Aston Martin Valkyrie Shines at Watkins Glen in IMSA Championship

On June 20, 2025, the Aston Martin Valkyrie continued to make waves in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship during the prestigious Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International in New York. This race not only marked a significant midpoint in the Valkyrie’s debut season but also showcased its robust performance following its recent appearance at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Valkyrie, developed by Aston Martin and the THOR team, is notable for being the only hypercar participating in both the IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2025. The car has achieved remarkable success thus far, securing top-10 finishes in every race it has entered, including two eighth-place finishes at street circuits in Long Beach and Detroit. Drivers Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis, both highly acclaimed racers with impressive records, will be steering the vehicle as they aim for further progression in the championship.

"I am super-excited to get to Watkins Glen. It’s one of the most enjoyable events of the year, and we have always been very successful there with the Aston Martin Vantage GT3," stated Ross Gunn, driver for the Aston Martin THOR Team. His teammate, Roman De Angelis, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the anticipation surrounding the Valkyrie’s performance at this historic track.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is distinguished as the first 'Le Mans Hypercar' (LMH) produced by the brand, featuring a race-optimized carbon fiber chassis and a powerful 6.5-liter V12 engine, capable of generating over 1000bhp. However, it adheres to the hypercar regulations, which impose a power limit of 500kW (approximately 680bhp). This strategic engineering positions the Valkyrie as a formidable contender in the top tier of US sports car racing, a position Aston Martin has not held since 2011.

Ian James, Team Principal of the Aston Martin THOR Team, expressed confidence in the Valkyrie’s capabilities. He remarked, "The Aston Martin Valkyrie has proven robust everywhere we have raced it, and in IMSA, it has been a points-scorer from every start it has made in the championship so far." James also noted that each race provides invaluable data that will be crucial for optimizing the vehicle’s performance in the remaining events of the season.

Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport at Aston Martin, added, "With four races complete, Watkins Glen represents the halfway point of Valkyrie's first season in IMSA. We have gathered critical data so far on various circuits, and Watkins Glen should generate relevant learnings that will directly enhance our performance for the rest of the season."

The Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen is not only a regular IMSA season event but also part of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, comprising five endurance races. The Valkyrie’s performance in this race could have significant implications for its standing in the championship as it competes in one of North America's most historic motorsport venues.

As the Valkyrie prepares for this critical race, the enthusiasm surrounding Aston Martin's return to the top echelons of sports car racing is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the upcoming race will unfold and what further milestones the Valkyrie will achieve in its inaugural season.