Aghakhani and MLT Motorsports Sweep Daytona Race Weekend

Daytona Beach, FL (January 22, 2024) – This past weekend marked the second season for the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, but it was a weekend of firsts for MLT Motorsports and up-and-coming driver Steven Aghakhani. Debuting in the No. 6 Chartered International LLP Ligier JS LMP3, Aghakhani qualified on the pole and swept both 45-minute sprint races in dominating fashion. A dream come true for the 20-year-old from Los Angeles, CA.

“Racing at Daytona in the No. 6 Chartered International LLP Ligier was an unreal experience,” said Aghakhani. “Growing up young and watching all the races at Daytona to the first time driving on the banking was an absolutely breathtaking moment in my racing career.”

“What a way to start the 2024 season,” said Team Owner Dr. Michael Thompson. “We have watched Steven’s career grow over the years, and to have him get his first prototype win in our car is a very proud moment. Everybody on this team put in a tremendous amount of work, and it showed this weekend. We’re so excited for Steven and each member of this team.”

During Saturday’s race, Aghakhani started from the pole but lost the lead to Alex Kirby due to cold tires. Aghakhani stayed tight to Kirby’s bumper, stalking him for most of the race. Then, with just over two minutes remaining, Aghakhani made his move, heading into the infield section of the 3.56-mile road course. Slight contact was made, but Aghakhani held on for the win, his first career IMSA win in a prototype. It also marked his first start and win at the historic Daytona International Speedway.

“The high points from Saturday’s race were absolutely everything!” Aghakhani continued, “From the start of the weekend to the very last lap, I can’t even describe what I’m feeling right now.”

Sunday’s race saw Aghakhani again lead the field to the green flag. For the better part of the 45-minute sprint race, Aghakhani had a spirited battle with Cody Ware for the lead. Twenty-six minutes into the race, Ware maneuvered around Aghakhani for the lead, but 16 minutes later, Aghakhani regained the P1 position in traffic and never looked back. A full-course caution late in the race had the MLT Motorsports team holding their breath for a one-lap shootout to the finish. Aghakhani easily held off Ware, crossing the line first to sweep the weekend.

“Our race two strategy was the same as race one,” said Aghakhani. “Keep our nose clean, head down, and let our pace do the talking. My biggest takeaway from race one was getting a more aggressive tire warmup on the formation lap to have a stronger start in race two, which we did.”

Overall, it was a tremendous weekend for Aghakhani. He checked a lot of firsts off his list in a short 48-hour period.

“I learned a lot about moving around in traffic and competitively driving with our LMP3 cars on track.” Aghakhani continued, “Overall, it was an amazing weekend, and the entire MLT Motorsports team, including myself, had a superb amount of positives to take home, including some trophy hardware!”

The MLT Motorsports returns to action for the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge March 8-10 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, FL.

###

About MLT Motorsports:

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Mike Thompson, MLT Motorsports has established itself as a premier team amongst the IMSA paddock in the LMP3 category. Based near Road Atlanta the team has easy access to some of the best road courses in the country and importantly Florida, where the sportscar racing world kicks off every winter at Daytona and Sebring. Constant investment and maintenance have seen the team arrive at each race weekend with top-notch race cars and state-of the art equipment.

Early success can be attributed to the hard work and experience the team possesses as the first win came on their second start at Mid-Ohio in 2019. During the 2021 season MLT finished off the podium only once on the way to a double championship win; earning the IMSA Prototype Challenge Team’s and Driver’s Championship with drivers Dakota Dickerson and Josh Sarchet. Parlaying the success of 2021 Championship MLT made its IMSA Weathertech Championship debut at Mid-Ohio in May of 2022 joining the ranks of the best sportscar teams in the world.

For inquiries on testing and race programs email us at: info@mltmotorsports.com