IMSA warns Kevin Estre of potential suspension

IMSA Race Director Beaux Barfield has stated that Porsche driver Kevin Estre is on an “extremely short leash” following a late-race incident at Road America. Estre, driving for Porsche Penske Motorsport, is currently on probation after colliding with Jack Aitken’s Cadillac at 180 mph during the final restart of a six-hour race.

During a media roundtable at Virginia International Raceway, Barfield explained that while a suspension was discussed, IMSA officials opted for probation to remain consistent with precedents established over the last decade. However, Barfield warned that if Estre is involved in a similar incident during the final two rounds of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Motul Petit Le Mans, he could be suspended for the remainder of the season.

IMSA officials noted that the decision-making process involved extensive consultation with race control and executives. The organization is also working to clarify penalty calls to reduce caution periods, noting that the high number of yellow flags at the Road America event was not the experience fans expect from professional racing.