“Action Express Racing secured a dominant victory in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on Sunday, marking Cadillac’s first win at Watkins Glen since 2017, according to multiple reports. The No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R, driven by Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Fred Vesti, claimed the Michelin Endurance Cup title after a race interrupted by multiple cautions, including a final-lap crash that handed the win to Aitken, per Sportscar365 and Road & Track.”
Race Dynamics and Key Moments
The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen unfolded with dramatic turns, culminating in a controversial finish. Aitken’s No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R led for much of the race, but the victory hinged on a final-lap crash involving Christopher Mies in the GTD Pro Class. Mies’ collision with Nicky Catsburg’s Corvette forced a caution, allowing Aitken to extend his lead. Meanwhile, Nick Yelloly’s No. 93 Acura ARX-06 inherited second place after pitting moments before the crash, according to Sportscar365.
The race also saw a pivotal moment when Earl Bamber’s Cadillac made contact with the No. 21 AF Corse Ferrari, causing the latter to lose a wheel and door. Bamber escaped unscathed, but the incident disrupted the race’s flow. Wayne Taylor Racing’s Filipe Albuquerque initially finished second but was ordered to yield to Aitken, who was deemed to have the faster car, per the same source.
Qualifying Highlights and Strategy
Qualifying set the stage for the race’s intensity. Jack Aitken secured the GTP pole with a blistering 1:31.284, a track record that underscored Cadillac’s dominance. Acura’s Tom Blomqvist followed closely, while Louis Deletraz’s Cadillac rounded out the top three, as reported by dailysportscar.com.
Race strategy played a critical role. Aitken’s team executed a timely tire change with 52 minutes remaining, leapfrogging Yelloly, who had opted for four fresh Michelin tires. This move allowed Aitken to stretch his lead by over four seconds, a key factor in the win. Laurin Heinrich’s No. 5 Porsche, meanwhile, clawed back from seventh to claim third, overtaking Sheldon van der Linde’s BMW in the final 13 minutes, according to Sportscar365.
Historical Significance for Cadillac
This victory holds particular weight for Cadillac, which had not won at Watkins Glen since the Dpi era in 2017. Road & Track noted that the win extended Aitken and Bamber’s podium streak to eight consecutive races, dating back to the 2025 IMSA season. The triumph also highlighted Cadillac’s resurgence in the GTP class, where it has consistently challenged Acura and Porsche.
The race’s outcome was further cemented by the absence of key competitors. The No. 60 Acura, aiming to defend its 2025 title, faced early setbacks after Colin Braun was run into by Roman De Angelis’ Aston Martin Valkyrie, per Road & Track. This incident disrupted the Acura’s strategy and allowed Cadillac to capitalize.
Class Winners and Standout Performances
Beyond the GTP class, the race featured standout performances in other categories. In LMP2, Dane Cameron, Jonny Edgar, and PJ Hyett won with the No. 99 AO Racing Oreca, marking their first victory of the season. The trio overcame early penalties and a drive-through violation to claim the win, according to Sportscar365.
In GTD Pro, Vasser Sullivan Racing claimed redemption after a fuel-related setback last year. Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat started on pole, setting a track record in qualifying, per dailysportscar.com. The class podium was completed by the No. 912 Manthey Porsche and Callum Ilott’s Wright Motorsports entry.
Implications and Next Steps
The win positions Cadillac as a strong contender for the 2026 IMSA championship, with Aitken now leading the GTP points standings. However, the race’s controversial finish has sparked debate about safety protocols, particularly regarding the final-lap crash. Officials will likely review the incident to determine if procedural adjustments are needed.
For Action Express Racing, the victory underscores its ability to adapt under pressure. The team’s strategic decisions, from tire changes to driver rotations, were critical to the win. As the season progresses, competitors will look to challenge Cadillac’s momentum, but for now, the No. 31 Cadillac remains a formidable force.
“Sportscar365: https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-takes-dominant-win-in-6h-watkins-glen/”
“dailysportscar.com: https://www.dailysportscar.com/2026/06/28/aitken-waits-out-delay-to-win-pole-for-watkins-glen-6h.
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