IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge: Steven Aghakhani Champion 2024
The final round of the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge took place from October 9 to 12, 2024 at Road Atlanta's Michelin Raceway. Thanks to his victory in Race 1 in the #6 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320, Steven Aghakhani was crowned champion even before the end of the meeting. He succeeds to Bijoy Garg, champion in 2023 at the wheel of Jr III Racing's #3 Ligier JS P320.
Steven Aghakhani once again distinguished himself in the championship finale at the controls of his #6 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320. After dominating free practice, he came very close to pole position. His time of 1:16.779 nevertheless earned him the front row.
Race 1: Fourth win of the season for Steven Aghakhani and MLT Motorsports
- Although he only needed to start the first 45-minute race of the final to clinch the driver's title, Steven Aghakhani didn't rest on his laurels, taking a final victory - his fourth of the season - on Thursday, October 10.
- Second under the chequered flag, he inherited victory with MLT Motorsports, his fourth of the season, after the ten-second penalty imposed on the driver who crossed the finish line in the lead for a false start.
- As he got out of the car, the 21-year-old Californian celebrated his title with his father and members of his team.
“To have my entire racing career and not have a single championship, but now to finally secure that, it's an unreal feeling, especially to be sharing it with my dad. I'm absolutely blessed for this opportunity.
“For us it wasn't just take a championship home. It was a prove why we're here, and I think we absolutely did that.”
Race 2: Second place for Steven Aghakhani and MLT Motorsports
- On Friday 11th, Steven Aghakhani finished second in his #6 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320. Steven Aghakhani ends his season with 3,890 points, and a 580-point lead over the runner-up (a victory is worth 350 points according to the championship scale).
- Three other Ligier drivers feature in the top 5 of the final overall drivers' standings: Brian Thienes (third with the #77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320), Miguel Villagomez (fourth with the #23 Escuderia ABRO Ligier JS P320) and Alex Kirby (fifth with the #7 Performance Tech Motorsports Ligier JS P320).
The 2025 season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway from January 17 to 19.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Ligier JS P320.
To have more information on the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, CLICK HERE.