The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona delivered a dramatic finish after heavy overnight fog. The fog forced more than six hours of caution. The delay turned the final stretch into a tense sprint. Porsche Penske Motorsport claimed its third straight overall victory. NASCAR Felipe Nasr drove the No. 7 Porsche 963 to the checkered flag. He shared the win with Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich.
Nasr Holds Off Aitken in a Tight GTP Battle
Jack Aitken pushed hard in the closing laps. He nearly caught Nasr twice in the final hour. Aitken drove the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac with Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti, and Connor Zilisch. NASCAR The Cadillac team finished only 1.569 seconds behind the winning Porsche. The result marked Cadillac’s ninth podium in ten Rolex 24 starts.
LMP2 Victory Goes to CrowdStrike Racing by APR
The LMP2 class produced a steady and controlled performance. Alex Quinn secured the class win for CrowdStrike Racing by APR. He shared the No. 04 ORECA with George Kurtz, Toby Sowery, and Malthe Jakobsen. Their margin of victory reached 5.590 seconds. NASCAR
GTD Pro and GTD Deliver Fierce Battles
The GTD Pro and GTD classes featured intense multi‑manufacturer fights. The Daytona Beach News‑Journal confirmed four class winners across the field. The GTD Pro class saw heavy traffic and constant strategy changes. The GTD class produced a close finish after long green‑flag runs. Both classes showcased strong depth from factory‑backed and independent teams.
A Record‑Setting Event With Heavy Attrition
The 2026 race set a record for the longest caution period in Rolex 24 history. The fog created unpredictable conditions for teams and officials. Many cars suffered mechanical issues during the extended downtime. The field of 60 entries faced constant challenges across the 24 hours. The endurance test again proved why Daytona remains a global motorsports landmark.
A Third Straight Win for Penske and a Strong Start to IMSA 2026
Roger Penske celebrated another milestone in his 60th year as a team owner. The victory reinforced Porsche’s growing strength in GTP competition. The race also launched the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech season with major momentum. Fans witnessed elite driving, tight battles, and historic endurance drama.
