Pit+Paddock Civic Type R TCR, 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Indianapolis

Team ENEOS Takes Top 8 Finish at IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Indy

Team ENEOS and Montreal Motorsport Group have been performing exceptionally well in the second half of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season, scoring two podiums and one win in the last three rounds. ENEOS ambassador Dai Yoshihara added to the team’s tally of accomplishments at Indy, qualifying the Pit+Paddock Civic Type R TCR on pole position for the main race, his second and fifth for the Honda Racing-powered team in 2024. Victory was within strong grasp until a mechanical issue forced the car into the pits for repair.

Yoshihara’s position was immediately challenged by the championship leader as the TCR field approached the start-finish line, which was later deemed foul (essentially a jump start) and penalized. More drama ensued on lap one as another competitor’s mechanical issue brought out the first full course caution before the cars crossed the brickyard again.

Calm before the storm, Dai Yoshihara, 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Indianapolis
Practice session for the Pit+Paddock Civic Type R TCR, 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Indianapolis

Once the field went green at 1:53, Yoshihara held P1 against two Audis, but the on-track drama continued as another full course caution occurred at 1:49. By then, Dai had mysteriously fallen down to P8, so he dove into the pits at 1:40. The team discovered a turbo clamp had sheared off from the heat, so the team began repairs quickly to get the CTR back on track.

Down a couple laps, the team rallied as best it could, Yoshihara piloting the car to capture valuable data. Another full course caution incident brought the GS field in for pit stops, except Wittmer resumed race duty with 46 minutes remaining, finishing clean and clear of any further incidents.

“After such a great qualifying, it hurt to finish down the order,” said Yoshihara. “We still have a lot to offer, and it’s been a dream to learn so much so quickly, especially from a great squad.”

Dai Yoshihara qualifies first with the Pit+Paddock Civic Type R TCR, 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Indianapolis

“Dagger to the heart in Indy,” Wittmer added. “We had a really good shot at a very strong result, but sometimes the racing gods aren’t with us. We ran into a mechanical issue early on, putting us down two laps in the end. I’m still very proud of our P8 finish and the effort we showcased to complete every lap. We’ll bounce back in Atlanta.”

NEXT RACE

Team ENEOS faces the final round of the 2024 Michelin Pilot Challenge at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the Fox Factory 120, from October 9-12.