Daytona Beach, FL — Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports kicked off their 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season with a strong P7 finish in the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway. Competing in a stacked field of 27 GS competitors, the result marks an impressive debut for the team’s new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and sets a promising tone for the season ahead.
Strong first showing for the #17 Porsche
With plenty of time to dial in the setup and get comfortable with the new race machine during the ROAR Before the 24, Chris Miller would start the 4-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge from P9 after Thursday’s qualifying session. His stint was marked by several battles to maintain position, allowing the #17 Cayman GT4 RS to remain on the lead lap.
Nearly two hours into Friday’s race, Mikey Taylor would take over the reins and impressively climb as high as P2, fending off numerous attacks from a chasing Ford Mustang GT4 duo. Ultimately, the team would have to settle for a P7 finish but the long race demonstrated the Porsche’s potential and provided many valuable insights for future improvements.
Drivers optimistic for season ahead
Chris Miller reflected, “After a long offseason and a ton of hard work by everyone involved in this program, it felt pretty special to finally get to drive our new race car. We knew there would be a lot to learn but the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports crew was up to the task, changing components between every session as we worked to find a setup for the race. Thanks to their efforts, we made a lot of progress with the car and felt optimistic about our chances at a good result.“
“As racers we are rarely satisfied with anything but a win. Finishing seventh is not where we know we can be but it’s a solid start and a place we can build from. I think we showed ourselves that we have the pieces and potential to run at the front and we are all motivated and looking forward to Sebring already!“
Mikey Taylor added, “A great start to our new season with a new car! We knew it wasn’t going to be easy without any testing and learning the new class and car, but the team did a great job in preparing for the event as much as they could and we worked through everything we had time for! The speed in the race is something we can build on, and we know what we need to work on for Sebring! A very positive start to our relationship with Porsche and some good points to get the championship going!“
Next round just weeks away
Looking ahead, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team is setting its sights on the next challenge at Sebring International Raceway. Known for its notoriously bumpy surface, the 3.7mi track will require the team to fine-tune their vehicle setup once more. Despite the upcoming challenge, the team is eager to tackle this next hurdle and build on their solid start for the second round of the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Season.
Daytona Beach, FL — The 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season is kicking off with great anticipation as the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team enters the GS class with a brand-new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. Following their TCR championship victory in 2024, the team is thrilled to face a new level of competition and continue their streak of impressive racing achievements in 2025.
New Era of Racing in GS Class
Building on the momentum of their previous victories, including multiple wins at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, the team is eager to debut their Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the BMW M Endurance Challenge this weekend. This highly advanced race machine represents a huge leap forward in performance, technology, and capability—all crucial elements for tackling the fiercely competitive GS class.
Drivers Excited to Kick Off New Season
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports story.” said Mikey Taylor, driver of the #17 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS. “We had a ton of success with Audi in TCR, but I’ve been looking forward to this new challenge with Porsche and stepping up to GS! There’s a lot of competition and many more manufacturers in this class, so it’s all a bit new to us and we’re not expecting to be on top from the first race, but we will be working hard throughout the year, to get to the front of the pack, where we belong!”
“The team did a great job at the Roar as we got to grips with our new #17 Unitronic Porsche GT4.” said co-driver Chris Miller. “We have a lot to learn but I think it’s clear already that it will be a fast and competitive car and it was very exciting to get to drive it for the first time. Heading into the race weekend, I really believe we have the ability to earn a great result. With the race being four hours, the most important thing will be to execute on all fronts to keep the car in contention until the last hour. One of the great things about this program is that while it is a new car, we still have a lot of continuity in the people around us and we can fall back on a lot of the procedures and teamwork that led us to winning a lot of races together the past few seasons. It’s going to be tough but I know we are up to the task!”
Long-Time Partners Return for 2025
Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports is proud to have the continued support of an outstanding lineup of technical partners, including LIQUI MOLY, Out There Brands, OptiMate, Sabelt America and more. These partnerships have been instrumental in the team’s success throughout the years and are once again, integral to the 2025 motorsport campaign.
UroTuning Back for More Racing Action
As part of Unitronic’s ongoing commitment to supporting its Authorized Dealer Network, UroTuning will once-again be present with the team at the event and have special branding on the #17 Porsche as well. UroTuning.com is your number one source for OEM and Performance parts for your Volkswagen, Audi or BMW vehicle. The team at UroTuning is dedicated to providing the best customer service possible while at the same time offering competitive pricing on all the products they sell. They are also owned and operated BY Enthusiasts FOR Enthusiasts!
