Porsche Penske Makes Endurance History at Daytona
In a dramatic and weather-affected race, the Porsche Penske Motorsport team has etched its name into the history books, securing an unprecedented third consecutive victory at the legendary Rolex 24 At Daytona. The triumph was sealed by Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr, who piloted the No. 7 Porsche 963 across the finish line after a grueling 24-hour battle on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway.
A Race of Patience and Precision
The 62nd running of this iconic IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship opener was far from straightforward. Dense fog descended over the circuit in the early morning hours, forcing race officials to display the red flag and halt the action for over two hours. This lengthy safety period tested the strategy and composure of every team, compressing the final sprint to the finish into an intense daylight battle.
Late-Race Drama Secures the Win
As the green flag flew again, the battle for the overall win reignited with ferocious intensity. The No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R, driven by Jack Aitken, mounted a relentless charge, pressuring the leading Porsche for the final hours. The two prototypes ran nose-to-tail, with Nasr expertly managing his pace and traffic to defend the lead. The decisive moment came in the final laps, as Nasr held off every attack to take the checkered flag by a narrow margin, securing a landmark victory for the team.
This historic three-peat for Porsche and Team Penske underscores their mastery of endurance racing’s unique challenges. The win required a flawless performance from drivers Felipe Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell, and Josef Newgarden, coupled with impeccable strategy and pit work from the entire crew. The result solidifies Porsche Penske Motorsport’s dominance in the GTP era and sets a formidable benchmark for the rest of the IMSA season.