MONTEREY, California (May 2, 2026) – Paul Miller Racing will start Sunday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from P2, continuing its strong qualifying form after another front row result.
Following a productive build-up through practice, where the team finished P4 in the opening session and P5 in Practice 2, the No. 1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO made a significant step forward in qualifying. The effort resulted in a fastest lap of 1:21.485 across a 10-lap session, securing second place on the grid.
The result mirrors the team’s most recent qualifying performance at Sebring, once again placing Paul Miller Racing in a strong position heading into race day.
Throughout the weekend, the team’s throwback livery has been a central talking point in the paddock, drawing widespread attention as part of the IMSA Throwback Weekend at Laguna Seca.
Neil Verhagen said:
“Qualifying is done with our retro CSL livery on the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, and overall we made a big step from practice. The car felt really strong at the end, and I think we had the pace or were very close to it. I pushed quite hard in the first two sectors and just ran out of tire a bit in the final sector, so maybe I could have managed that slightly better. But in the end, I’ll take P2. It’s a great starting position and I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow.”
Qualifying took place under cool and hazy conditions, with similar weather expected for race day, adding another variable to Sunday’s strategy.
The day also carried a more reflective tone across the paddock following the loss of Alex Zanardi.
A legendary figure in motorsport and beyond, Zanardi is remembered not only for his extraordinary talent, but also for his strength, character, and the inspiration he provided to generations of drivers and fans.
Connor De Phillippi previously shared a team connection with Zanardi, and the entire Paul Miller Racing organization joins the motorsport community in honoring his legacy.
The race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca goes green on Sunday, May 3 at 1:10 p.m. PT local time and will be broadcast live on Peacock in the United States and on YouTube internationally.
