July 1, 2021 – Llarena took the reins of the No. 38 Ligier JSP320 for his first ever IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship qualifying session locking in the Motul Pole Award with a lap time of 1:42.633. The 17-year-old Guatemalan wowed the crowd qualifying a full 7/10’s of a second faster than the rest of the field. This coveted starting position is a key piece in the teenage duo of Llarena and co-driver Rasmus Lindh’s plan as they push for the podium’s top step tomorrow, July 2, in the WeatherTech 240.

 

“That was a mega qualifying by Mateo,” Team Principal Brent O’Neill said. “After our rough run with engine issues this was exactly what we needed. It’s so impressive watching these young kids out there. I think we definitely have the drivers and car to win tomorrow, we just need to keep our nose clean and stay consistent.”

 

“This was quite good,” Llarena said. “I did not expect to be able to get this today. We had been struggling all day with the changing conditions and we didn’t really know where that would leave us at the start of qualifying. The car was really great out there and I was able to get a quick lap. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”

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"And he got it done! Super proud of Mateo  for putting his LMP3 on pole for at IMSA round Watkins Glen."  Gustavo Yacaman said. "Great job by the whole Performance team.  Very proud of Yacademy’s driver for his maiden IMSA pole position".

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The WeatherTech 240 takes place tomorrow, July 2, at 6:10 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast live through its entirety on NBCSN and NBC Sports Gold TrackPass. 

 

RACE DAY TO DO:

IPC Round 4: 11:45-1:30 p.m. ET

IWSC Fan Walk: 5:05-5:50 p.m.

IWSC WeatherTech 240: 6:10-8:50 p.m.