The highly anticipated IMSA Battle on the Bricks kicked off at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway under a dramatic sky, as persistent rain clouds gathered over the historic venue.What was expected to be a fast-paced showdown on the famed Brickyard took a different turn as the Midwest weather added complexity to the mix, testing the skill, endurance, and adaptability of every driver, team, and strategist on the grid. As rain began to fall, teams had to make rapid adjustments to their tire strategies, balancing the need for grip on the wet surface with the desire for speed. Pit stop planning became crucial, with every decision magnified by the unpredictable weather conditions.
Coming off a strong performance in the previous round, Mikael Grenier showcased his prowess by earning the Motul Pole Award for the second time this season. Starting from the front of the GTD class in the No. 32 Mercedes-AMG GT3, Grenier’s pace and precision set the team up for success, despite the deteriorating weather. The rain-soaked race quickly turned into a battle of endurance, where mental toughness was key. The drivers and crew of Korthoff Preston Motorsports remained laser-focused, executing flawless pit stops and driver changes even as the conditions grew chaotic. Their adaptability, communication, and strategic prowess allowed them to stay in contention for a podium finish as the race wore on.
After six long and wet hours of racing on the bricks, Korthoff Preston Motorsports' persistence paid off. Despite the challenges posed by the rain, the team secured a well-earned third-place finish—marking the second race in a row on the podium. This result further solidified their position as a force in the series. Their podium finish also contributed to a larger victory for Mercedes-AMG, clinching the manufacturers’ championship for the 2024 season. This championship win is a testament to the strength and consistency of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 throughout the year.
Post-Race Reactions:
“We survived!!! Absolutely insane race with rain, yellows, and landmines in the shape of vehicles going off everywhere that we had to avoid.”— Kenton Koch, Driver, No. 32, Korthoff Preston Motorsports
“Solid weekend. We had a very strong race without mistakes, and we had great pit stops. Strategy was good, and my teammates drove well. We were lacking some speed compared to some cars, but we still managed to be on the podium.”— Mikael Grenier, Driver, No. 32, Korthoff Preston Motorsports
"That was a chaotic race, but the team executed well under all conditions. I really enjoyed moving up through the field during my wet stint, and I’m glad we were able to reward the crew with a podium finish."— Mike Skeen, Driver, No. 32, Korthoff Preston Motorsports
“I’m proud of the extreme cohesiveness of our team, and I want to extend a special note of appreciation to our Pit Crew. Their performance during the Indy race was outstanding, to my eye, perfection.”— Herb Korthoff, Team Owner, No. 32, Korthoff Preston Motorsports
Korthoff Preston Motorsports will round out their successful 2024 season at Road Atlanta for the final endurance race of the year—Petit Le Mans.
For more information on Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing, please visit mercedes-amg.com/customerracing.