Credit: LAT Images
/ Pipo Derani, driver for Wehlen Cadillac Racing, suffered a dramatic crash while leading the race at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The incident occurred in the #31 Cadillac V-Series.R GTP, after Derani had been in control of the race.
During Round 2 of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Derani was in the lead when he crashed into the tyre barrier at Turn 9. The impact caused his red Cadillac to flip over and come to rest on its roof, as the tyres absorbed the force of the crash.
The crash was triggered when Derani attempted to lap the #21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 driven by Miguel Molina. As Derani moved back to the right to pass the Ferrari, he made contact with the front of the car. This caused Derani to veer off-track and collide head-first into the tyre wall.
Just before the crash, Derani had built up a lead of over 12 seconds, having outpaced Felipe Nasr in the #7 Porsche Penske 963.
Derani, a five-time winner at the 12 Hours of Sebring, had been driving the #31 Cadillac with skill and composure. Unfortunately, the team will not be able to defend their title as reigning champions from last year’s race.
Despite the severity of the crash, Derani was able to exit the upside-down #31 with the assistance of marshals.
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