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Final IMSA Outing For Factory Corvette Racing Ends In Heartbreak At Petit Le Mans

A 25-year run for the factory-backed Corvette Racing team wrapped up on October 14th, 2023. Things looked good for the No. 3 C8.R team early in the race, but unfortunately, the race car was forced to retire due to an engine failure with less than five hours left in the 10-hour event.

The No. 3 C8.R was running in fourth just three hours into the IMSA endurance race before pulling into the pits to the attention of the crew, who executed a blisteringly fast pit stop to get the race car back to the lead in Jordan Taylor’s hands. After a driver swap, Tommy Milner took control of the Corvette Racing machine, when he lost power, forcing him to slow. To add insult to injury, the No. 3 C8.R was leading the GTD class at the time of its mechanical failure, having led 87 laps to that point.

“At the end of the day, it’s not the result we were hoping for and on track for. The car was great today. Antonio and Jordan did a phenomenal job today. The engineering guys made the right pit calls, even a little risky setup call for the race today that we weren’t totally confident in,” Milner said. “But those guys worked hard to give us a great Corvette today, and they definitely did. So I’m disappointed with the finish but I’m super proud of what this team has achieved from the very beginning of the C8.R’s life.”

Taylor, in his last start with The Bow Tie, also lamented the turn of events at Petit Le Mans.

“It’s sad and a bittersweet ending,” he said. “We went out leading, which is a positive. It’s too bad the fans didn’t get to see us finish one last race in IMSA in the C8.R.”

While its factory-backed days are behind it, Corvette Racing certainly isn’t done for good. It will live on in the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R, which will take to the track as part of the organization’s customer racing program.

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Alexandra is a Colorado-based journalist with a passion for all things involving horsepower, be it automotive or equestrian.

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Comments

  1. Must have used lifters from a Silverado.

    Reply
    1. No more Factory racing as if they don’t have the money one of the best promotions they had was Factory racing another dumb move by General Motors I guess Mary was in on that one too huh

      Reply
  2. Next time, race with the E-Ray. The hybrid will save gas and reduce pit stops.

    Reply
    1. Check the mpg ratings…the ERay is heavy and no improvement on fuel consumption

      Reply
  3. So, what happened to the engine?

    Reply
  4. Did the engineers to that “engine failure” go on strike like all the over paid employees?
    Your union and the union officials are all crooked…,
    Get back to work, start making quality vehicles, that make Americans PROUD AGAIN and…..enjoy your great pay instead of crying like spoiled kids!

    Reply
  5. What a shame. Anyway, looking forward to seeing the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

    Reply
  6. GM engine quality out the door! It $hit the bed! The engine builders in Pontiac drop the ball!

    Reply
  7. With the current management GM stands for garbage Motors

    Reply

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