Penske Takes Top Honors after 55yr Rolex 24hr Winless Streak
In the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona, the battle centered on two cars, the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-Series.R and the No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963.
Over 19 hours in, the Porsche gained a lead, but the Cadillac, driven by Derani and Blomqvist, fought back. Blomqvist’s daring pass at Turn 1 with 1 hour and 20 minutes left shifted the lead.
A full-course caution with 52 minutes remaining reset the race for a final sprint.
Nasr’s crew got him out ahead after the pits opened with 8 minutes left. Nasr held the lead, securing victory 2.112 seconds ahead of the No. 31 Cadillac.
The win marked Porsche’s 23rd overall victory at Daytona.
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Team Penske celebrated a significant win, reflecting on past victories in 1966 and 1969.
Porsche’s return to IMSA’s GTP era in 2023 aimed for increased reliability, which was evident with four hybrids finishing in the top six.
Cameron, emotional in Victory Lane, highlighted the team’s hard work and progress.
For Campbell and Nasr, it was their first overall win, a testament to their team’s perseverance and skill.
GTD PRO
Finally, Risi Competizione secures Rolex 24 glory after years of endurance racing success. Giuseppe Risi’s team, a force since ’98, clinched class victories at Le Mans, Sebring, and Petit Le Mans but lacked a Daytona win.
Daniel Serra, Davide Rigon, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and James Calado piloted the No. 62 Ferrari to victory. Their triumph, by a lap, over the No. 77 Porsche, earned them coveted Rolex timepieces. Serra expressed immense joy, deeming it one of his racing career’s happiest days.
The No. 62 Ferrari’s dominance was evident, leading the last 82 laps despite early challenges. The race tested GTD PRO cars early, with the reigning champion facing an early setback. Paul Miller Racing’s BMW suffered brake issues, clearing the path for the No. 77 Porsche.
Risi Competizione’s win showcased the Ferrari 296 GT3’s strength, earning praise for Giuseppe Risi. For Serra, Rigon, and Calado, it marked their first Rolex 24 win, adding to Pier Guidi’s prior victory. Calado lauded Risi, emphasizing the team’s long-deserved success and promising prospects.
GTD
Winward Racing, led by Morad, orchestrated a stunning GTD class victory in the No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3. Morad, emotional after the win, reflected on his journey and the overwhelming joy of victory.
Starting 17th, the team battled adversity, marking a turnaround from a challenging 2023 season. Despite 12 different GTD leaders, the No. 57 Mercedes surged ahead in the final laps, leading 123 of the last 134 and 383 overall.
The podium saw Ferrari securing second to fourth positions, with AF Corse’s No. 21 Ferrari finishing closest to the victors. A late-race incident involving the pole-winning Lexus RC F GT3 dashed its hopes, aiding Morad’s charge to victory. Morad praised his team and the flawless performance of their car.
The season resumes with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 16 at Sebring International Raceway.
Article by AutomotiveWoman.com Editor, Juliana Chiovitti, aka @AutomotiveWoman online
IMAGES: IMSA
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