Porsche Motorsport North America EBOOST Junior driver Zachary Vanier claimed his first win of the year after a dramatic opening lap at Watkins Glen International

Canadian Porsche Motorsport North America Eboost Junior driver Zachary Vanier claimed his first win of the year after a dramatic opening lap at Watkins Glen International in race two of round four of Porsche Carrera Cup North America.

The JDX Racing driver, coming off two podium finishes at Montréal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve one week ago, started fifth but nudged his way past the leaders to first place.

At the same time, a multi-car incident occurred in the middle of the field, resulting in a nearly 20-minute yellow flag. At the restart, Vanier maintained his lead for the rest of the race.

“This one feels absolutely amazing,” said Vanier. “Quite frankly, it ranks as one of my best victories. I’m quite speechless to be honest. It was a really challenging weekend for myself and the entire JDX Racing team. We were just trying to get our platform in the window that we needed it.

“I’m really happy with our effort all weekend to stay in it… I just hope to keep this momentum rolling for the rest of the year.”

Series newcomer, Tyler Maxson, tied his best finish of the season in second place behind Vanier by less than half a second. Ryan Yardley expanded his podium streak to five races after finishing third on Sunday morning.

In the Pro-Am class, JP Martinez leaves Watkins Glen with another victory on the season, but only with a little bit of luck.

Race 1 winner and polesitter Alan Metni paced the field, but came to pit lane after suffering a puncture after the race restart with 20 minutes remaining. Martinez then inherited the lead, while Metni climbed back to second place to score valuable points.

Brady Mehrman, in his first outing since the season opener at Sebring International Raceway in March, finished third in the debut race for Van der Steur Racing in the championship.

“I’m really happy I was able to stay out of trouble this morning,” said Martinez. “I really hate to see a big crash like that, and so many people getting taken out. But I was able to keep it clean and focus on my marks and bringing it in first place, so super happy with today’s results and the weekend’s results. Second yesterday, first today, I feel like we’re on a good roll.”

As a result of the race-opening incident, the Masters category was shaken up and Todd Parriott emerged victorious for the second time in 2025. Championship leader and polesitter Scott Blind was caught up in the melee, leaving the way for his season-long competitor to take home the victory.

“It was incredible out there,” said Parriott with the Kellymoss team. “KMR gave me a great car, my family supports me and this is freaking fun. It was mayhem at the beginning; I was a little nervous. But after that, it just kicked in, and everybody out there was having a great battle. It was so fun to be there.”

Peter Atwater was also involved on Lap 1, but escaped damage to finish in second place, with Rob Walker following in third.

Now officially at the halfway point of the 2025 season, Porsche Carrera Cup North America heads to Road America in more than a month’s time from July 31 – August 3.

All Carrera Cup races, including replays from Watkins Glen International, will be shown live on IMSA and Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube Channels, IMSA TV, Peacock, and the Porsche Motorsport North America social channels on Facebook, Linkedin, Threads and X.