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Advanced Metrology Accelerates Performance for Sportscar Race Team

Sophie Church on June 28, 2025

From Tooling & Production – Strategies For Large Metalworking Plants

In motorsports, where aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical accuracy can mean the difference between a podium finish and a mid-pack result, precision isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. As Brian Winters, Product Manager at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, writes, Minnesota-based JDC-Miller MotorSports understands this better than most.

Competing in the top-tier GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship with the Porsche 963, JDC-Miller Motorsports is embracing advanced metrology to optimize vehicle performance.

The JDC-Miller MotorSports team includes the Porsche 963 GTP LMDh in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Founded in 1969, IMSA is the premier sportscar racing series in North America, hosting such iconic races as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Both are races that drivers around the world aspire to have on their resume. Manufacturers such as Porsche, BMW, Acura, and Cadillac are heavily involved. The GTP class features highly advanced hybrid drive systems as well as other cutting-edge technologies.

Through a new partnership with Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, JDC-Miller is integrating high-precision measurement technology into its workflow to enhance consistency, compliance, and overall race-day efficiency.

Precision and Compliance: The Foundations of Performance

Racing in IMSA’s highly competitive, sometimes rough and tumble, GTP class means operating within strict regulatory tolerances — teams are allowed only a 3mm deviation from factory-body specifications. These tight margins leave little room for error, making precise measurement a critical component of pre-race preparation.

Before partnering with Hexagon, JDC-Miller relied on jigs and manual measurements, a process that was both time-consuming and prone to minor inaccuracies. The introduction of advanced metrology tools has significantly reduced the margin for error, ensuring compliance from the moment the car comes off the truck.

“Before, we were using jigs that we built ourselves — rudimentary measurements that got the job done but left room for error,” said John Church, Managing Partner at JDC-Miller MotorSports. “With Hexagon’s scanning technology, we’ve eliminated that uncertainty. We’re now able to establish a precise baseline for the car before we even get to the track, which means less troubleshooting and more focus on performance.”

JDC-Miller uses Hexagon’s MARVELSCAN to scan the car before and after each race weekend to see exactly what’s moved and what needs adjustment.

Unlocking Performance with Advanced Scanning

At the heart of the partnership is Hexagon’s cutting-edge 3D portable scanner, MARVELSCAN, which captures millions of data points in seconds, creating highly detailed digital models of the vehicle’s exterior and components. This allows engineers to quickly identify deviations from optimal specifications, enabling them to make necessary adjustments before the car takes to the track.

VIDEO:
 MarvelScan Tracker-Free and Marker-Free Portable 3D Laser Scanner

The scanner’s advanced features — such as edge detection, built-in photogrammetry, the ability to scan reflective surfaces, and scanning without targets — make it particularly well-suited to the complex geometries, large objects and lightweight composites used in motorsports.

“With all the different curves and surfaces on these cars, it’s nearly impossible to measure accurately using traditional methods,” Church said. “MARVELSCAN changes that. We can scan the car before and after each race weekend and see exactly what’s moved, what’s changed, and what needs adjustment. That level of detail helps us fine-tune everything — from body panel fitment to suspension alignment.”

Beyond compliance, metrology technology enables JDC-Miller to optimize aerodynamics and structural integrity. By catching even the smallest inconsistencies, the team can make data-driven adjustments that enhance overall performance. Whether it’s verifying the precision of newly installed components or ensuring a perfect fit between subassemblies, accurate measurement reduces repair time and improves reliability.

From Workshop to Trackside Advantage

JDC-Miller is now incorporating metrology into its standard workflow, scanning the cars before each race weekend and after any incidents to assess structural integrity. By comparing pre- and post-race scans, engineers can quickly determine whether components have shifted or sustained damage, allowing for faster repairs and more consistent performance. This proactive approach not only saves time during trackside inspections but also minimizes the risk of undetected misalignments that could hinder race results.

MARVELSCAN fits perfectly in the hand and is light enough to take anywhere to scan for hours.

“There’s never enough time at the track,” Church explained. “The last thing we want to do during a race weekend is double-check things we should have already validated at the shop. With metrology, we know exactly what we’re working with before we even roll the car off the truck.”

The benefits were on full display during the grueling Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Over 24 hours, JDC-Miller executed 32 pit stops, fueling the car and changing 21 sets of tires — each stop averaging under a minute. “We compete with all the other teams in the pits as well as on the track. The goal is to minimize the amount of time the car is stopped. At Daytona, we were among the very best at quick and efficient stops,” Church said. “That level of efficiency is a game-changer. Consistency in setup means fewer surprises, and fewer surprises mean more confidence in the car for the driver and the crew.”

