SAMANTHA TAN Overcomes Technical Issues for Bronze Victory at Mid-Ohio IMSA

June 9, 2025

GRRL! SUMMARY:

SAMANTHA TAN delivered her strongest qualifying performance yet with third in class at Mid-Ohio, marking significant improvement from practice sessions. The Canadian racer dominated Friday practice by topping the bronze class times and setting the fastest sector one splits in GTDX, then shaved nearly two seconds off her pace to lock in a career-best grid position. Her 1:20.845 qualifying lap proved she’s not just fighting for bronze class wins anymore—she’s hunting the overall GTDX podium.
Technical brake issues turned what should have been TAN’s breakthrough podium into a masterclass in damage control during Saturday’s opener. She led the bronze class for most of the race and was mounting a fierce comeback drive, closing a five-second gap to just three-quarters of a second with two laps remaining. The late off-track moment that forced her retirement was purely mechanical—her pace and racecraft were podium-worthy throughout the 30-minute battle.
Sunday’s wet-weather victory showcased TAN’s mature racecraft as she navigated treacherous conditions that had even experienced drivers spinning off track. While the powerful GTDX cars struggled for grip against the nimble GT4 machines early on, TAN used her decade of experience to pull out a commanding five-second lead over bronze class rival Vincent Barletta. Her fourth overall finish matched her season-best result and proved she can deliver when Mother Nature levels the playing field.