The challenging Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen delivered another thrilling chapter in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with MatraX ambassador Filipe Albuquerque securing an impressive podium finish alongside teammate Ricky Taylor in the No. 10 Cadillac V-Series.R.
Mastering Challenging Conditions
The June 22 endurance classic at Watkins Glen International presented competitors with a true test of skill and strategy as rapidly changing weather conditions transformed the 3.4-mile road course throughout the six-hour contest. Early rain showers gave way to a drying track, requiring perfect timing on pit stops and tire changes.
Albuquerque and Taylor demonstrated exceptional car control and tactical awareness throughout the race, navigating through multiple caution periods while maintaining competitive pace. Their performance was particularly impressive considering the race featured ten full-course cautions and required constant adaptation to evolving track conditions.
"The conditions were extremely challenging," noted Albuquerque after the race. "We had to be precise with our tire choices and energy management while dealing with traffic and visibility issues during the wet portions. Securing this podium required total focus from everyone on the team."
Wayne Taylor Racing's Double Podium
The race marked a significant achievement for Wayne Taylor Racing, which claimed two podium positions with their Cadillac entries. While Albuquerque and Taylor secured third place, their teammates Jordan Taylor and Louis Deletraz finished second in the No. 40 Cadillac V-Series.R, just 1.880 seconds behind the winners.
This double podium represents a turning point for the team, which has faced its share of challenges earlier in the season. Jordan Taylor acknowledged this milestone: "Great to get the first double podium for Wayne Taylor Racing and it feels like we've kind of turned the corner on the bad luck we've had this year."
Strategic Mastery in Final Hour
The closing stages of the six-hour contest showcased the strategic brilliance of the Wayne Taylor Racing team. With energy management becoming critical in the final hour, the team made perfectly timed pit stops that positioned both cars for strong finishes.
Albuquerque's No. 10 Cadillac maintained competitive pace throughout the final stint, crossing the finish line just 5.2 seconds behind the race winner. This performance demonstrated the Portuguese driver's ability to balance speed with efficiency – a hallmark of his racing style that aligns perfectly with MatraX's commitment to precision and performance.
Race Winners
While the Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillacs impressed with their double podium, the overall victory went to Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun in the No. 60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian Acura ARX-06. Their win came after a dramatic final lap when the leading No. 31 Cadillac of Earl Bamber was forced to pit for energy, allowing Blomqvist to take the checkered flag.
"That was part of the plan," Blomqvist said after the race. "We committed to that, and we were going to be able to go to the end, regardless of the yellow. The yellow made things a little less stressful."
Championship Implications
Albuquerque's podium finish at Watkins Glen continues to build momentum for the Wayne Taylor Racing team as they progress through the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The result demonstrates the competitive potential of the Cadillac V-Series.R package and positions the team for further success in upcoming events.
The championship standings saw significant changes after Watkins Glen, with the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport team of Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell taking over the GTP points lead following a fourth-place finish.
Looking Ahead
With this podium success at Watkins Glen adding to his impressive racing resume, Filipe Albuquerque continues to demonstrate why he remains one of endurance racing's elite drivers and a perfect ambassador for the MatraX brand. His combination of speed, consistency, and technical feedback exemplifies the precision and performance that define both his driving style and MatraX's product philosophy.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship continues with the Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where Albuquerque and the Wayne Taylor Racing team will look to build on their Watkins Glen momentum.