Bridging Technology and Expertise

To ensure seamless adoption of this technology, JDC-Miller is working with Productivity Quality, Inc. (PQI), a regional metrology expert providing hands-on training and ongoing support. PQI’s expertise is helping the team master the scanning process and best practices in measurement analysis. Over time, JDC-Miller aims to take full ownership of the technology, using remote support from PQI as needed.

The handheld scanner allows you to reach into hidden areas to get the right inspection angle without line-of-sight restrictions.

“When we first started looking for a scanning partner, we knew we needed more than just the best equipment — we needed a team that could help us leverage the technology and integrate it into our workflow,” said Roger Johnson, Partner Relations at JDC-Miller MotorSports. “Hexagon and PQI have been great in that regard. The equipment is user-friendly, and with PQI’s guidance, we are quickly gaining proficiency. The team is already identifying new opportunities to find uses for the technology that go far beyond what was initially anticipated.”

This collaboration highlights the growing role of metrology in motorsports, where even the smallest deviations can impact performance. By incorporating precise measurements into their workflow, JDC-Miller is positioning itself for greater consistency, faster repairs, and more predictable performance outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Innovation Beyond Compliance

As the partnership evolves, JDC-Miller is exploring additional applications for metrology beyond regulatory compliance and damage assessment. This includes creating digital molds of body panels and subassemblies for rapid repairs, as well as using CAD-to-part comparisons to prevent rework during assembly. By leveraging accurate data throughout the vehicle lifecycle, the team aims to streamline maintenance processes and improve long-term reliability.

“We’ve barely scratched the surface of what this technology can do,” Church said. “We’re looking at scanning body panels to create digital molds for repairs, analyzing subassemblies before installation to prevent rework, and even using real-time data to refine our performance strategy. The possibilities are endless.”

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JDC-Miller MotorSports finishes in the 10th position at Watkins Glen

Sophie Church on June 25, 2025

SAVAGE, Minn. (June 23, 2025) — JDC-Miller MotorSports has a long history of success at Watkins Glen International Raceway, including an overall win in 2018. While the team always strives for a top finish, the Glen presents a race that holds special significance for the drivers and crew. This made it particularly discouraging when the car simply lacked the pace to be competitive. In 2024, the team was permitted to run their Porsche 963 with a power output of 512 kW (696 hp); this year, they are limited to 480 kW (653 hp). Additionally, the car carries significantly more weight than last year.

The JDC-Miller Motorsports No. 85 Porsche 963 qualified in the 13th position in hot and humid weather, but the team was upbeat as they were less than 0.9 seconds behind the fastest Porsche. They were, however, 2.75 seconds off the pole, which was a harbinger of things to come on the 6-hour race day.

The race began under heavy overcast conditions, leading to light rain that intensified at the half-hour mark. This triggered a series of cautions, keeping the field relatively close for the first hour and a half. However, the sun eventually emerged, bringing back hot and humid conditions with temperatures nearing 90ºF. The 85 car persevered, working its way up to 8th place in a largely uneventful race, but ultimately couldn’t maintain the pace. While running in 10th close to the end, the team took a gamble on a fuel stop and ran the car out of virtual energy in T10. They were serving a stop-and-go penalty when the checkered flag waved, securing a 10th place finish.

Quotes:

John Church, Managing Partner, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“A truly frustrating weekend. The drivers, the crew, and everyone on the team executed well. The bright spot is that we worked extremely hard to maximize everything we could from the car. When you don’t have the pace, you have to go off strategy, and that doesn’t always work out. Tijman drove exceptionally well for almost four hours in very tough conditions. We are eagerly looking forward to Road America.”

Gianmaria Bruni, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“It was a difficult race. We knew before the start that it was going to be very, very challenging. In the initial part of the race, we kept the car on the track despite some tough conditions. We will keep working, we keep chasing, we’ll see what’s coming next at Road America.”

Tijmen van der Helm, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“Difficult weekend for all the Porsches at the moment.  We just don’t have the power on the straight and coming out of the corners like the others.  Really frustrating.  We hung in there, but this was really all we had.”

JDC-Miller MotorSports finishes in the 11th position at Detroit

Sophie Church on June 2, 2025

SAVAGE, Minn. (June 2, 2025) — JDC-Miller MotorSports persevered with their Porsche 963 after receiving a pit speed penalty, ultimately finishing in 11th place at the 5th round of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship on the streets of Detroit.

