out of fuel near the end of the race, left everyone puzzled.

Speculations were rife about the duo running out of fuel, and these were confirmed later, albeit with a twist. Fritz Gebhardt, from the Gebhardt team, revealed an issue with their newly acquired refueling system in the USA. “Our refueling system miscalculated the fuel quantities, pumping six liters less into the tanks than required, causing both Duqueines to unexpectedly run out of fuel,” he elaborated.

The incident provided a mix of discomfort and humor, especially for the Gebhardt team. Nevertheless, Catalano managed to channel his frustration positively, bouncing back to secure a victory in the second race. This marked his third win in the VP Racing Challenge this season and expanded his lead in the LMP3 drivers’ championship.

Tunjo also showcased impressive performance throughout the weekend. Despite a gearbox issue and a 10-second drive-through penalty for exceeding track limits, he finished second behind Catalano.

Reflecting on the incident, Gebhardt team manager Karl Jennings expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance. “We can only be happy with our performance. Our two cars consistently led the field, which is a positive takeaway. We are now gearing up for the next race, ensuring we eliminate such issues in the future,” he stated.

The next race in the IMSA series is scheduled to take place three months later at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, from June 6-8.

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