SAMANTHA TAN Breaks Through With Eighth at Laguna Seca

May 6, 2026

• SAMANTHA TAN earned her first top-ten finish of 2026 with eighth at Laguna Seca, converting pace into results after misfortune derailed potential top-five finishes at Daytona and Sebring despite strong performances.
• The 2025 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge GSX Bronze champion qualified 22nd but advanced methodically through two lengthy cautions, climbing to P16 before strategic early pit stop set up alternative fuel strategy.
• TAN arrived at Laguna Seca with momentum from GT China Championship podium at Shanghai, bringing GT3 experience back to GT4 BMW M4 machinery shared with veteran Bill Auberlen.
• Auberlen capitalized on TAN’s clean opening stint, charging through field as rivals faced late fuel stops. Superior fuel management allowed #38 BMW to stay out final minutes, jumping to eighth at checkered flag.
• Result lifts TAN and Auberlen to tenth in GS standings with 530 points heading to Mid-Ohio June 5-7, finally rewarding Random Vandals by ST Racing team’s consistent pace execution.

bmw m4 gt4, gs class, imsa michelin pilot challenge, laguna seca