Follow Along Live
The 2025 season kicks off with the four-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge At Daytona on Friday, January 24, 2024 at 1:45 PM to 5:45 PM ET. US fans can stream live on Peacock and international fans can follow along on IMSA.TV. Stay up to date on all our activities, learn more about the team, our pro drivers and our tremendous sponsors HERE. Don’t forget to tune into the UNITRONIC social media channels for race coverage of all ten championship events as well.
Photos by Digi Kühlt
About UNITRONIC® UNITRONIC® engineers industry-leading aftermarket performance enhancing software and hardware for Audi®, Volkswagen®, Porsche®, Seat®, Cupra® and Skoda® cars worldwide. Best known for its performance software engine and transmission calibrations, Unitronic enhances vehicle performance while maintaining complete OEM-like reliability and drivability. Unitronic’s UniCONNECT+ Programming and Diagnostic Interface empowers Unitronic Clients to safely reprogram their engine and transmission control modules from the comfort of home, anywhere in the world. Learn more about Unitronic’s competitive advantage at www.getunitronic.com
About JDC-MILLER MOTORSPORTS JDC-MILLER MOTORSPORTS is a world-class multiple championship winning sportscar racing team, with a total of 18 championships, 60 wins, 57 pole positions, and 195 podiums, most of which coming by way of their Prototype class programs running in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. Highlights include an Overall Win at the Six Hours at Watkins Glen in 2018, 2017 Winner Extreme Spirit Award, and 2017 Winner Jim Trueman Award, providing the team an automatic entry into the 2018 24 Hours of LeMans. Learn more at www.jdcmotorsport.com
About LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada is a subsidiary of LIQUI MOLY GmbH, a global motor oil and additive company based in Germany selling products in more than 150 countries. LIQUI MOLY offers more than 4,000 items globally covering automotive, powersports, commercial vehicles, boats and watercraft and more. LIQUI MOLY USA – Canada is actively involved in motorsports in numerous capacities highlighted by teams in IMSA USA and IMSA Canada, TC America and Trans AM. Learn more at www.liqui-moly.com
About OUT THERE BRANDS Out There Brands was founded by professional racing driver Mikey Taylor. He saw a need for a company that offers extreme personalization and customer service in the branding industry and founded OTB in order to fill it. Producing custom-made displays and apparel to bring attention to our customers. Using his experience in the motorsport industry, Mikey focused on working with suppliers and forming partnerships to utilize only the best materials and products from around the world to deliver durable, cost-effective and stand out products! Learn more at www.OutThereBrands.com
About OPTIMATE Since 1994, OptiMate high performance battery chargers have extended life and improved performance of AGM, GEL & STD lead-acid and LiFePO4 lithium batteries. OptiMate is trusted by over 15 major vehicle & performance battery OEMs and millions of happy vehicle / craft / equipment owners world-wide. OptiMate’s unique battery saving method recovers dead-flat batteries other chargers can’t. Learn more at www.Optimate1.com
After 10 thrilling rounds of heated IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge racing, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team is thrilled to claim the title of 2024 IMSA TCR Champions! This season was marked by many intense battles and unforgettable moments on the track. Heading into the final race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the team remained focused on its objective and all that hard work paid off in the best way possible.
Coming off a strong P3 finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a 150-point championship lead, the Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team was in a good position to take it all but the relentless factory-backed Hyundai teams still remained within striking distance. Practice 1 and 2 allowed for final setup changes, but nothing could prepare the team for Thursday evening’s qualifying session incident.
As the sun was setting over turn 3 at Road Atlanta, visibility was dwindling fast and the #17 Audi lost control over a curb and collided with a safety barrier. Miraculously, Miller got the car moving again while avoiding a red flag and he would even go on to improve his qualifying time which was a true testament to the team’s “never give up” attitude. The Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team would start Friday’s 2-hour Fox Factory 120 race from P7 but not before a long night of repairs.
On race day, only 11 teams made it to the starting grid instead of the anticipated 12 and with a 150-point differential between P1 and P11, the team would simply have to make it past the start line to clinch the championship win. Chris Miller and Mikey Taylor went on to finish the race without taking any unnecessary risks and ultimately crossed the line in P6 with their heads up high, surrounded by cheering fans, crew, family and friends.
