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On The Apex

@ontheapex.com
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In-depth sportscar analysis and insight, in your inbox every Wednesday. www.ontheapex.com

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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 23/07/2026
New issue of @ontheapex.com out now - this week it's looking at InMotion, a team of Dutch students working on a battery electric sportscar, with the dream of racing the car at Le Mans in Garage 56 in the future. www.ontheapex.com/charging-in-...
ontheapex.com
Charging in 4 minutes: InMotion's electric Le Mans dream
This all-electric prototype can charge its battery in 4 minutes and is built by a student team in the Netherlands. Their dream: racing at Le Mans.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 15/07/2026
Ferrari came within 2.3 seconds of beating BMW at Interlagos 🇧🇷 Here's how they nearly pulled it off. 11th on the grid. Podium at the flag. Full breakdown of the pit stops, the pace, and the Cadillac mistakes that opened the door 👇 www.ontheapex.com/ferrari-inte...
ontheapex.com
How Ferrari came within seconds of victory at Interlagos
James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi started 11th in the #51 Ferrari. 6 hours later they finished 2nd on the podium. How?
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 13/07/2026
Lap chart from Interlagos for the Hypercars 👇
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 11/07/2026
Can Aston Martin back this practice pace up with a podium or win at Interlagos on Saturday?! 🇬🇧 See all the stats and data from WEC Friday practice at Interlagos 👇 www.ontheapex.com/aston-martin...
ontheapex.com
Aston Martin tops average pace in Interlagos practice
Aston Martin top the average pace in Interlagos, but Ferrari are very close behind, with the Hypercar field separated by less than 7 tenths.
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Reposted by On The Apex
Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 08/07/2026
I recently spoke to Stephane Ratel about GT3's immense success as a sportscar ruleset and how that could lead to the class's downfall if left unchecked. A fascinating chat. I have lots of follow up questions for him, which I'll ask him at some point. Read below!👇 www.ontheapex.com/gt3-creator-...
ontheapex.com
GT3's creator on why its own success is its biggest risk
Stephane Ratel tells On The Apex about the paradox between GT3's unparalleled success as a sportscar ruleset, and how that could lead to its own downfall if left unchecked.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 01/07/2026
Latest post/newsletter: exploring how Lionspeed GP went from a pitlane start, to victory 24 hours later, 24 hours later at Spa last weekend. Delve into the data with charts and graphs 📊 👉 www.ontheapex.com/lionspeed-gp...
A very light green and white Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo crossing the finishing line at Spa-Francorchamps to win the Spa 24 Hours, with a chequered flag being waved and full grandstands
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 29/06/2026
🧵 3/3 Currently examing how Lionspeed GP went from the pit lane to the podium. That'll be the core focus of the newsletter on Wednesday. Sign up to receive it direct to your inbox: ontheapex.com. ❤️
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 29/06/2026
🧵 2/3 What's your favourite stat from this race? Mine is Preining leading the most laps of any driver, but the #48 MANN-FILTER Mercedes leading the most of any car collectively.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 29/06/2026
Spa 24 Hours, by the numbers. 📊 25%. 72 laps. 27 stops. 68%. 2:17.340. 541 laps. 13.721 seconds. 0.218. 1440 minutes. All numbers that contributed to an excellent 24 hour race deep in the heart of the Ardennes forest. 🇧🇪 🧵 1/3
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 29/06/2026
Filthy close up of a racing car after 24 hoirs of racingPorsche logo surrounded by filth on a rac ing car after 24 hours of racing
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 29/06/2026
Mercedes logo on a filthy race carAston Martin logo on a filthy race car with sponsor logos above it#46 WRT BMW GT3 car after 24 hours of racing, taken from the sideFilthy rear end of a race car with the Total Energies logo almost entirely covered by dirt
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 29/06/2026
Filthy race cars are the best race cars. With 24 hour races pretty much the longest races in global motorsport, this is as filthy as a race car will get. Enjoy these images from Spa after the 24 hours! 📸 All images: SRO
Ferrari crest on a dirty race car, blue with white stripes, close upFront of a dirt race car, with Pirelli logo and a white background with blue stripesDirty orange McLaren GT3 race car with its side door open, taken low 3/4 from the frontPorsche GT3 race car with front body panel missing, filthy after 24 hours of racing
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 28/06/2026
The win at Spa 24 Hours marks Thomas Preining's first ever 24 hour race victory. What a race to do it at, after the #80 Lionspeed GP Porsche, which he shares with Bastian Buus and Ricardo Feller, started from the pitlane after a pre-race engine change.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 26/06/2026
Wondering how Spa 24 Hours Superpole works? We got you. 4 sessions, with the 32 cars being whittled down to 4, who will each set a single flying lap in an attempt to grab pole. Exciting stuff 🤩
A description of the Spa 24 Hours Superpole format for this year
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 26/06/2026
Following some post-qualifying exclusions, the 32 cars listed below will make it into Superpole for the Spa 24 Hours later today👇️
And image of the 32 cars advancing to Spa 24 Hours Superpole, laid out in two columns and reading down direction-wise
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 24/06/2026
Read the exclusive inside story of how the relationship between the ACO, Silverstone and the BRDC was rebuilt post-COVID, leading to Silverstone's return to the WEC calendar in 2027 after 8 years away. 📸 DPPI/WEC On the site now 👉 www.ontheapex.com/silverstone-fia-wec-return-inside-story
The two Toyota TS050s round Luffield corner at Silverstone, joined by other prototypes behind. The BRDC clubhouse is in the background.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
That's all we've got. Who's your pick for the win on Sunday? We'll have some full post-race analysis on the Wednesday after the race. Subscribe free for the deep dive, or follow along here or on Instagram (www.instagram.com/on.theapex) for the bite-size version. 🔗 ontheapex.com
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over fireworks at night above Spa-Francorchamps circuit. 

