IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge – COTA : Double Win and Fastest Laps for the Ligier JS P325
For the second round of the season, held February 28–March 1, 2026, at the iconic Circuit of The Americas, Ligier's third-generation LMP3 made a powerful statement.
Two pole positions, two 1–2 finishes, and two fastest race laps: the Ligier JS P325 delivered a perfect weekend and confirmed its strength on American soil.
Qualifying: Double Pole and New Record
On Friday evening, Wyatt Brichacek put the #30 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P325 on pole position for both races of the weekend.
With a lap of 1:28.856, he set éaa new LMP3 benchmark, lowering the previous track record (1:30.042) by 1.156 seconds. His second-fastest lap (1:28.904) also secured pole for Race 2.
“Yes, it's definitely tricky,” Wyatt Brichacek explained about the nighttime conditions. “I luckily have some good night experience in my career, but I know this is really cool for the (other) VP guys – this is probably a lot of people's first taste of the darkness. So, these cars are awesome at night. It's really fun. They really come alive. If you can adjust quickly to it, it's really rewarding.”
Race 1: First 1–2 Finish for Toney Driver Development
Starting from pole, Wyatt Brichacek led the Ligier JS P325 #30 to his first victory in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
At the start of the 45-minute race, he immediately pulled away, setting a strong pace and building a comfortable gap. A mid-race caution, followed by another in the closing minutes, interrupted the momentum. The race ultimately finished under yellow.
Brichacek claimed his first victory in the championship, as did Toney Driver Development. For a driver discovering the car this weekend, the performance was remarkable. He also delivered the first-ever VP Racing SportsCar Challenge win for the Ligier JS P325.
Behind him, teammate Titus Sherlock — 2025 FR Americas Champion in a Ligier JS F3 — completed the 1–2 finish in the #95, marking his LMP3 debut.
“The Toney Driver Development team, put together a really good car, the Ligier JS P325 is amazing,” said Brichacek. “You know, from the start, we just pulled away and managed for most of the race and then the cautions started to come. So, it was a bit of managing the pickup on track and trying to clean the tires was the most difficult part. But yeah, overall, I'm really, really happy, and happy for the team on the first 1-2 finish.”
Brichacek also set the fastest lap of the race at 1:30.587.
Travis Hill finished fifth overall and won the P3 Bronze Cup category in the Ligier JS P325 #2 entered by Shopify Racing.
Race 2: Another 1–2 Finish, Bigger Margin
A few hours later, the script repeated.
Starting once again from pole, the Ligier JS P325 #30 immediately took control of the race. Brichacek set the pace and steadily built his advantage lap after lap. At the checkered flag: nearly a 19-second lead. He also recorded the fastest lap of the race in 1:29.216.
“I'm so happy to be able to show the world how hard these guys have been working,” Brichacek said. “It was easy. The car is amazing. The team's amazing. They just gave me what I needed to cruise around and show everybody that TDD is a good team.”
Behind him, the #95 of Titus Sherlock secured another 1–2 result for Toney Driver Development.
The #2 Ligier JS P325 of Travis Hill once again finished fifth overall and took Bronze Cup honors.
Heading to Sebring and Mid-Ohio
Next up for the full VP Racing SportsCar Challenge field is a trip to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 5–7.
The LMP3 category, meanwhile, returns to action March 7–8 at Sebring International Raceway for the inaugural IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge, featuring a two-hour race on Sunday, March 8 at 10:55 a.m. (local time).
At COTA, the Ligier JS P325 sends a strong message: performance, consistency, and efficiency.
The American season is just getting started.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Ligier JS P325, the third generation of Ligier LMP3.
DISCOVER HERE the limited-edition Ligier JS P3X, celebrating 10 years of LMP3 with Ligier Automotive.
For more information about the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, CLICK HERE.
Photo credit: Michael Stahlschmidt