COTA Shock: Refueling System Malfunction Leads to Dramatic Double DNF for Gebhardt Team
A peculiar fueling system calibration error led to a dramatic double retirement for Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports at COTA during the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Race 1.
NASCAR racers competing at COTA
The team's Duqueine D08s, driven by Valentino Catalano and Oscar Tunjo, were dominating the LMP3 class when both cars mysteriously stopped with just 90 seconds remaining. The unexpected situation handed victory to Jonathan Woolridge in the MLT Motorsports Ligier JS P320.
Team owner Fritz Gebhardt later explained that their new U.S. refueling system had incorrectly calibrated fuel quantities, pumping six liters less than calculated into both cars' tanks. This systematic error caused both vehicles to run dry simultaneously, despite proper fuel calculations by the team.
Catalano, the reigning Prototype Cup Germany champion, bounced back to win Race 2 that evening, securing his third VP Racing Challenge victory of the season and extending his LMP3 championship lead. Tunjo, who was filling in for an ill Markus Pommer, finished second despite dealing with gearbox issues and a track limits penalty.
Team manager Karl Jennings expressed satisfaction with the overall performance while emphasizing their commitment to preventing similar issues in future races. The team's next IMSA appearance will be at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 6-8.
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