Dennis Olsen delivers Ford Racing’s first GTD Pro win of the season at Indianapolis with Ben Barker, clinched by 0.993s in a last‑lap duel during Battle on the Bricks.

The 2.439‑mile, 14‑turn road course magnifies traffic variables, and the finale hinges on Turn 7 as compressed classes force contact that nonetheless leaves Olsen ahead at the flag.

Olsen’s #64 Ford Mustang GT3 fends off Nicky Catsburg’s #4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, with the lead oscillating through pit windows and amid lapping by quicker GTP runners.

Strategy proves decisive. Barker stops just before a full‑course caution with 65 minutes remaining, converting track position that lets the Mustang control restarts and manage tyre and energy across traffic.

Earlier, rookie Nikita Johnson’s #59 RLL McLaren 720S GT3 EVO stretches a long fuel and energy stint, then pits, reshuffling the order and returning Olsen to the front under pressure.

Mixed‑class dynamics shape the race. Faster GTP cars repeatedly arrive mid‑corner, demanding predictive placement from GTD Pro leaders and amplifying risk around narrow braking zones.

The decisive flashpoint comes when Catsburg attacks around the outside at Turn 7 as a GTP lunges inside, pinching Olsen between lines and triggering lateral contact.

Both continue without evident damage. Catsburg accepts the robustness of the fight, citing limited space and acknowledging Olsen’s defense given the inside GTP presence.

Olsen credits Mustang pace and durability, but stresses traffic judgement and tyre life management as the decisive factors across his closing stint.

The victory is Olsen’s third in IMSA and Barker’s first, extending Ford’s strong GTD Pro record at Indianapolis established last year.

In championship terms, Catsburg and Tommy Milner move into the unofficial GTD Pro lead, 47 points clear of Paul Miller Racing’s #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

The season concludes on October 3 at the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, a venue likely to reward traffic management and stint discipline.

Visual Summary

James William

James William covers the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, from the Rolex 24 at Daytona to sprint-race formats. His reports include prototype performance reviews, GT class battles, and pit-stop strategy insights for endurance-racing fans.