IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge: Double podium for the Ligier JS P320 in Race 1 in Canada
The fifth round of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge took place on July 12–13, 2025, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Canada. It was a shortened event: only Race 1 went ahead, with Race 2 canceled due to severe weather. On track, the Ligier JS P320 delivered with a double podium finish in the LMP3 category, secured by the #54 of MLT Motorsports and the #77 of Forte Racing.
Free Practice: The Ligier JS P320 on the pace from the start of the weekend
From the opening practice sessions, the Ligier JS P320 showed strong potential on the 2.459-mile Canadian Tire Motorsport Park circuit. The #54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320, driven by Jonathan Woolridge, and the #77 Forte Racing entry, with Brian Thienes at the wheel, consistently stayed at the sharp end of the timing sheets. On a track known for its demanding layout, the teams fine-tuned the aerodynamics and stability through the fast sections to maximize race performance.
Qualifying: Pole position for the #54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320
In qualifying, Jonathan Woolridge clinched pole position with a lap of 1m13.328s in the #54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320. With an average speed of 121.265 mph, just shy of the circuit record, his performance secured the top starting spot for Race 1.Brian Thienes, in the #77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320, also delivered a strong performance, qualifying third in class.
Race 1: Double podium for MLT Motorsports and Forte Racing
Run over 45 minutes on Saturday, July 12, Race 1 took place in dry conditions but featured several interruptions. Starting from pole, Jonathan Woolridge kept up a strong pace in the #54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320. He completed 32 laps in 45:28.813, setting the fastest lap time in race of 1m14.142s along the way. He crossed the finish line second, securing another podium for the Ligier JS P320.
Right behind, Brian Thienes delivered a consistent and efficient run in the #77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320, finishing third in the LMP3 class.
The #36 RAFA Racing Ligier JS P320, driven by Matthew Dicken, finished just off the LMP3 podium in fourth place.
Race 2: Canceled due to severe weather
Scheduled for Sunday, July 13, the second race of the weekend was canceled because of torrential rain and high winds.
Results and Standings
With his runner-up finish in the #54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320, Jonathan Woolridge maintained his momentum and climbed to third in the drivers' championship. Brian Thienes, third in the race in the #77 Forte Racing entry held firmly onto second in the standings.
Matthew Dicken, fourth in the race with the #36 RAFA Racing Ligier JS P320, held fifth place in the championship.
The next round is set to take place at VIRginia International Raceway from August 22 to 24, 2025.
CLICK HERE for the full results and HERE for the championship standings.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Ligier JS P320.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Ligier JS P325, the third generation Ligier LMP3
DISCOVER HERE the anniversary limited edition Ligier JS P3X, celebrating 10 years of LMP3 at Ligier Automotive.
Find out more about the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, CLICK HERE.
Photo credit : Michael Stahlschmidt