IMSA Responds to Weather-Shortened Road America CTSC Race

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

IMSA has issued a statement in regards to last weekend’s weather-shortened Road America 120 race, stating that it will consider modifications to its protocol for resuming on-track activity in the event of severe weather.

The seventh round of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge season was red-flagged due to lightning in the area, with the race not restarted due to time constraints.

The No. 59 KohR Motorsports Ford Mustang of Jack Roush Jr. and Dean Martin took overall victory, with Freedom Autosport claiming a 1-2 in ST, despite not making a pit stop or driver change during the race.

The statement from IMSA reads:

“After a red-flag condition that was caused by severe weather approaching the immediate area of Road America, the race remained under the red flag for an extended period due to thunderstorm activity, including cloud-to-ground lightning.

“Unfortunately, the severe weather protocols and resulting red-flag condition determined the outcome of the Road America 120.

“Fan and competitor safety is the number one priority for both IMSA and Road America. IMSA and its race promoters operate under strict weather policies and protocols. Due to the unstable forecast and other related factors, it was jointly determined there was no opportunity to conclude the race in the allotted time.

“IMSA is currently studying the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s weather-impacted event and, if necessary, will consider modifications to IMSA’s protocols for resuming on-track activity after the severe weather has cleared, focusing on expediting a return to racing following a weather-related red flag situation.

“IMSA wishes to thank all of the track workers, television personnel and most especially the fans who were impacted by severe weather throughout the weekend at Road America. Your patience, cooperation and understanding of the situation – and the need to ensure the safety of everybody – is very much appreciated.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John