Breaking the Hyundai Stronghold
“I am so proud to be able to finally get this championship! All the hard work over the last 5 years has led to this and there couldn’t be a more deserving group of people in the paddock. Everyone has worked so hard week in and week out so it’s nice to finally get this reward!
I don’t think people realize the level at which IMSA TCR is right now, you really have to piece everything together to have a shot at beating the factory supported Hyundai team who have great driver line ups and a fantastic program! To be the first team to break their stronghold on the TCR class means a lot to a little one-car team like us! We put everything we had into this one, and I’m so relieved it all worked out! A special thanks to all our partners who have been on this journey with us and stuck with us through the thick and thin!” said Mikey Taylor.
Miller Reflects on the Tough Racing Season
“Obviously it would have been great to end the season with a win but our goal with this program since we started years ago was to win a championship and it’s a massive achievement by everyone involved to be able to deliver that. I’m so grateful to everyone for their hard work this year. We faced a lot of adversity beginning at Daytona when we thought we may not start the race and then the second half of the season definitely didn’t go as smoothly as we wanted, but everyone showed great resilience.
I feel very lucky to have had such a great teammate, crew, group of engineers, partners and countless other supporters who I got to be a part of this with. Special thanks to Unitronic, JDC-Miller Motorsports, and my family for always believing in us. Championships are very hard to win and I think we will all be celebrating this one for a while!” said Chris Miller.
Thankful for the Outpouring of Support
This championship win is not just a testament to the skill of our drivers but also to the dedication of the entire Unitronic JDC-Miller Motorsports team. From the crew to our technical partners, every detail mattered, and everyone gave it their all. Now, we celebrate this incredible achievement, reflect on an unforgettable season, and look forward to what’s next. Thank you to our partners, fans, and everyone who supported us along the way!
By John Oreovicz and Mark Robinson IMSA Wire Service
Chris Miller and Mikey Taylor kept their perfect 2024 season intact in the Touring Car (TCR) portion of the Michelin Pilot Challenge by following the same recipe of success.
As he did in the first two races this year, Miller put the No. 17 Unitronic/JDC-Miller MotorSports Audi RS3 LMS TCR in contention at WeatherTech Raceway, then Taylor powered the car into the lead and on to victory lane.
Taylor passed a pair of Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian Hyundais in the final 21 minutes of the two-hour race to secure the third win in as many outings this season for the No. 17 Audi. It’s been a rewarding beginning to 2024 for the JDC-Miller team after a shot at winning the TCR championship slipped away in the 2023 finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
“We’re focused on winning this championship after it got away from us in Atlanta last year,” Taylor said.
Miller started second in TCR but a miscue behind a GS car during his stint dropped him to fifth place when he turned the No. 17 over to Taylor on a pit stop. Taylor trailed leader Mason Filippi in the No. 98 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR by eight seconds with 45 minutes remaining but chipped away the deficit quickly.
Taylor shoved his way past Robert Wickens in the No. 33 BHA Hyundai through the Andretti Hairpin with 21 minutes to go. Two laps later, he followed a pair of GS cars past Filippi in the same spot to grab the lead and went on to win by 1.254 seconds.
“I don’t think we had crazy outright speed, but on old tires, which is what this track is known for, we were OK,” Taylor said. “It was a couple tough passes. The GS guys helped me out a little bit, making some holes, and we took what we could.
“It feels great, feels great,” Taylor added. “I had my mind on my wedding next week a little bit, but it feels good to be here. Great points for the team and just happy for everyone in the program.”
The win was the ninth for Taylor in Michelin Pilot Challenge competition and the eighth for Miller. Meanwhile, Filippi and co-driver Mark Wilkins, trying to repeat as the WeatherTech Raceway TCR winners, felt that second place was the best they could do on this day.
“I think we did the best we could today,” Wilkins said. “We can’t compete with that car with the pace right now that they can run, so for us, we were just trying to make as few mistakes as possible. We ran really a perfect day in my opinion, so second is a win for us today.”
Saturday’s race broadcast will air at 1 p.m. ET Saturday, May 18 on CNBC. Both classes of the Michelin Pilot Challenge return to action June 6-8 at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio.
