Axel Sims, alongside teammate Pipo Derani, currently leads the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the Action Express Racing Cadillac. With a slender three-point advantage over Wayne Taylor Racing, Sims finds himself in a strong position ahead of the decisive 10-hour enduro at Road Atlanta later this month. The team’s only victory this season came at the Sebring 12 Hours, thanks to a stroke of luck in the closing stages. While consistency has been a key factor for Sims and the team, they acknowledge that 2023 has not been without its challenges.
Sims admits that despite the team’s consistent podium finishes at Laguna Seca and Watkins Glen, it has been a season of missed opportunities. The Cadillac’s strategy failed to pay off at Mosport, resulting in a disappointing seventh-place finish despite setting the fastest lap. A warm-up crash on cold tires at Road America forced hasty repairs and compromised their race, ultimately finishing in sixth. Additionally, a brake issue at Indianapolis required extensive repairs during initial practice, leaving them on the backfoot for the rest of the weekend. Sims reflects on these setbacks, stating, “It feels like we’ve left a lot of points on the table in quite a few races.”
Leading the Championship, But Not Without Challenges
Despite the team’s current championship lead, Sims acknowledges that they have faced their fair share of challenges throughout the season. He attributes some of the mistakes and errors to the team’s own doing, while others were simply unfortunate racing scenarios. Sims believes that the new hybrid GTP cars have posed difficulties for all teams, making it challenging to execute a perfect weekend consistently. Nevertheless, he is surprised but grateful for their current position as championship leaders.
As Sims prepares to rejoin Corvette Racing next year to race the new Z06 GT3.R in IMSA’s GTD Pro class, he hopes to sign off his season with AXR by securing the championship title. He views this achievement as one of the highlights of his career. However, Sims is well aware of the tight competition in the championship, with only 38 points separating the top four crews. In this winner-takes-all scenario, nothing can be taken for granted. Sims recognizes that even in the last race, positions in the championship can dramatically change due to the closeness of the points. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Sims remains optimistic but grounded, emphasizing the scale of the task at hand.
Axel Sims and the Action Express Racing team find themselves in a promising position leading the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. However, the season has been far from smooth sailing. The team has faced setbacks, missed opportunities, and the challenges posed by new hybrid GTP cars. Sims acknowledges that they have left points on the table in several races but remains grateful for their current lead. Looking ahead, Sims hopes to secure the championship title, considering it a significant achievement in his career. The competition remains fierce, with tight margins between the top teams. As the final race approaches, Sims understands that anything can happen. While the team’s performance throughout the season has been a mixed bag, they remain determined to give their all and conquer the challenges that await them.
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