The privateer team felt confident heading into Saturday’s race after making progress on Friday with the car setup for the always-challenging Detroit street circuit. Some of this progress, however, was diminished on race day when the weather dropped significantly from the upper-70s to a blustery 61ºF. The cooler ambient temperatures made it more difficult to reach optimal tire temperatures during the race, which impacted the Porsche’s overall pace.

Gimmi Bruni had a strong opening lap in the No. 85 Porsche, passing two cars and advancing from his 10th starting position to 8th. The race was proceeding smoothly and according to plan when, on lap 21, Bruni pitted for the mandatory driver change to Tijman Van der Helm. Unfortunately, the No. 85 Porsche exceeded the pit speed limit while exiting the pits. A drive-through penalty was imposed, causing the car to go a lap down. Van der Helm uneventfully brought the car home in 11th position.

Quotes:

John Church, Managing Partner, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“Except for the pit speed penalty, it was a relatively uneventful weekend. The team did a great job prepping the car for this race and provided the drivers with a car that performed as well as could be expected over the bumps and tight turns of this street circuit. While we didn’t achieve the pace we desired, we had a car we thought we could gain some positions with in the race. In a race as short as this one, once you go down a lap, there wasn’t much left to salvage. It’s tough. 

The crew and drivers did an excellent job throughout the weekend. We are excited about Watkins Glen and the rest of the season. We have experienced success at The Glen in the past and are putting in the effort for a strong performance.”

Gianmaria Bruni, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“We knew this race was going to be tough for us for a variety of reasons.  I had a really great start, jumping up from P10 to P8.  We were in a pretty good position to push for the rest of the race from there, but the pit overspeed violation ended that.”

Tijmen van der Helm, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“Over the weekend, we couldn’t quite match the pace of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s factory Porsche 963 cars. But in the race, the gap was a bit smaller. Sadly, a penalty for exceeding the speed limit in the pit lane cost us dearly – you simply can’t make up those 25 lost seconds. And even if you did, overtaking is difficult on this track.”

JDC-Miller MotorSports finishes in the 9th position at the 2025 Monterey Sportscar Championship

Katie Church on May 11, 2025

SAVAGE, Minn. (May 11, 2025) — JDC-Miller MotorSports brought their Porsche 963 home in an unsatisfying 9th position at the checker of the Monterey Sportscar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Gianmaria Bruno had qualified the car in the 10th position.

Under beautiful, but cool California skies, 36 cars took the green flag for the two-hour and 40-minute race around the 2.238 mile circuit.  The LMP2 class was not part of this event. 

Bruni had a good start and maintained his position. The team planned to deploy an aggressive pit strategy to gain positions using an “undercut”, which was pitting early on lap 21 to get on new tires and in clean air. This strategy played out quite well, as competitors pitted and Bruni worked the No. 85 Porsche up to as high as 4th. To make this strategy work, however, you then need a full-course caution. Unfortunately, this race was unusually green from flag to flag, and a late stop for fuel left the No. 85 in 9th.

Looking ahead, the team is already focused on their next challenge at the Detroit Grand Prix, scheduled for May 31st. With the unique demands of the Detroit street circuit, JDC-Miller MotorSports is determined to find the speed and precision required to return to the front of the pack.

Quotes:

John Church, Managing Partner, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“We didn’t have quite the pace we would have liked all weekend.  That resulted in a disappointing 10th qualifying position, so we knew we needed to come up with a strategy for the race that would move us up the order. We got aggressive and pitted on lap 21, which worked out very well. The downside was, however, that this strategy required a full-course caution, which we never got. That meant we had to stop for fuel late in the race, and we were back where we started. I can’t recall a race here that went the whole way without a full-course caution, but this year’s race did.

The crew and the drivers did a great job all weekend. IMSA racing is so competitive that if you are off by a couple of tenths here and there, you are going to finish 9th or 10th.  I’m confident that when we study the data, we will learn where those tenths are, and make the adjustments we need to be up front at Detroit.”

Gianmaria Bruni, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“This was an interesting race. We tried to get the best out of it from the strategy, unfortunately, we needed a yellow that didn’t come. We gambled on a strategy, which sometimes works and sometimes not, and that is racing.

I think we did the right things for the position we were in. There wasn’t much else we could do to improve track position. It was good. We tried our best this weekend and now we move forward.”

Tijmen van der Helm, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“We were struggling a bit with pace this weekend, and we just wanted to take a gamble on the strategy to maybe have a better result. 
It didn’t work out so well because we never got the safety car we were expecting. When you look at this race, normally there are several safety cars. So luck just wasn’t on our side. We will put our heads together to find some more speed in the car for Detroit and beyond.”