Felipe Nasr Grasps Triumphant Victory in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona
A Legendary Victory Unfolds
In a captivating display of endurance and precision, Felipe Nasr propelled the No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 to victory in the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona, securing the team’s maiden overall win in over five decades. With just 45 minutes remaining, Nasr seized the lead from Tom Blomqvist during a pit stop under yellow and fended off persistent challenges from the No. 31 Action Express Cadillac V-Series.R, which had initially claimed pole position.
A Historic Triumph for Penske
This momentous victory marks a historic moment for Roger Penske, the legendary team owner who has now conquered some of the most prestigious motorsports events. In 1969, Penske triumphed on the Daytona International Speedway road course in a Lola T-70/Chevrolet, and in 2023, Team Penske secured both the Indy 500 and NASCAR Cup Series championships. With this latest triumph, Penske sets his sights on conquering the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the coveted endurance race that has eluded his grasp thus far.
A Collaborative Effort Propels Success
Nasr, who joined Porsche Penske Motorsport last year, humbly attributed the victory to a collaborative effort and strategic fuel management. His teammates, Matt Campbell, Dane Cameron, and Josef Newgarden, played pivotal roles in the team’s success. Notably, Newgarden became the second reigning Indy 500 winner to conquer the Rolex 24 in the past three years, etching his name into the annals of history.
Porsche’s Resurgence: A Testament to Perseverance
This victory marks Porsche’s glorious return to the top step of the podium at Daytona after a 14-year hiatus. It also signifies the maiden endurance victory for Porsche Penske Motorsport since entering the rebranded GTP category last year. After a challenging 2023 season, the team tirelessly developed and refined their new hybrid prototype, culminating in this remarkable triumph at the Rolex 24.
A Close Contest: A Battle for the Ages
The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona lived up to its reputation as one of the most fiercely competitive endurance races in the world. The lead changed hands several times, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the checkered flag waved. Blomqvist nearly secured a third consecutive Rolex 24 victory for Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06, but ultimately fell short by a mere 2.112 seconds. Pipo Derani and the No. 31 Action Express Cadillac V-Series.R team put up a valiant fight, finishing in second place. Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti’s Louis Deletraz rounded out the overall podium in the No. 40 ARX-06.
Other Category Winners: Celebrating Excellence Across the Field
Beyond the overall victory, other categories also celebrated their own triumphs:
– LMP2: No. 18 Era Motorsports ORECA LMP2 07 of Dwight Merriman, Ryan Dalziel, Connor Zilisch, and Christian Rasmussen
– GTD Pro: No. 62 Risi Competizione 296 GT3 of Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Daniel Serra, and Davide Rigon
– GTD: No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes AMG GT3 of Russell Ward, Philip Ellis, Indy Dontje, and Daniel Morad
A Thrilling Conclusion: Etched in the Annals of History
The 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona lived up to its billing as one of the most challenging and exciting endurance races in the world. With a captivating finish and numerous lead changes, the race kept fans enthralled until the very end. Felipe Nasr and Porsche Penske Motorsport emerged victorious, etching their names in the illustrious history books of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.