Round 9: Las Vegas

Written By Shane Arun

Gatsby Cup – Round 9: Las Vegas Showdown

The neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip illuminated one of the most unpredictable races in Gatsby Cup history. The six-minute sprint promised glamour and spectacle — and delivered chaos and heartbreak. For the first time all season, the title favorites faltered, throwing the entire championship into turmoil heading into the Abu Dhabi finale.

GTD PRO

#98 Porsche 911 GT3 R – Result: 1st in GTD Pro
A stunning return to form. Porsche #98 was electric under the lights, setting a blistering 7.534 best lap and completing 39 tours of the Vegas circuit. A flawless run earned them the full 10 points (49 total) and re-ignited the Stuttgart camp’s late-season charge.

#68 Ford Mustang GT3 Mod – Result: 2nd in GTD Pro
Pure grit from Detroit. The Mustang held its own through the carnage, racking up 33 laps with an 8.546 best and 8 points (41 total). A much-needed boost for Ford after a season of ups and downs.

#78 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 – Result: 3rd in GTD Pro
Steady and strategic. Despite struggling with tire temps early on, Mercedes #78 kept its nose clean, clocking 30 laps for 6 points (36 total). A valuable salvage drive that keeps them in contention.

#38 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 – Result: 4th in GTD Pro
Blinding single-lap pace, but inconsistency cost them dearly. The Aston recorded a race-best 6.798 but only 27 laps, earning 4 points (31 total). The outright speed is undeniable — the execution less so.

#18 Gatsby Automotive MK1 WS.3 – Result: 5th in GTD Pro
A rare off-night for the championship leaders. Gatsby #18 struggled with balance and rhythm, managing 24 laps and a 7.807 best for just 2 points (26 total). What looked like a title cruise suddenly became a knife fight.

GTM AM

#74 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 – Result: 1st in GTM Am
A flawless Am performance. Mercedes #74 dominated its class, logging 34 laps and a 7.606 best to secure 10 points (44 total). Calm, clean, and perfectly measured.

#34 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 – Result: 2nd in GTM Am
A strong recovery for the class leader. With 32 laps and a 7.815 best, Aston #34 banked 8 points (40 total) to stay in control of the Am title chase.

#14 Gatsby Automotive MK1 WS.3 – Result: 3rd in GTM Am
Pushed hard but couldn’t find the groove. Gatsby #14 ran 29 laps with a 7.714 best for 6 points (35 total). Still within reach, but momentum is fading.

#94 Porsche 911 GT3 R – Result: 4th in GTM Am
A gritty, unremarkable night for Porsche #94. Twenty-nine laps, 8.823 best, and 4 points (33 total). Reliable, but not headline-worthy.

#64 Ford Mustang GT3 R – Result: 5th in GTM Am
Solid but unspectacular. Twenty-eight laps, no recorded best, and 2 points (30 total). Ford remains a distant threat in Am.

🏆 Championship Notes After Round 9

  • GTD PRO Leader: Gatsby #18 – 407 pts

  • GTM AM Leader: Aston Martin #34 – 392 pts

  • Constructors’ Leader: Aston Martin – 778 pts
    (Gatsby Automotive just 5 points behind at 773 — the title will be decided in Abu Dhabi.)

🔜 Next Up: Abu Dhabi Grand Finale

Under the lights of Yas Marina, the season reaches its breaking point. After nine rounds across the globe, five manufacturers remain in mathematical contention — and just five points separate Aston Martin and Gatsby Automotive in the Constructors’ fight.

This is it. One race. One championship. Winner takes all.

Shane Arun
Next

Round 8: Mexico