Tom Dillmann and Jeremy Clarke enter Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta leading LMP2 by four points over CrowdStrike’s Alex Quinn and George Kurtz, with the title decided this weekend.

The margin elevates the significance of Friday qualifying and the ten-hour race. Points available in the Friday qualifying session can create a buffer before the green flag.

Dillmann, the 2024 LMP2 champion, arrives aggressive. He owns four wins and nine podiums from 19 IMSA starts, and contends the fight is binary: “Whoever finishes ahead will take the title.”

That stance drives a “max attack” approach. Inter Europol targets pole and the associated points, aiming to prise six from CrowdStrike and expand the advantage to ten ahead of Saturday.

A ten-point cushion would allow Inter Europol to finish directly behind its rival and still clinch the championship, shifting emphasis to risk control during traffic and cautions.

Preparation splits by role. Dillmann focuses on night balance and tyre behaviour, while teammates concentrate on extracting one-lap speed for qualifying.

Clarke’s form underlines that plan. He has taken four Motul Pole Awards this season and, in Dillmann’s view, sets the benchmark among Bronze drivers amid a tightly matched group.

Improved qualifying execution, consistent stints, and cleaner pit cycles have elevated grid position and track control, factors that often dictate LMP2 outcomes over long green runs.

Strategy depth is another strength. Strategist Nathan Toney and Team Principal Jakub “Kuba” Śmiechowski leverage IMSA regulations and race strategy nuances to adapt to cautions, drive-time rules, and wave-around opportunities.

Kuba also drives and contributes on the stand, while four engineers collaborate on setup windows and reliability, ensuring the Oreca package remains in its operating sweet spot.

The campaign endures adversity. An alternator failure at Sebring cost 20 laps, yet victories at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America, plus a solid Indianapolis run, reset momentum.

Those results restored the points lead. Despite disappointment at Indianapolis, the team enters the finale controlling its destiny, a psychological edge when margins are slender.

Continuity amplifies confidence. Dillmann’s third season with the programme, and second alongside Bijoy Garg and Clarke, tightens communication and reduces setup churn across changing conditions.

The objective is simple. Execute cleanly, adjust to Road Atlanta’s evolving grip through dusk, and keep the nearest rival behind to secure the IMSA LMP2 crown.

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.