Daytona Friday Highlights: Sportscar365 Coverage
The final practice session ahead of the Rolex 24 at Daytona showcased intense preparations and notable performances. The Autosport team worked tirelessly to repair their Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R after it caught fire during Thursday’s practice. Despite the scare, the engine sustained no damage, affirming the team’s readiness for competition.
Significant Performances in Practice
In the recent session, Matt Bell recorded the third-fastest time in the GTD class. He drives alongside a lineup that previously won in this category last year. Team owner Orey Fidani praised his crew’s dedication, stating, “They took the whole car apart overnight and put it back together for today.” The team is now focused on clinching victory at this year’s race.
Key Session Highlights
A brief practice session for FIA Bronze-rated drivers preceded the final practice. Chris Cumming (LMP2), Kenny Habul (GTD Pro), and Ryan Hardwick (GTD) topped the unofficial timings.
Balance of Performance Adjustments
IMSA’s managing director of engineering, Matt Kurdock, announced that this weekend’s Balance of Performance will utilize the homologation parameters of each car, disregarding previous track data. This decision takes into account adjustments made for LMDh cars and the new Michelin tires introduced for both GTP and GTD classes.
Kurdock mentioned plans for IMSA to return to a rolling race average starting with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.
Tire Strategy Insights
With warmer temperatures anticipated for the race, Penske Racing President Jonathan Diuguid predicted a lesser impact from Michelin’s new Soft tire. Teams can use the Soft tire between Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m., while the Medium compound remains unrestricted throughout the event.
Diuguid highlighted the importance of tire strategy, stating, “I think there will be some Soft usage…rather than it being the preferred tire.”
Porsche’s Commitment to GTP
Porsche Motorsport’s Thomas Laudenbach confirmed the company’s commitment to the factory Porsche Penske Motorsport program beyond next year. Reports indicate that Penske has a contract with Porsche until the end of the 2027 season.
Reigning GTP champion Matt Campbell faces a unique experience this season, as his long-time friend and co-driver, Mathieu Jaminet, is absent. Jaminet has signed with Genesis Magma Racing in the WEC and misses his first Rolex 24 since 2021.
Noteworthy Historical Pursuits
Three-time champion Felipe Nasr aims to etch his name alongside Peter Gregg and Helio Castroneves by winning the race for three consecutive years.
Preparation of New Teams
The WRT team, competing with its two-car factory BMW M Hybrid V8, has qualified ninth and tenth, showcasing potential despite earlier struggles. Team principal Vincent Vosse expressed optimism about their GTP debut.
Porsche’s Mirko Bortolotti is making his debut with Pfaff Motorsports and has familial ties to the team manager, Steve Bortolotti, further enriching the event’s narrative.
Ferrari’s Competitive Edge
Ferrari’s head of endurance race cars, Ferdinando Cannizzo, expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive feedback for the Evo update on the 296 GT3. The No. 033 Triarsi Competizione car is set to start fourth in GTD Pro, while the No. 21 AF Corse entry is sixth in its class.
Mercedes-AMG Confidence
Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, reported significant improvements compared to last year. He noted increased confidence among drivers and team chiefs heading into the event.
Heart of Racing continues to evaluate its lineup for the No. 27 Aston Martin, while United Autosports clarifies its driver rosters for its WeatherTech Championship LMP2 entries.
As competitors gear up for the Rolex 24, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and determination, promising an exhilarating race ahead.
