IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge: Dominant victory for Turner Motorsport at Road Atlanta 12.10.2022: Record IMSA winner Bill Auberlen (USA) added another race win to his long list at the season finale of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, which took place at Road Atlanta (USA) at the start of October.

Record IMSA winner Bill Auberlen (USA) added another race win to his long list at the season finale of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, which took place at Road Atlanta (USA) at the start of October.

BMW institution Auberlen, who has 65 IMSA wins to his name, claimed his 20th victory in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Together with team-mate Dillon Machavern (USA), Auberlen was unbeatable in the #95 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4.

 

Machavern laid the foundations for the latest success in qualifying, when he secured pole position for the BMW M4 GT4. In the race, Machavern produced a strong first stint and handed the car over to Auberlen in the lead. He went on to take victory, despite a yellow phase bringing the field back together.



Auberlen crossed the finish line two seconds ahead of his closest rival. Victory propelled Auberlen and Machavern into third place in the GS class Drivers’ Championship at the end of the season.

 

“We knew we had good pace in the long run, and my stint was really smooth,” said Machavern. “I handed the car over to Bill with a big lead, which unfortunately then evaporated with the appearance of the yellow flag. It is always tough to have such a clear lead and then have to start from scratch again.”



However, that did not prove to be an issue for Auberlen: “It was like the car was on rails. My job was not to mess up and ensure this BMW M4 GT4 won its final race.” Turner Motorsport will compete with the new BMW M4 GT4 next season.

 

Sean Quinlan and Greg Liefooghe (both USA) finished tenth for Stephen Cameron Racing in the #43 BMW M4 GT4. Turner Motorsport drivers Robby Foley and Vincent Barletta (both USA) failed to finish in the #96 BMW M4 GT4.

 




Andrea Schwab- photo BMW