LMP3 at the Circuit of the Americas

The IMSA LMP3 field gathered at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend for the Airbnb Endurance Challenge, where the Canadian pairing of Nicole Havrda and Travis Hill showed front-running pace before a strategy setback left the Shopify Racing entry seventh at the finish.

Hill delivered a standout qualifying performance in the No. 2 Ligier JS P325, securing third on the grid and top Bronze Cup honors after a consistently strong weekend for the Canadian squad.

At the start of the two-hour race, the Shopify Racing machine remained firmly in the lead group before the team rolled the dice on strategy, making an early pit stop and driver change to Havrda well ahead of most rivals’ first mandatory stop. The gamble initially positioned the team well, but a drive-through penalty ultimately erased their advantage.

“The humidity, heat and no airflow in the car made it a really tough race,” said Havrda.

“But we would have finished in the top four, except for the drive through.”

Despite the setback, Havrda delivered a composed and competitive stint as she continues adapting impressively to LMP3 competition. After running in podium contention through the opening stages, the Canadian duo ultimately settled for seventh at the checkered flag.