SAMANTHA TAN Recovers to 12th at Sebring Despite Pit Lane Penalty Setback
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March 25, 2026
GRRL! SUMMARY:
- SAMANTHA TAN qualified 15th and executed a clean start through a massive ten-car incident that eliminated MADELINE STEWART and AURORA STRAUS, demonstrating composure in chaotic conditions before handing off in 11th.
- The #38 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT4 showed genuine top-ten pace throughout the Sebring weekend, with TAN improving significantly from practice to qualifying despite the ultra-competitive 33-car GS field.
- A costly pit speed violation penalty dropped Auberlen from 11th to 20th, forcing a recovery drive that ultimately yielded 12th—the second consecutive round where speed didn’t translate to results.
- HANNAH GRISHAM’s mechanical retirement on lap 36 briefly elevated the BMW before Auberlen overtook Tyler Megennis, though substantial gaps prevented a top-ten recovery despite consistent late-race pace.
UPCOMING:
- IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at Laguna Seca, May 1-2, 2026
LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:
GRRL! summary based upon reporting by RACERS originally appearing on www.racers-behindthehelmet.com