Text reads: "After the flag. The story doesn't end at the flag. Full post-race analysis of the Spa 24 Hours lands the week after the chequered flag. Subscribe free for the deep dive, and follow along here for the bite-size version."
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
5) Could we see 7th different winner in 7 years on Sunday? Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin and Lamborghini have all won the last six runnings. Could someone new join the list this year?
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over a checkered flag waving as a blue GT3 car passes, marshal's post in foreground. 

Text reads: "Storyline 05. A 7th winner in 7 years? In the last six years, six different manufacturers have won the race: Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini in 2025. Could another manufacturer continue the streak? Ford? McLaren? Let us know in the comments."
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
4) Could this be the last 24 hour race for the current Mercedes-AMG GT3? In action in various forms for almost a decade, it could be replaced next year by an all-new model. Might a swansong win for the old lady of GT3 be on the cards?
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over a blue Mercedes-AMG GT3 and yellow Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing side by side on track. 

Text reads: "Storyline 04. Last 24H race for the Mercedes-AMG GT3? Could this be the final 24-hour race for the current Mercedes-AMG GT3? In action in various forms for almost a decade, it'll likely be replaced next year by a brand new model. Could the old lady of GT3 take a swansong win?"
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
3) Valentino Rossi's continued evolution. He's had two careers: one making him a motorcycle legend, another as a BMW factory GT driver. Spa is reportedly the race win he wants most. His fanbase certainly hopes he can finish the job.
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over a photo of Valentino Rossi in racing suit and sunglasses, standing on the grid. 

Text reads: "Storyline 03. Valentino Rossi's continued evolution. It's strange to think Rossi has had two motorsport careers: one making him a motorcycle legend, one a BMW factory racing driver. Can he take a first 24-hour win at Spa, his favourite circuit for car racing? His huge fanbase certainly hopes so!"
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
2) Ford's Mustang GT3 Evo is looking good. It's now in its third year of competition, with a 2026 update sorting the first-gen issues. It's got new brakes, suspension and front aero. Quick, developed, ready to win outright. Can it do it?
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over a blue and white Ford Mustang GT3 race car on a tree-lined section of track. 

Text reads: "Storyline 02. Ford Mustang GT3 Evo looks pacey. The Mustang GT3 is in its third year of competition. A significant Evo update for 2026 has ironed out the first-gen issues, with updates to the brakes, suspension and front aero. It looks quick, developed, and ready to win a major race outright."
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
1) Lamborghini's Temerario is gathering pace. It had a tough start to life, but it nearly took its first race win in DTM last weekend at the Lausitzring, losing out due a post-race penalty for speeding under full course yellow. Keep an eye on it at Spa.
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over a gold and black Lamborghini Temerario GT3 race car, number 63, on track. 

Text reads: "Storyline 01. Lamborghini Temerario gathering pace. The Temerario had a slightly tough start to life, but Lambo are getting on top of it now. It almost took its first race win in DTM just last weekend at the Lausitzring until a post-race penalty. Either way, it looks quick. Keep an eye on it all weekend at Spa."
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 23/06/2026
It's Spa 24 Hours week! It's the biggest GT3 race of the year. 70 cars, 10 manufacturers. 24 hours of the Ardennes forest. What could be better?! Here are 5 storylines we're watching all weekend 🧵👇
Alt text: On The Apex graphic over an aerial photo of GT3 cars racing through Eau Rouge/Raidillon at Spa-Francorchamps, grandstands full of fans. 

