Copeland Motorsports made its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge debut this past weekend at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), stepping into the ultra-competitive GS class with their Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. The Maryland-based team, best known for its success in the Toyota GR Cup, entered the “Virginia is for Racing Lovers” Grand Prix with drivers Jaxon Bell and Ford Koch behind the wheel of the #23 entry.

The team showed immediate promise, securing the third fastest time in GS class qualifying. However, post-session technical inspection revealed a one-millimeter discrepancy in the car’s wing height, which resulted in the #23 being moved to the back of the field for the start of the race.

Despite the setback, Bell and Koch delivered a determined drive through the field, moving up ten positions to secure a 14th-place finish in their debut outing. The performance marked an impressive first showing for Copeland Motorsports against seasoned IMSA competition.

“We came into this weekend knowing it would be a learning experience, but our drivers and crew proved that we can run with some of the best in IMSA,” explained Dean Copeland, Team Owner of Copeland Motorsports. “To qualify third in class on debut and then fight back from the back of the grid shows the strength of our program and the potential of the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. We are proud of Jaxon and Ford and look forward to building on this momentum.”

With their IMSA debut complete, Copeland Motorsports will now shift focus back to their full-time campaign in the Toyota GR Cup. The team heads to Barber Motorsports Park next week for the penultimate round of the 2025 season.

Photo Credit: RTD Media