KP INSIDER – Excitement Builds as the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona Kicks Off IMSA Season
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season is set to start with the highly anticipated 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona. Scheduled to begin at 1:40pm ET, this endurance race promises to deliver thrilling action and intense competition among the world’s top sports car drivers.
Leading the pack is Pipo Derani, who secured pole position for the race in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac Racing V-Series.R. Derani’s impressive performance during qualifying has put him in the prime position to battle it out for victory.
In the LMP2 category, Ben Keating of United Autosports ORECA 07 claimed the pole position. Keating’s skill behind the wheel of the No. 2 car has positioned him as a formidable contender in the upcoming race.
Meanwhile, AO Racing has taken the lead in the GT class after Seb Priaulx secured the GTD PRO pole in the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R. With Priaulx’s exceptional qualifying run, AO Racing is expected to put up a strong fight for the class victory.
One team that is generating considerable buzz is Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 01 V-Series.R. With their impressive track record and powerful car, they are considered to be a strong contender for the overall win in this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Another team to watch out for is Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Acura. Although they face challenges due to the weight of their Acuras, they are relying on strategic planning to overcome these obstacles and make their mark on the race.
Not leaving anything to chance, Whelen Engineering Cadillac Racing is prepared for any potential issues during the race. They have stocked up on spare parts and adopted a disaster-times-two mentality, ensuring that they will be able to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
In a last-minute change, Pietro Fittipaldi has replaced Clément Novalak in the LMP2 No. 52 Inter Europol by PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA due to injury. Fittipaldi will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and contribute to his team’s success.
Adding to the excitement, the Fan Zone features the Heritage Display, showcasing iconic racing cars. Among the highlights is the Dauer 962 LM, the car that emerged victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1994.
As the race kicks off, it’s important to note that minimum drive times and restrictions are in place for the different car classes participating in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. This ensures a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
For those unable to attend the race in person, the Rolex 24 At Daytona can be streamed on NBC’s Peacock platform and USA Network. Additionally, fans can tune in to IMSA Radio for comprehensive coverage of the event.
Weather conditions are expected to play a role in the outcome of the race. With warm temperatures forecasted, drivers will have to navigate changing track conditions. Furthermore, there is a chance of rain on Sunday morning, adding an element of unpredictability to the already intense competition.
As all eyes turn to the iconic Daytona International Speedway, racing enthusiasts and sports car fans eagerly await the start of the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona. With a star-studded lineup of drivers, fierce competition, and potential surprises, this event is certain to live up to its reputation as one of the most thrilling races in the world.
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