Text reads: "Race Preview 2026. 5 storylines to watch at Spa. The Spa 24 Hours is this weekend! Before track action gets underway on Thursday, here are five stories we'll be following all the way from the green flag to chequered, 24 hours later."
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 18/06/2026
We've just posted our Le Mans lead analysis on our new Instagram account. 47 lead changes, 5 cars, 3 teams. Follow @on.theapex on Instagram for more data-driven endurance racing coverage. 🏁 www.instagram.com/on.theapex/
A picture from the start of Le Mans 2026 with the Cadillac V-Series.R of Will Stevens, and the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 of Rene Rast, centre frame.

Text reads:

Who led Le Mans?
A relentless fight at the front. The lead swapped hands regularly between 5 different cars from 3 teams.

47 lead changes
5 cars led Hypercar
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 17/06/2026
JOTA Cadillac led 48.3% of Le Mans this past weekend. Yet they only finished fourth. What happened? www.ontheapex.com/le-mans-2026...
ontheapex.com
How Cadillac led half of Le Mans 2026 and still lost
Cadillac Team JOTA led 48.3% of Le Mans in 2026. Yet they only finished fourth in what team and drivers described as 'disappointing'. What happened?
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 15/06/2026
Conway, plus long-time teammate Kamui Kobayashi, took his second win at Le Mans. Nyck de Vries took his first. Imagine the nerves! 😬 #LM24 #LeMans
The Toyota team, with Nyck de Vries and Mike Conway front and centre, stand nervously watching the screens with the WEC world feed in the final minutes of Le Mans 2026.

Quote reads: 

Even until the last 3 hours we didn't know what was going to happen. Robin (Frijns) made it super tense for the last 30 minutes. Nyck (de Vries) was closing his eyes in his room for the last hour hiding from everyone. I was pacing around in the drivers' room, I had about 15 toilet breaks in the last 30 minutes. But we got through it and we're here. Amazing job by everyone.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 15/06/2026
Full lap chart for the Hypercars 👇
Le Mans lap chart for the Hypercar class, showing positional changes each lap
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 14/06/2026
Seb Bourdais has been trying to win Le Mans for 27 years and 18 attempts. This was the 19th attempt. Unfortunately he'll need a 20th attempt to win the race he grew up watching from the spectator areas.
Seb Boyrdais's #38 Cadillac in a pit stop.

Quote reads:

I just to try to take the emotion out of it, the best I could. I did my part, I think I had a solid stint in the car when I was there. So did everybody else. I think at that point, when the gods of racing decide that it's not your day, it's just not your day. We didn't stuff the car in the fence or anything like that, it's just a stupid failure that ruins everybody's efforts. It is what it is.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 13/06/2026
Could we see Le Mans's first LMDh winner at 4pm on Sunday? It certainly looks possible. The LMDh teams have been quick al week, with Cadillac in particular standing out. Read more from me 👉 www.ontheapex.com/le-mans-prac...
Various Le Mans Hypercars in the traditional pre-Le Mans photo shoot, Ferrari 499P centre of frame with the #009 Aston Martin in front.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 12/06/2026
Jack Aitken had an enjoyable 20 minutes while he held pole... but it was swiftly deleted for moving into the fast lane too early. #LM24 #LeMans
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 11/06/2026
Ben Keating has been consistent on his preference of LMGTE over LMGT3 in WEC and at Le Mans. Why? 3 things: 1) ABS took his differentiator away 2) The GT3 tyres are not as good as the GTE tyres 3) GTE setups could be adjusted on the fly, per driver #LM24 #LeMans
Ben Keating in the garage in race overall, AirPods in his ears, smiling.

Quote reads:

I spent so many years learning the skill of how to brake late and race hard with no ABS. That was the big differentiator between me and the other bronzes. Now, every bronze is a hero in braking, you just step on it like a gorilla and the computer does all the work.
And so my skill, my differentiator went away. Now I'm just an average bronze driver.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 10/06/2026
The main aim in Wednesday qualifying at Le Mans is to advance to Hyperpole, but no racing driver would say no to a fast time as well... Do Cadillac have the pace to win? 🇺🇸
The #12 JOTA Cadillac at Le Mans, side on profile shot, at speed. 

