Biding one’s time is a crucial part of making a pass stick, especially in the higher rungs of motorsport. Sure, drivers throw passes in on occasion that could only be generously described as “low-percentage,” but many times that’s to rattle an opponent’s cage. When it comes down to the wire, and a potential podium sits in front of a willing driver, sometimes there is only one chance to get through.

Here, Extreme Speed Motorsport’s Johannes Van Overbeek and his Ferrari 458 GTE pursues Jan Magnussen in his Corvette C6R through the daunting, high-speed corners at Mosport. The track is quite narrow, and the speeds are so high that making an off-line move is incredibly difficult. With the two drivers running nose-to-tail, and a GT3 RSR leading the three-car pack, there’s nothing between them. A bit of bobbing and weaving goes on, but with the finishing line in sight and the three drivers all standing a chance to win, the situation can get the best of people.

JVO’s Ferrari exudes balance, traction, and turn-in grip, which allows him to make a move on the Corvette.

That’s precisely what happened to Magnussen. Focused on the Porsche ahead, Van Overbeek eventually capitalized on. “I knew that was my only shot, and I intentionally did not telegraph it to him in the prior laps,” noted Van Overbeek. Recognizing that there might be an opportunity to strike, he wisely kept his hand to himself, and waited patiently for his one chance. With only a handful of corners before the checkered flag, Magnussen’s ignored the threat from behind. “He was so focused on the Porsche in front of him, that I squirted up the inside, and that was it.” With one deft squeeze up the inside, Van Overbeek took second, and that’s how you use cunning and speed to make up positions at the end, folks.