Stephens Tops First Sonoma Practice for JMF

Photo: Fabian Lagunas/SRO

Michai Stephens topped the time charts in the first official practice session for GT World Challenge America powered by AWS competitors at Sonoma Raceway.

Stephens, in the series debuting No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, reeled off a best lap of 1:35.107 in the closing moments of the damp-turned-dry session.

It was 0.080 seconds quicker than the Pro-Am class pace-setting No. 16 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 of Allam Khodair.

Connor De Phillippi was third quickest overall in the No. 99 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ahead of teammate Bill Auberlen in fourth, both in Pro class entries.

The No. 92 LAB Motorsport by GT Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R of Kyle Marcelli completed the top-five overall.

Jan Heylen put his RS1 Porsche sixth on the time charts, ahead of Aaron Povoledo’s No. 50 Chouest Povoledo Racing Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R and the lone Am class entry of Ozz Negri.

The 60-minute session ended with a combined checkered and red flag for an undisclosed incident on the cool down lap.

The second and final practice session is on deck at 4 p.m. PST.