The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona delivered another unforgettable Florida sports weekend. Crowds filled Daytona International Speedway despite heavy overnight fog. The fog created the longest caution period in race history. Fans waited more than six hours for green‑flag action. The delay added tension to an already demanding event.
Porsche Penske Claims Overall Victory in Front of a Florida Crowd
Porsche Penske Motorsport won its third straight Rolex 24. Felipe Nasr drove the No. 7 Porsche 963 to the finish. Nasr grew up in Brazil but lives part‑time in Florida. His Florida ties energized local fans. He shared the victory with Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich. The win added another chapter to Porsche’s Daytona legacy.
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A Tight GTP Battle Highlights the Final Hour
Jack Aitken nearly caught Nasr in the closing laps. Aitken drove the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac with Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti, and Connor Zilisch. The Cadillac team finished only 1.569 seconds behind. Florida fans roared as the leaders battled through traffic. The finish ranked among the closest in recent Daytona history.
LMP2 Victory for CrowdStrike Racing by APR
The LMP2 class produced a steady and disciplined performance. CrowdStrike Racing by APR captured the class win. Alex Quinn secured the final stint with strong pace. He shared the No. 04 ORECA with George Kurtz, Toby Sowery, and Malthe Jakobsen. Their margin of victory reached 5.590 seconds.
GTD Pro and GTD Deliver Hard Racing for Local Fans
Florida fans enjoyed fierce GTD Pro and GTD battles. Both classes featured heavy traffic and constant strategy changes. The Daytona Beach News‑Journal confirmed four class winners across the field. The GTD Pro fight showcased factory strength. The GTD class delivered a tight finish after long green‑flag runs.
A Major Boost for Florida Tourism and Local Businesses
The Rolex 24 remains one of Florida’s largest annual motorsports events. Hotels across Volusia County reported strong bookings. Restaurants and local shops saw heavy weekend traffic. The race continues to anchor Daytona’s winter tourism season. Florida’s motorsports economy benefits from the global attention.
A Strong Start to IMSA’s 2026 Season in the Sunshine State
The 2026 Rolex 24 again proved Daytona’s importance to world racing. Porsche Penske celebrated another milestone in front of loyal Florida fans. The event launched the IMSA season with major momentum. Florida’s racing community now looks ahead to Sebring in March.
