Racing is cruel. Aston Martin came within sniffing distance of victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, only for a late safety car to snatch it away with 30 minutes left. The Heart of Racing Team’s Vantage GT3 finished second in GTD class, adding another almost-but-not-quite to the history books.
That’s three IMSA podiums in just two races this season, following second and third places at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. It’s also the Vantage’s fourth Sebring podium in six years. If consistency paid bills, this team would be loaded.
Dudu Barrichello took pole position on his Sebring debut, continuing the Heart of Racing Team’s perfect qualifying record for 2026. The Vantage now holds pole position at sportscar racing’s three most prestigious events: Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring. Qualifying legends; race-day bridesmaids.
The One That Got Away
Barrichello, Zach Robichon and Tom Gamble all led the GTD class during a gruelling, caution-filled race. The team fought back from adversity twice, including a penalty for a pitlane incursion that dropped them off the lead lap. These things happen in endurance racing. What matters is the recovery.
Strategic use of the six full course yellows allowed Robichon to claw back the lead, handing over to Gamble for the final stint. Victory looked certain when the class leader pitted and a rival copped a penalty for contact. Then, because motorsport hates nothing more than a straightforward ending, a final safety car with 30 minutes remaining neutralised Gamble’s advantage. The pack bunched up, the gap evaporated, and second place was the result.
Above: Lexus GX550 Review
#AstonMartin, #VantageGT3, #12HoursOfSebring, #IMSA, #Motorsport
Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel by SMASHING THE BUTTON ABOVE
ABOVE: Vantage GT3 on track, pit stop action, podium celebration, night racing at Sebring
Leading the Championship
“Second place at Sebring is something we should all feel proud of,” said Tom Gamble, sounding like someone who’s trying very hard to be gracious about it. “My teammates were outstanding all weekend, and the strategy was exceptional to get us back into contention. It’s tough to lose the win at such a late moment and it will be a while before this one doesn’t hurt.”
The Heart of Racing Team leaves Sebring leading the GTD class championship, having recorded podium finishes in every race so far this season. That’s the consolation prize: they might not have won, but they’re winning where it counts.
The Vantage GT3, which won the 24 Hours of Spa in 2024, shares its mechanical architecture with the road-going Vantage. It’s powered by Aston Martin’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine — the same basic unit you can buy in a car with number plates and aircon.
Next up: the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Maybe this time the safety car will stay home.
More Aston Martin Stories
Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
Leave a Reply