Quote from Louis Deletraz reads: Le Mans, low fuel with new tyres, is always the best. No traffic as well so it was fun. The car felt good and we were P2, so very close. Qualifying doesn’t mean much here, but I’m happy to be up front. It means the car is competitive and the whole team did a good job. Now we can continue working on our race car and pushing for the race weekend, because all we want to do is win on Sunday.”
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 10/06/2026
Test showed there's no clear favourite for Le Mans 2026. Read about our thoughts on BMW's Spa pace, hidden BoP, test day, and major upgrades to almost every car. 👉 www.ontheapex.com/le-mans-2026...
ontheapex.com
Le Mans 2026: Hidden BoP, upgrades, no clear favourite
With BoP hidden and almost every car having had an update of some sort, we don't know what to expect going into Le Mans in 2026.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 08/06/2026
Genesis's first day at Le Mans was a success according to Pipo Derani 🇰🇷 Their fastest lap across both cars at yesterday's test session was a 3:27.990, as the team gets to grips with the unique characteristics of Circuit de la Sarthe.
Pipo Derani standing arms folded, headphones on in the garage, with an inset photo of his car at Le Mans on the left.

Text reads:

It was important to get a clean lap to see more or less where we are, not in terms of lap time but more in terms of balance. I think we have some work to do, but regardless of that our first time at Le Mans, it's a great pleasure to be here with this team, creating history for Korean Motorsports.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 07/06/2026
20% best laps average from Le Mans test day. Toyota's heavily revised car paying dividends so far... 👀 #LM24 #LeMans
20% best lap averages from Le Mans test day.

Text reads:

Toyota were fastest in average pace across both the morning and afternoon test day sessions at Le Mans, but Alpine and the JOTA-run Cadillacs were not far behind. 
Teams are likely to be sandbagging and not showing full pace yet, just going about their test day programmes. Ferrari, winners for the last 3 years, were only mid table, more than half a second off Toyota in these metrics, but again they are unlikely to be showing their hand just yet. New boys Genesis aren’t far off the rest of the pack, while Peugeot continues to struggle at La Sarthe, with BMW slightly ahead. Single lap session toppers Aston Martin also look to be in a good place in the averages, with everyone certain to find more time before practice starts on Wednesday.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 07/06/2026
What's the Valkyrie like at Le Mans compared to last year? Very different, and more enjoyable, #007 driver Tom Gamble says. He topped the test day time sheets with a 3:26.293. 🏁 #LM24 #LeMans
The #007 Aston Martin Valkyrie on track during Le Mans test day 2026. Quote from Tom Gamble reads:

Night and day [difference] really [compared to last year]. Systems on the car are working a lot better now, and the balance itself is also a lot better. It's a lot more enjoyable to drive. And I mean it was already fun last year. It's a pleasure to drive this to drive this Valkyrie around Le Mans.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 07/06/2026
Some quick data from the morning test day session at Le Mans. LMDh teams looking strong but Toyota also up there. #LM24 #LeMans
A graph showing 20% average lap pace from the 2026 morning session of Le Mans test day.

Methodology: taken both cars from each team, filtered down to the 20% best laps from both, and averaged them out, then averaged both cars from each team together to create a single value. Teams with a single car just have one average shown.

This does include laps which were deleted for exceeding track limits as the Al-Kamel analysis file does not delete those laps or flag them. I need to work out a way to delete them. This includes the #7 Toyota's 3:26.644, set by Kamui Kobayashi in the final minutes of the session, where he exceeded track limits in the second sector.
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On The Apex @ontheapex.com · 07/06/2026
Le Mans native Sébastien Bourdais has made 18 starts at the world's greatest endurance race across 27 years. He's hopeful 2026 could finally bring overall victory. #LM24 #LeMans
The #38 JOTA Cadillac V-Series.R, racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class, on track with DHL sponsorship hoarding in the background. Above the car is an inset photo of Sebastien Bourdais putting his helmet on, visor up so you can see his glasses.

