McLaren Artura GT4 Triumphs at Daytona IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
The McLaren Artura GT4 secured a spectacular victory at Daytona this past weekend, with the Accelerating Performance team triumphing in the four-hour IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race, marking a victorious return two years after the Artura GT4's successful debut at the same event.
Starting from a competitive fifth position in a field of 43 cars, the team's drivers, Moisey Uretsky and Michael Cooper, maintained a consistent top-ten presence throughout the race. Uretsky kicked off the stint, impressively handling the car for two hours and 40 minutes before handing it over to Cooper.
With eighty minutes left, Cooper re-entered the race in eighth place. He fought valiantly in a tense final hour, with mere tenths of a second separating the competitors on the renowned track, complete with its challenging 31-degree banking. Advancing to third place as the final five laps approached, Cooper kept close to the leaders.
In a thrilling climax with just two laps remaining, Cooper executed a sharp manoeuvre exiting turn six, slipping inside the leaders as they navigated the track's banking. Despite fierce competition to retake the lead, Cooper’s Artura GT4 crossed the finish line first, a momentous achievement in the team's debut race with this car model.
"Unbelievable. I'm at a loss for words. My heart's racing, and I can barely grasp what's happened! That was the longest stint I've ever driven," exclaimed Moisey Uretsky, visibly moved by the victory.
“I love working with McLaren. The team truly deserves this win. We've been pushing hard for three years, and it’s a testament to our collective effort. In this sport, a single mistake can cost you everything, and today's success is entirely due to the team's dedication,” he added.
Michael Cooper shared his enthusiasm: "Driving the Artura GT4 was a lot of fun. It felt familiar, having driven the previous model. The car is exceptional, and the team did an incredible job. I knew I could take advantage of certain sections of the track, and that’s exactly what I did to clinch the lead."
Ian James, Director of Motorsport at McLaren Automotive, praised the team's performance: "This race was a formidable demonstration of the Artura GT4's capabilities, and I must congratulate Moisey, Michael, and everyone at Accelerating Performance. Winning your first race with a new car at a prestigious track like Daytona is remarkable."
Engineered for peak performance and endurance, the Artura GT4 integrates much of its technology with the McLaren Artura road car, from its Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) to the potent 120-degree V6 twin-turbo engine.
The Artura GT4 is designed to be accessible to drivers of all skill levels and racing teams. The upcoming Artura Trophy Evo will debut in the new McLaren Trophy, America championship, starting this March in Sonoma, California.
