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Daytona, FL — The 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season officially got underway this past weekend at Daytona International Speedway, marking the first race of the year for the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsport team and the #17 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
With several new crew members joining the program, the weekend was approached with a focus on execution, learning, and building momentum in an extremely competitive GS field. With 5 practice sessions during the Roar Before the 24 weekend and an additional 3, leading up to the 4-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team was feeling confident and making measurable gains on-track. Chris Miller would ultimately go on to quality the #17 machine in P13.
Unfortunately, just ahead of Friday's race, the team was forced to retire their Cayman GT4 RS due to engine troubles. Determined to see the race through, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsport team sourced a replacement with help from Porsche Motorsport North America and fellow competitors, CSM Motorsport. This would allow the team to quickly prepare the car and take the green flag in this important season-opening event.
Despite the setback, the drivers and crew persevered to the finish, ultimately securing a P28 result in a stacked field of 35 GS entries—an effort that underscored the determination of the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team.
While Daytona didn’t deliver the result the team was aiming for, the weekend provided valuable data and experience as the 2026 season gets underway. With Round 1 now in the books, focus immediately shifts to Sebring International Raceway, where the team will be looking for redemption and a stronger showing on March 18-21, 2026.
About UNITRONIC®
UNITRONIC® engineers industry-leading aftermarket performance enhancing software and hardware for Audi®, Volkswagen®, Porsche®, Seat®, Cupra® and Skoda® cars worldwide. Best known for its performance software engine and transmission calibrations, Unitronic enhances vehicle performance while maintaining complete OEM-like reliability and drivability. Unitronic’s UniCONNECT+ Programming and Diagnostic Interface empowers Unitronic Clients to safely reprogram their engine and transmission control modules from the comfort of home, anywhere in the world. Learn more about Unitronic's competitive advantage at www.getunitronic.com
About JDC-MILLER MOTORSPORTS
JDC-MILLER MOTORSPORTS is a world-class multiple championship winning sportscar racing team, with a total of 18 championships, 60 wins, 57 pole positions, and 195 podiums, most of which coming by way of their Prototype class programs running in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. Highlights include an Overall Win at the Six Hours at Watkins Glen in 2018, 2017 Winner Extreme Spirit Award, and 2017 Winner Jim Trueman Award, providing the team an automatic entry into the 2018 24 Hours of LeMans. Learn more at www.jdcmotorsport.com
About LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada
LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada is a subsidiary of LIQUI MOLY GmbH, a global motor oil and additive company based in Germany selling products in more than 150 countries. LIQUI MOLY offers more than 4,000 items globally covering automotive, powersports, commercial vehicles, boats and watercraft and more. LIQUI MOLY USA - Canada is actively involved in motorsports in numerous capacities highlighted by teams in IMSA USA and IMSA Canada, TC America and Trans AM. Learn more at www.liqui-moly.com
About OUT THERE BRANDS
Out There Brands was founded by professional racing driver Mikey Taylor. He saw a need for a company that offers extreme personalization and customer service in the branding industry and founded OTB in order to fill it. Producing custom-made displays and apparel to bring attention to our customers. Using his experience in the motorsport industry, Mikey focused on working with suppliers and forming partnerships to utilize only the best materials and products from around the world to deliver durable, cost-effective and stand out products! Learn more at www.OutThereBrands.com
About OPTIMATE
Since 1994, OptiMate high performance battery chargers have extended life and improved performance of AGM, GEL & STD lead-acid and LiFePO4 lithium batteries. OptiMate is trusted by over 15 major vehicle & performance battery OEMs and millions of happy vehicle / craft / equipment owners world-wide. OptiMate’s unique battery saving method recovers dead-flat batteries other chargers can’t. Learn more at www.Optimate1.com
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