Quote from Bourdais reads:

"For me, Le Mans represents more than any other because I grew up there and raced there many times. I’ve come quite close a few times and it’s one of those races that is extremely difficult to win and, maybe this is the year!"
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 04/06/2026
Could a cost cap be used instead of Balance of Performance in the future in endurance racing? Maybe, maybe not. Toyota's David Floury sees issues with the approach. Read more in the latest @ontheapex.com article on the 2030 Hypercar/GTP regulations 👉 www.ontheapex.com/2030-hyperca...
Text reads:

Toyota's Floury, meanwhile, believes a cost cap would be incredibly hard to regulate fairly.
'I think it could be definitely a consideration,' said the Frenchman. 
'How do you consider the costs accordingly? It's going to be very difficult. So far the cost caps have been applied in championships where manufacturers have the same number of cars in the championship and they race only in a single championship.
'But when you have manufacturers operating with external teams, such as BMW with WRT, Alpine with Signatech, Cadillac with JOTA, I guess it makes it even more difficult to compare this kind of organisation with an organisation such as us where everything is integrated.
'I see quite some challenges to apply this to endurance racing.'
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 03/06/2026
The first official issue of the @ontheapex.com newsletter is here! 🟢 This week it's looking at the 2030 Hypercar/GTP regulations and what the manufacturers have told me about the direction of travel, with a lot still to be decided. 👉 www.ontheapex.com/2030-hyperca...
ontheapex.com
The 2030 Hypercar/GTP regulations: what the manufacturers are saying
An inside look at the 2030 top class prototype regulations, examining the compromise, conflict, and uncertainties ahead.
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 01/06/2026
🗞️ NEWS 🗞️ After years covering sportscar racing for others, I've launched my own newsletter. On The Apex goes out this Wednesday with input from Porsche, BMW, Toyota and McLaren on the 2030 Hypercar/GTP regs. Then I'm at Le Mans. Come along for the ride. 🏁 www.ontheapex.com/introducing-...
ontheapex.com
On The Apex is here. And Le Mans is just around the corner.
Hypercar/GTP regulations, manufacturer insight, and in-person Le Mans coverage coming up.
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 01/06/2026
🎨 I think Genesis's new livery must be the first volcano-inspired livery in motorsport history. 👉 www.ontheapex.com/genesis-magm...
The #17 and #19 Genesis GMR-001s in Le Mans livery, orange-red front-back gradient with 'Magma' in Korean alphabet livery.
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 01/06/2026
How did the #31 Action Express Cadillac take the victory at Detroit? Pretty easily as it turns out. Jack Aitken & Earl Bamber controlled the race. They pitted earlier than some rivals; the #25 BMW and #6 Porsche proved the overcut was the best strategy. But the #31 still prevailed on the streets.
A data visualisation of the 2026 IMSA Detroit race, showing how the #31 Cadillac won through a gap evolution visualisation.

Text reads:

How #31 Cadillac came out on top in Detroit chaos
The #31 Action Express Cadillac of Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber started on pole and controlled the race on the Detroit street circuit to take victory.
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 30/05/2026
"...a tremendous achievement for our motorsports, design and engineering teams. Congratulations to Whelen Cadillac and Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports teams on hard-earned victories at our home race.” 🧵 1/2 📸 Kevin Dejewski @kevindmotors.bsky.social
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 30/05/2026
Mark Reuss, President, General Motors: “What a special day for General Motors and the Cadillac Racing and Corvette Racing teams in Detroit. Winning both classes of the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic on the streets of the Motor City is... 🧵 1/2 📸 Kevin Dejewski @kevindmotors.bsky.social
Winning #3 Corvette on the streets of Detroit, in the shadow of the GM Renaissance Centre
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 30/05/2026
"We had a good strategy and a good pit stop. It really doesn't get a lot better than that. So, we're going to soak in in baby.” 📸 Kevin Dejewski @kevindmotors.bsky.social
#31 Action Express Cadillac on the street of Detroit, on course to take victory
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 30/05/2026
Jack Aitken on taking the win in General Motors' hometown: “To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac, with so many friends and family with us. My team absolutely nailed it. All of Whelen Cadillac, they put in an awesome lap (yesterday)." 📸 Kevin Dejewski @kevindmotors.bsky.social
Jack Aitken celebrating his race win in Detroit, standing on his car in the middle of the crowd, with the GM Renaissance Centre in the background
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Phil Oakley @phil.ontheapex.com · 30/05/2026
Obviously quite late, but in an attempt to update the @ontheapex.com site with more up to date content, I've just put a gallery online of the McLaren MCL-HY, the manufacturer's new 2027 LMDh prototype. www.ontheapex.com/gallery-mcla...
ontheapex.com
GALLERY: McLaren's 2027 WEC Hypercar, the MCL-HY
It's papaya orange. What else did you think it was going to be? It'll make its WEC debut next year and is currently deep into a robust testing programme.
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