A 1-2 win for the ages at the Rolex 24 at Daytona
Starting its 18th year, the Corvette Racing Team added its most exciting victory to date on January 30-31 at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Pratt & Miller debuted two new C7.R GT2 Corvettes, (# 4 chassis 004 & # 3 chassis 005) that finished 1-2 in GTLM.
They beat a strong field of the latest GTLM contenders from Porsche (911 GT) plus turbocharged entries from Ferrari (488), BMW (M6) and Ford (GT).
As the race unfolded, each Corvette was positioned to win despite a stop and go penalty, caution periods, different pit stop strategies and tire changes.
Five cars were on the lead lap after 23 hours of racing including both Corvettes. Watch the final 9 minutes.
Throwing caution to the wind, Program Manager Doug Fehan let his drivers battle it out.
Oliver Gavin and Antonio Garcia swapped positions on the next to final lap.
It was the closest margin of victory in 54 years of sports car racing at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.
Race Recap Video (5 min 47 sec)
Luck always figures in. Electronic Transmission gremlins proved costly at the start for each of the revolutionary new Ecoboost Ford GTs. Driveline failure set back one of the Porsches. A crash took out a BMW.
# 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Daytona Prototype dropped back late leaving victory overall to # 2 Ligier Honda P2.
# 90 Visit Florida Racing based nearby was third overall.
Results compiled by Wayne Ellwood
Next Race is Sebring 12 Hrs Saturday March 19, 2016
