IMSA: Calibration Error in New Refueling System Causes Double DNF at COTA
A fuel system calibration error led to a dramatic double DNF for Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports at COTA during Race 1 of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
NASCAR racers competing at COTA
The team's Duqueine D08s, driven by Valentino Catalano and Oscar Tunjo, were dominating the LMP3 class until both cars unexpectedly stopped with just 90 seconds remaining. The pair had built nearly a minute's lead over third-placed Jonathan Woolridge before the incident.
Team owner Fritz Gebhardt explained that their new U.S. refueling system had incorrectly calibrated the fuel quantities, pumping six liters less than calculated into both cars' tanks. This miscalibration caused both vehicles to run dry simultaneously, handing the victory to MLT Motorsports.
Catalano, the reigning Prototype Cup Germany champion, bounced back to win Race 2 later that evening, securing his third VP Racing Challenge victory of the season and extending his LMP3 championship lead. Tunjo finished second despite facing a gearbox issue and a 10-second penalty for track limits violations.
The team will return to action at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 6-8, focusing on preventing similar fueling issues in future races.
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