Class victory and overall podium for SPS automotive performance in Mugello
SPS automotive performance claimed class victory at the Mugello Circuit in the opening round of the European 24H Series championship. Ian James (GBR), Gray Newell and Hannah Grisham (both USA) drove the #27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 to win the GT3-AM category and second place overall in the Heart of Racing by SPS entry.
The cornerstone for this success was already laid in qualifying. In the three-part session on Friday evening, the driver trio put in a strong performance with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 to achieve second place on the grid overall and pole position in the GT3-AM class. At the start of the first race segment, which was scheduled over a distance of seven hours on Saturday, starting driver and Heart of Racing team principal Ian James took a cautious stance due to the wet conditions. Although James initially lost a few positions as a result, the conservative approach paid off over the race distance. The team made optimum use of many incidents and the resulting Code 60 phases and managed to work its way back to the front in changing weather conditions with almost flawless stints and pit stops. At the end of the first seven hours of the race, starting number 27 was waved off in second place overall and as class leader.
Wet conditions also prevailed at the restart of the 12H Mugello on Sunday morning. Ian James, who once again took the start, got through the first few laps well and consolidated a top position in the overall standings thanks to a well-timed pit stop. The driver trio subsequently defended their lead in the GT3-AM on a drying track and gradually extended it. After 304 laps, final driver Hannah Grisham crossed the finish line as the best-placed Mercedes-AMG GT3 in 2nd place overall, which also meant class victory in the GT3-AM category.
The German-American joint venture thus celebrated its second class victory in its third appearance at the 12H Mugello and achieved the next top result in the 2025 season after fourth place at the 24H Dubai and triumph in the bronze category at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Stephan Sohn, team principal SPS automotive performance: "A great success for the whole team, who really earned this victory with a flawless performance. The conditions were difficult, but our strategy paid off in the end. We got through the race without any problems or slips and were also the best-placed Mercedes-AMG vehicle, which makes me personally particularly happy."
Ian James, Heart of Racing by SPS #27: "What a great race! It was a very exciting 12 hours, but I wasn't worried that we would get a good result. Now we've won the class and are P2 overall. A strong race from Gray and Hannah too, who did an incredible job."
Gray Newell, Heart of Racing by SPS #27: "It was a significant challenge. The track was constantly changing, and I had to adjust my driving style to the conditions. It was hard work, but I'm very happy that we pulled it off. I am very happy that I was able to achieve this success with such great teammates and a good team. Special thanks also to Ian, who is a great mentor for us."
Hannah Grisham, Heart of Racing by SPS #27: "An incredible weekend with an almost flawless performance from the whole team. We were able to stay out of everything and didn't make any mistakes. That was the key to us taking the class win and second overall. Thanks to everyone for this amazing weekend."
