Porsche Penske Motorsport Secures Historic Overall Win at Rolex 24

Porsche Penske Motorsport made history at the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona, securing the German manufacturer’s first overall victory in more than 20 years. The thrilling race saw Felipe Nasr claim the lead during the final round of pit stops, defeating Tom Blomqvist of Action Express. The triumph marked Porsche’s record-breaking 19th overall Daytona 24-hour win and Team Penske’s first event win since 1969.

The intense battle between the GTP class entries saw Porsche excel in the cool morning conditions. Nasr built up a significant lead, but a caution for debris set the stage for a three-hour and 42-minute green flag stretch. Blomqvist temporarily took the lead, only to see it change hands once again during the final pit stops, where the Porsche capitalized on a 5 percent energy advantage over the Cadillac.

With the checkered flag waving, Nasr held off the hard-charging Blomqvist to secure the victory by a margin of 2.112 seconds. The Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Acura ARX-06, driven by Louis Deletraz, Jordan Taylor, Jenson Button, and Colton Herta, completed the overall podium in third place after a stoppage early in the race that put them one lap down.

The No. 6 Penske Porsche, despite facing multiple stop-and-hold penalties, finished in fourth place, followed by the Proton Competition Porsche in fifth. JDC-Miller Motorsports’ Porsche crossed the line in sixth position, while the Team RLL-run BMW M Hybrid V8s faced setbacks and ultimately placed seventh and eighth.

Notable retirements included the Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac and WTR Andretti’s Acura, both experiencing mechanical issues. Despite tire punctures and penalties, the Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac fought valiantly before coming to a halt. The overall race showcased fierce competition and showcased the endurance and skill of the drivers and their teams.