Maxson Shatters COTA Record to Claim Race 1 Pole

Tyler Maxson claimed the overall and Pro class pole positions for Race 1 of Porsche Carrera Cup North America at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), shattering the existing track record in qualifying on Saturday morning.

Six drivers eclipsed the previous record of 2:06.221, set by Ryan Yardley in the No. 78 Topp Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car last year.

However, it was Maxson who set the pace, posting a best lap of 2:04.869 in the No. 77 Topp Racing Porsche 911 Cup (Type 992.2) car to secure the top spot.

The pole position earns Maxson two additional points toward his Pro championship lead, giving him a 29-point advantage over title rival Aaron Jeansonne heading into today’s race.

A victory would clinch the Pro championship for Maxson with Sunday’s season finale still to come.

Janne Stiak qualified second overall and in Pro with a lap of 2:05.359 in the No. 40 ACI Motorsports Porsche, followed by Callum Hedge in the No. 9 JDX Racing entry with a time of 2:05.573.

In the Pro-Am class, GMG Racing team owner James Sofronas secured pole position with a lap of 2:07.182 in the No. 14 Porsche, continuing the strong form he showed in Friday’s practice session.

2026 class champion Patrick Mulcahy qualified second in the No. 54 ACI Motorsports entry, with Josh Conley completing the top three in the No. 29 Kellymoss Porsche.

Scott Blind led the Masters class, setting a best lap of 2:08.096 in the No. 45 Ruckus Racing Porsche.

Matt Smith qualified second in the No. 74 ACI Motorsports entry, followed by Rob Walker in the JTR Motorsports Engineering Porsche.

Race 1, the first of two 35-minute contests, is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. CST today and will stream live on Peacock and the Porsche Motorsport North America and IMSA YouTube channels.

RESULTS: Qualifying