{
  "id": 6620060,
  "title": "Porsche Penske leadership speaks out on IMSA performance struggles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/porsche-penske-leadership-speaks-out-on-imsa-performance-struggles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-10T18:31:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motorsport.com",
    "slug": "motorsport-com",
    "url": "https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/porsche-penske-leadership-speaks-out-on-IMSA-performance-struggles/10854325/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Porsche Penske Motorsport (PPM) leadership expressed dissatisfaction over their performance struggles in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship during a press conference on Thursday. Since the team's impressive start with victories in the first two endurance races at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, they have faced heavy Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments, pushing the Porsche 963 beyond 1,100 kilograms for the first time in GTP/Hypercar history. Despite these changes, the team has managed only one podium finish at Long Beach and is currently without a single podium in four races.\n\nThe most recent setback occurred at Road America, where Kevin Estre, driving the #6 Porsche 963, collided with Jack Aitken's #31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series during a final restart attempt, resulting in both drivers crashing out. Estre was subsequently placed on probation for the remainder of the season.\n\nIn an attempt to regain title hopes ahead of the Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 20, PPM shuffled its driver lineup. Laurin Heinrich, currently ranked 118 points behind current championship leader Jack Aitken, will take over the #6 car, partnering with Estre. Heinrich, who has secured one win and three podiums since Long Beach while competing for privateer JDC-Miller MotorSports, will return to the #7 car for the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.\n\nPorsche Motorsport Vice President Thomas Laudenbach acknowledged the need for more consistent performance from the sanctioning body, stating that while PPM respects IMSA's efforts, the team believes a transparent, predictable platform is crucial for fans, the team, and the manufacturer. Laudenbach emphasized that while Porsche Penske is not satisfied, they are committed to working constructively with IMSA to improve the situation.\n\nTeam Penske President Jonathan Diuguid echoed Laudenbach's concerns, highlighting the team's lack of pole positions for the Porsche 963 since May 2024. Diuguid emphasized that the team continues to operate at a high level on the racetrack but has been lacking in single-lap speed, attributing this to engineering challenges. Despite the team's focus on race execution and reliability, Diuguid acknowledged the need for improved pace in sprint races, stating that the goal is to continue fighting for wins and podium positions as the season progresses.",
  "summary": "Porsche Penske Motorsport (PPM) leadership voiced strong frustrations over ongoing performance deficits during a media call on Thursday, targeting how the severe adjustments have hampered their campaign following a dominant start to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. After sweeping the opening two endurance rounds at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring ...…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}