Join JDC-Miller MotorSports in Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® DONATE NOW!

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.”

Want more information? Click below.

Hexagon

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.”

JDC-Miller MotorSports finishes in the 10th position at the 2025 Grand Prix of Long Beach

Katie Church on April 12, 2025

SAVAGE, Minn. (April 12, 2025) — JDC-Miller MotorSports brought their Porsche 963
home in a disappointing 10th position at the conclusion of the 2025 Grand Prix of Long
Beach. The 100-minute race around the 1.968 street circuit represented a sharp
contrast to the first two rounds of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
IMSA competitors went from the two longest races on the schedule to one of the
shortest. This year’s race represented the 50th running of this popular and iconic race
around the Long Beach harbor.

Starting in the 9th position, the race started strong for the JDC-Miller MotorSports no. 85
Porsche 963 as Tijmen van der Helm picked up a spot on the start and had excellent
pace. His day was short, however, as a caution came out twenty minutes into the race.
The team pitted to take advantage of the yellow for the mandatory driver change to
Gianmaria Bruni. The JDC-Miller crew had an outstanding stop, and when the race
resumed, the 85 was running in a very strong 5th. Gimmi was running with the leaders
when on lap 40, a GTD car he was lapping, hit the left rear of the Porsche and spun him
into the tire wall. This forced a pit stop to repair a broken rear wing. The JDC-Miller
team made the repair in less than a minute, keeping the car on the lead lap, but the 85
dropped to 10th, where it would remain until the race’s conclusion 20 laps later.

The car will stay on the West Coast for the next race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca May 11th. It was just 2 years ago that JDC-Miller MotorSports debuted their new
Porsche 963 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class.

Quotes:

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

“We were not happy with our qualifying set-up and the crew did a great job overnight to
give us a really good car for the race. Tijmen showed that right away with an over-take
on the first lap, and we were feeling confident of a good result. When the first caution
came out, everyone did an awesome job in the pits, and we vaulted up to 5th.
Unfortunately, as so often happens on a street course, Gimmi had an incident and we
had to pit to repair the rear wing. With only a little over a half hour left in the race, there
just isn’t much you can do.

A disappointing finish, but there were some real bright moments. We had a competitive
car and executed very well. If we keep doing that, we will be in a great position when
Lady Luck does smile on us.”

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

“A tough finish which doesn’t reflect how competitive the car was. The car was very
good, and we were running strong until, in turn 6, I got hit in the left rear corner by a
GTD car I had just lapped. It spun me around into the tire wall, damaging the wing and
diffuser. It’s a shame because we were doing very well. We’ll move forward.”

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

“This is a very short race for our series. We had to come from the back as we struggled
with the setup in qualifying. The car was much better in the race, and we picked up
some spots early in the race. Sadly, we got hit by a GTD car and had to make an extra
pit stop. Just not the luck on our side. We will keep improving and get some results at
Laguna Seca.”

JDC-Miller MotorSports brings home the No. 85 Porsche 963 in the 8th position at the 2025 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Katie Church on March 17, 2025

SAVAGE, Minn. (March 17, 2025) — JDC-Miller MotorSports brought their Porsche
963 home in the 8th position at the conclusion of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in
front of a record crowd for the 73rd running of the classic race. This year’s “12 Hours”
lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest races in the world for both man and
machine. Sebring is famous for its bumpy airstrip surfaces and intense multi-class
traffic, especially with 56 cars starting on the 3.74-mile circuit. This year had an
additional challenge as temperatures soared to nearly 90°F in the midday Florida sun.

The JDC-Miller MotorSports team had a setup strategy of running a slightly
compromised setup during the heat of the day which allowed the handling of the car to
be optimal when the sun went down and temperatures cooled. Even with the
compromised setup, the No. 85 Porsche 963 was quite competitive in the heat of the
day, running as high as 3rd mid-day the strategy played out. After close to 9 hours of
hard racing, however, the left front brake rotor failed. Lady luck smiled on the No. 85
Porsche as a caution came out just as the team needed to pit the car. Quick work by the
crew got the LF brake replaced with the loss of only one lap and the team was optimistic
that with three hours remaining, they could get the lap back and make a charge to the
finish. Unfortunately, there wasn’t the usual series of yellows that are typical of the final
hours of this race, and the No. 85 Porsche soldiered on in the 8th position for the
checker.

Quotes:

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

“A challenging and a bit disappointing day for us. We struggled to find the balance on
Thursday, which is the only practice we get for the 12 Hours. Working late Friday
evening, we made a good step forward, so during the race we had good pace.
Unfortunately, the issue with the brake rotor put us a lap down, and the way the race
played out, we were never able to recover. Disappointing as we were on track to finish
4th or 5th, but that’s Sebring.

We will take what we learned here and focus forward to Long Beach. Thanks to Gimmi,
Tijmen, and Nico, for their great performances and bringing the car home in one piece
after a challenging 12 hours.”

