IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge: Victory for the #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325 at VIR
The #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325 won the third round of the IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge, held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at VIRginia International Raceway. Ari Balogh and Garett Grist claimed victory at the end of a two-hour race marked by several full-course cautions, perfectly executed strategy and a spectacular comeback after an opening-lap incident. Following its win at COTA with the #95 Ligier JS P325, Toney Driver Development secured its second consecutive victory in the IMSA endurance races.
A Complicated Start to the Race for the #30
The race got off to a turbulent start for the #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325. On the opening lap, Ari Balogh was pushed off course in Turn 3 after contact with the #87.
The incident dropped the #30 to the rear of the field. The car also sustained damage in the contact, leaving uncertainty over the rest of the race. A first full-course caution came out four minutes after the start due to debris on track, allowing Balogh to catch back up to the rest of the field.
Toney Driver Development Bets on Strategy
Shortly after achieving the minimum drive time, Ari Balogh came into the pits for the first of the team's two required stops and handed the car over to Garett Grist.
The turning point came with 46 minutes remaining. Grist stopped for the second required two-minute, 15-second pit stop just before the final full-course caution of the race.
The Full Course Yellow was triggered after two Ligier JS P325s went off at Oak Tree: the #95 Toney Driver Development car and the #86 Forte Racing car.
When Grist rejoined, he was one lap down to the two leaders. However, both still needed to make their final stops after the caution period.
Garett Grist Retakes the Advantage
At the restart, Grist increased the pace at the wheel of the #30 Ligier JS P325. With lap times in the 1-minute, 44-second range, he managed to unlap himself and build a lead of more than 30 seconds once the pit stop cycle was complete.
With 16 minutes remaining, Grist took the lead of the race. Despite significant damage to the right rear of the car from the opening-lap incident, he held the advantage through to the checkered flag.
The #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325 won by 40.611 seconds over the competition.
A Team Victory for Balogh, Grist and Toney Driver Development
After the race, Garett Grist highlighted the importance of the strategy call made by Nathan Toney, Team Owner of Toney Driver Development.
“There's quite a bit of damage to the back (of the car),” Grist said. “I mean, engine cover, floor. There was a little bit of vibration, but Nathan made a real strategy call.”
Ari Balogh also emphasized the team's role in the victory. “After the first lap, I got spun out,” Balogh said. “The car was vibrating. I wasn't even sure we were going to make it.”
“Really, this is a team sport, of course, (in) these endurance races,” Balogh added. “The team is awesome, and Nathan on strategy is the best. The best.”
The fight for the inaugural IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge title will be decided at the season finale, scheduled for Road America on August 16, 2026.
CLICK HERE for the race results.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the championship.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Ligier JS P325.
CLICK HERE to discover the Ligier JS P3X, the 10-car limited anniversary model celebrating 10 years of Ligier in LMP3.