SAMANTHA TAN Climbs Eight Spots to 14th in Challenging VIR GS Outing

August 26, 2026

• SAMANTHA TAN recovered eight positions from 22nd on grid to 14th at VIR, executing clean race strategy with co-driver Bill Auberlen despite rain-compromised Friday practice limiting setup optimization for their BMW M4 GT4.
• The 2025 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge GSX Bronze champion expressed dissatisfaction with 14th despite forward progress, noting elevated personal expectations after showing front-running potential hampered by mechanical issues and penalties at recent rounds.
• TAN qualified 21st after recording 1:55.867 lap, drove opening stint maintaining position under pressure from Winward Mercedes before handing to Auberlen during lap 18 pit sequence that eventually netted the position gains through strategic timing.
• The Canadian heads to Zolder 24 Hours with Koopman Racing next weekend for additional GT4 seat time before IMSA returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway September 18-20, currently sitting 16th in championship with 1,320 points.

bmw, gs class, imsa michelin pilot challenge, virginia international raceway