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

“Great job by everyone on the team for a solid 8th place finish in what I think is the
hardest race of the season. The crew did an amazing job. We tuned up the car with the
engineers Friday night and went in the right direction. In the race, the car was really fast
in very hot conditions. Unfortunately, we had an issue with about 3 hours to go. The
front left brake disc failed and had to be changed. From there on, the car was not as
good under braking, which is critical for these cars. We were able to hold our position
and finish the race. Thanks to the team, Tijmen, and Nico. It’s not the result we wanted,
but I think it was the best we could achieve at Sebring today.”

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

“With only qualifying on Friday it is hard to put everything together with the setup before
the race. We had been struggling to find the setup on Thursday, but the guys worked
hard on Friday night to make some changes. In the race, the car was quite good.
Unfortunately, our luck ran out, and we had some brake problems. That can happen in
long races like Sebring. We do have some positive things to take away. There is work to
do, but we are on track for some good results later in the year. The pace is there, so if
we can put everything together, we should have success.”

Nico Müller, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“What a weekend with JDC-Miller MotorSports at the 12 Hours of Sebring! My first laps
in the Porsche 963. To be taking the checkered flag in that beautiful yellow car at the
end of the Sebring 12 Hours was a thrill. We were competitive most of the race. We had
a really fun race going until the brake issue developed, which threw us back.
Unfortunately, there weren’t enough yellows at the end to recover the lost lap. It was a
bit of a pity as our pace had been strong. After trying to fix the issue, we weren’t quite
as strong anymore as we struggled with general brake performance on the car. I think
we were on track for a top 5. That would have been great in this tight competition. I felt
at home with the team and in the car and enjoyed returning to IMSA. Thanks to JDC
Miller MotorSports and Porsche for having me. Hopefully, we’ll be back soon.”

JDC-Miller MotorSports fills out the No. 85 Porsche 963 driver line-up for the 2025 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Katie Church on March 10, 2025

Savage, MN (March 10, 2025)

JDC-Miller MotorSports is pleased to announce the addition of Swiss Formula E driver Nico Müller to its driver lineup for the 73rd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Müller will join full-season drivers Tijmen van der Helm and Gianmaria Bruni behind the wheel of the team’s No. 85 Porsche 963 GTP.

The 33-year-old Müller is a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in multiple disciplines, including GT and Prototype endurance racing, DTM, and most recently, Formula E. He rounds out a JDC-Miller MotorSports driver lineup with considerable Sebring experience. Nico’s previous Sebring experience was with WEC, participating in the 1000km in 2022 in LMP2 and in 2023 in a Peugeot Hypercar. Nico also competed in the 2022 24 Hours of Daytona in LMP2. He is a Porsche factory driver and currently drives a Porsche 99X in the Formula E World Championship. JDC-Miller MotorSports is thrilled he could fit this race into his extremely busy schedule.

This will be Van der Helm’s 4th 12 Hour, three of which are with JDC-Miller MotorSports. Bruni will take his 13th green flag this year and has had considerable success at the fabled track with a Sebring 12 Hour GT class win, WEC 1000km GT class win, as well as four other podiums.

JDC-Miller MotorSports has enjoyed success at Sebring, as well. Most recently, the team took the top step of the podium with an overall win in 2021, the second step in 2022, and a third in LMP3 in 2023, prior to the delivery of their current Porsche 963.

Quotes:

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

“We have a great driver line-up for this year’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Adding Nico to our already strong driver line-up with Tijmen and Gimmi, builds on the confidence we have coming off our very strong run at Daytona. Thanks to our friends at Porsche for all their efforts in making it happen.”

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

“I am really looking forward to the 12 Hours of Sebring with JDC-Miller MotorSports. I’ve raced here a dozen times with some success, so it’s a special place for me. It is hard on cars and drivers, but the JDC-Miller MotorSports team knows what it takes to win at Sebring. Hopefully, we can build on our strong effort at Daytona, keep improving, and get on the podium. “

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

“It’s great to be heading back to the Florida sunshine. I really enjoy the challenge of Sebring. The traffic and the concrete surfaces, as well as how competitive it is for all 12 hours. It is different than other races. Difficult in an enjoyable way. JDC-Miller MotorSports know what it takes to win there, so I am optimistic for a good result.”

Nico Müller, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963

“First of all I’d like to thank JDC-Miller MotorSports, Porsche, and my Formula E Team, Andretti FE, who have made this last-minute project possible. I can’t wait to turn my first laps in the Porsche 963 and compete in my first prestigious Sebring 12-hour. It’s great being back in IMSA. I have previously competed at Sebring when WEC was part of the “Super Sebring” weekend. I loved following the IMSA action during the 12-hour. It’s known as the toughest race on the IMSA calendar. I am confident that together with JDC-Miller MotorSports, Gimmi, and Tijmen, all who bring lots of Sebring 963 experience to the table. That strong foundation will speed up my 963 learning process. One more good omen: Yellow is one of my favorite racing colors!”