Vilander, Molina Win Sonoma Race 1

Toni Vilander and Miguel Molina overcame a slow pit stop to win Blancpain GT World Challenge Race 1 at Sonoma Raceway.

Molina started the No. 61 R. Ferri Motorsport Ferrari 488 GT3 from pole position and built a substantial lead during his stint over Rodrigo Baptista who managed to jump outside polesitter Scott Hargrove at the start.

The lead was substantial enough that a wheel gun issue that delayed R. Ferri’s pit stop by several seconds did not cost the team the lead.

Vilander managed to expand his advantage during his stint, ultimately crossing the line 2.246 seconds clear of the No. 3 K-PAX Racing Bentley Continental GT3 of Baptista and Maxime Soulet.

The sister No. 3 Bentley of Alvaro Parente and Andy Soucek finished third, while Alegra Motorsports’ Wolf Henzler and Marco Holzer and the Pro-Am winners Dane Cameron and Mike Hedlund from RealTime Racing completed the overall top-five.

Hedlund impressed during his stint and Cameron ensured RealTime would pick up its second win of the year with a solid drive to the checkered flag that saw him make up positions in the overall standings.

Anthony Imperato and Matt Campbell finished second in Pro-Am in their Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R, while James Sofronas and Dirk Werner completed the class podium.

Pro-Am championship leaders Racers Edge Motorsports were forced to retire early in the going after contact resulted in a damaged radiator.

Race 2 is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. local time with live television coverage on CBS Sports Network.

RESULTS: Race 1