Koch Survives Late-Race Drama for First IMSA Pro Series Win

Image: LAT/IMSA

Kenton Koch held off a hard-charging pair of BMWs and a late bump-and-run to claim his breakthrough first IMSA iRacing Pro Series victory at virtual Virginia International Raceway.

Koch, who started on pole in his bright pink-colored Ford GT, led from the start in Thursday evening’s 90-minute contest until contact between the No. 24 BMW M8 GTE of Jesse Krohn with two laps to go saw the BMW factory driver assume the lead.

Krohn’s advantage didn’t last for long, however, as the two cars collided on the final lap, giving Koch the lead back and spinning the Finn in the process.

Championship leader Bruno Spengler ran second for much of the race until getting tagged by teammate Krohn in the after the Canadian checked up following a spin by Joel Miller with ten minutes to go.

At the time the BMWs were running second and third.

The incident dropped Spengler to fifth, behind the No. 87 AIM Vasser Sullivan Porsche 911 RSR of Shane van Gisbergen, who again made an impressive late-race charge.

Van Gisbergen rebounded from an accident early on that damaged his car’s rear wing, which was repaired during a pit stop to finish second, 4.940 seconds behind Koch.

Koch’s win was the first for the Ford in the season, marking the third different manufacturer to visit virtual victory lane in as many races.

Agustin Canapino came home third in the No. 66 Juncos Racing Ferrari 488 GTE, with the No. 86 Meyer Racing Porsche of Shinya Michimi fourth.

The No. 23 BMW of John Edwards was sixth, behind Spengler, who made significant ground on locking up the inaugural Pro Series title with one race to go.

His championship rival Nicky Catsburg finished 28th after a challenging race for the Dutchman.

Road America race winner Nick Tandy, who was entered for this evening’s race, did not take part due to other commitments.

The season-ending round takes place at Watkins Glen International on June 11 at 6 p.m. ET.

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