LONI UNSER Misses First Victory by Quarter Second in COTA Thriller

May 20, 2025

by LIAM REDFORD // from www.racers-behindthehelmet.com

• LONI UNSER delivered a masterclass in resilience at Circuit of the Americas, bouncing back from a heartbreaking late-race technical failure in race one to mount a thrilling charge for her first Porsche Sprint Challenge victory in race two. After starting second, she stayed glued to leader Jens Hantson throughout the 15-lap affair, consistently posting the fastest times through the middle sector and setting up multiple overtaking opportunities.
• The race one disappointment was particularly cruel for UNSER, who had driven brilliantly to claim second overall after a spectacular move on lap eight at turn 12. She was setting fastest laps and closing a four-second gap to Hantson when her car suffered a technical issue just minutes from the checkered flag, robbing her of what looked like a certain podium finish after an outstanding drive.
• Race two became an instant classic as UNSER and Hantson engaged in a wheel-to-wheel battle that had the COTA crowd on their feet. The Kellymoss driver never let the gap exceed one second, repeatedly pressuring Hantson through the technical middle sector where she proved fastest all weekend. Her final charge came agonizingly close – just 0.25 seconds separated her from that elusive first victory as she crossed the line in second place, setting up what promises to be an electric second half of the season.

cayman pro/am, circuit of the americas, kellymoss, porsche sprint challenge north america