Jodie Sloss makes French GT return with second place, double class podium in Nogaro

Jodie Sloss made a highly positive return to the FFSA French GT Championship, securing second- and third-place finishes in the AM class alongside Mirage Racing teammate David Levy during the traditional Easter Cup season opener at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro.

Photo credits: Mirage Racing

Jodie Sloss made a highly positive return to the FFSA French GT Championship, securing second- and third-place finishes in the AM class alongside Mirage Racing teammate David Levy during the traditional Easter Cup season opener at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro.

Despite battling some technical issues during the weekend, the duo delivered a determined performance that showed clear progress following their promising rookie campaign in 2025.

Returning as one of the most consistent pairings on last year’s grid, Sloss and Levy arrived at Nogaro after a season defined by steady development and regular podium finishes. Their 2025 campaign had seen them emerge as AM class frontrunners, beginning with a first podium at Dijon before embarking on an uninterrupted run of top-three finishes through to the finale.

Across the season, they collected six class podiums - including runner-up finishes at Dijon and Spa-Francorchamps - and achieved a milestone victory at Spa, ultimately securing third overall in the AM standings. For Sloss, adapting to new circuits on her first international campaign, while steadily building confidence marked a major step forward, and continuity with Mirage Racing and Levy provided a strong platform entering 2026.

Sloss immediately demonstrated competitive pace during the opening official practice session, setting a 1:32.7 lap that placed her second in the AM class early in the running. As the session progressed, the class remained extremely tight, with the top three separated by only a handful of tenths. Sloss ultimately finished third in class with a best time of 1:32.575.

In the afternoon’s second practice session, David Levy took the wheel to begin the session, posting a 1:33.20 lap that again positioned the #5 Aston Martin Vantage third in class. When Sloss returned to the cockpit later in the session, she improved the benchmark to a 1:33.020, maintaining third position.

Sunday morning qualifying began with Sloss driving Q1. She immediately showed strong pace, recording a 1:32.5 on her first flying lap before improving significantly to a 1:31.8, briefly securing second place in AM. A late improvement from Lemeret dropped her to third in class before the session was interrupted by a red flag after Joran Leneutre spun and hit the wall.

Following the restart, no major improvements were recorded in the AM class, leaving Sloss third in class and 13th overall with a best time of 1:31.851, just seven tenths away from pole position.

Levy then took over for Q2 and initially set a 1:33.416, placing third in class and inside the overall top ten. The session was again disrupted by a red flag when Pascal Huteau’s Alpine stopped on track. After the restart with six minutes remaining, Levy improved to a 1:32.120, breaking the 1:33 barrier and securing 13th overall while maintaining third in AM. The Mirage Racing duo would therefore start both races from third in class.

Photo credits: bendemacedo

Sloss took the start of Race 1 from 13th overall and third in AM, navigating a clean launch as the lights went out for the opening race of the season. She quickly settled into rhythm while managing traffic from the Alpine Cup class, running closely behind class rivals Lemeret and Ferrarin, with Enzo Richer positioned between the AM contenders.

An early neutralisation led to a restart at the end of lap five, after which Sloss continued to apply pressure while maintaining competitive lap times. Strong early pace lifted her to 11th overall while retaining third in class. Mid-race battles in the tight midfield briefly cost positions to Blanchemain’s Audi and Reynolds’ Pro-Am Toyota, but Sloss responded with consistent laps in the low 1:32 range, comparable to the leading AM runners, and reclaimed ground before the pit window opened.

Staying out longer than several rivals, Sloss cycled as high as ninth overall before pitting on lap 19 from third in class after a composed and consistent opening stint.

Levy rejoined 13th overall, maintaining third in AM while navigating heavy traffic. With 15 minutes remaining, drama struck when the #20 Porsche of Van Straaten became stranded in the gravel at Turn 1, triggering a Full Course Yellow that was later upgraded to a Safety Car, bunching up the field.

At the restart with seven minutes remaining, Levy found himself back in contention: the race turned decisively when AM class leader Ferrarin was forced to pit with technical issues on lap 33, promoting Levy into second place with just two minutes remaining.

Clearing traffic in the closing laps, Levy closed rapidly on Auriacombe and crossed the line only two tenths of a second short of victory, securing second in AM and an impressive seventh overall finish.

“A strong result considering how the day unfolded,” said Sloss afterwards. “We encountered a few minor issues in qualifying that carried into the race, but the team did an outstanding job to keep everything on track. Great progress made, and we’re hoping to be in an even stronger position tomorrow.”

Photo credits: bendemacedo

Monday morning’s second race began with Levy starting the opening stint from 13th overall and third in AM. Early drama immediately reshaped the class battle when championship contender Julien Briche was spun by Joshua Henry’s Toyota on the opening lap, promoting Levy into second in class and 11th overall.

Levy quickly closed onto leader Auriacombe’s Alpine, applying sustained pressure before the Safety Car was deployed following contact between a Toyota and an Alpine on lap four. At the restart, Levy remained within one second of the lead while managing traffic.

Capitalising on Pro-Am traffic, Levy found himself in the AM class lead on lap ten. However, Briche was rapidly recovering through the field and rejoined the fight, while further drama unfolded when Joshua Henry collided with Rudy Servol, prompting a Full Course Yellow on lap 13.

At this stage Levy was defending the lead with visible rear damage, including a loose rear diffuser. Racing resumed on lap 16 with 29 minutes remaining, and Levy fought to maintain position until the pit window opened.

After handing over the wounded Aston Martin to Sloss, she delivered a strong out-lap, but shortly afterwards was forced back into the pits as the car slowed with ongoing technical issues. Rejoining 18th overall and third in AM, Sloss faced a challenging run to the finish.

Another neutralisation followed when Blanchemain’s Audi ended up in the gravel, bringing out both FCY and Safety Car periods. Despite the technical issues, Sloss pushed to the end, setting the team’s fastest lap of the race in 1:32.851 after the final restart with 11 minutes remaining.

Although too far from class rivals to challenge for position, she gained one overall place in the closing stages and brought the car home 19th overall, securing third in AM and valuable championship points.

Despite mechanical setbacks across the weekend, the Nogaro opener marked a highly encouraging start to the season for Sloss and Levy. The double podium confirmed a clear step forward in performance for the Mirage Racing pairing, with Sloss firmly establishing herself as a consistent front-runner in the AM class.

The Scottish driver will now turn her focus toward the next round at Dijon on 16–17 May, aiming to build on a promising opening weekend.