HSR Classic 24 at Daytona: In a weekend overshadowed by the NASCAR Championship festivities, another NASCAR track hosted a spectacle of a different kind. Historic Sportscar Racing brought the curtains down on its 2023 Classic 24 at Daytona, leaving racing enthusiasts enthralled with a captivating blend of drama, excitement, and cherished memories.
Amidst the action, legendary race cars, once icons of the track, roared back to life. The atmosphere was undeniably charged, with drivers displaying aggressive determination, all vying for the coveted winner’s watch and a place on the podium.
Among the standout duos of the event was the pairing of Adrian Newey, a revered 14-time F1 winning Race Engineer currently affiliated with Red Bull, and Jim Farley, the esteemed CEO of Ford. Their dominance in Group A, featuring a mix of cars spanning from the ’70s to the ’50s, was evident as they piloted a classic 1965 Ford GT40. Their skillful driving earned them accolades, marking an impressive performance in each of their four stints.
Group F provided its fair share of excitement, with three DPis (Wayne Taylor Racing #10, JDC-Miller #5, Cadillac Racing #02) alongside ERA motorsport entries and IMSA GTD contenders from Turner Motorsports. The #5 JDC-Miller DPi, expertly driven by Gérard Lopez, showcased remarkable speed, holding its own against fellow DPis throughout the weekend.
Yet, the charm of HSR’s event lies in its ability to spotlight lesser-known entries on the grid. True relics graced the track, including a 1964 Morgan, skillfully handled by Kenneth Greenberg. Classic Prototypes and GTPs from bygone eras added to the nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of racing’s rich history.
Even NASCAR veteran Joe Nemechek contributed to the eclectic mix, bringing a fleet of NASCAR stock cars to the grid, infusing diversity into the event.
The Classic 24 proved to be a racing aficionado’s dream come true, a testament to the enduring allure of motorsport’s golden age.
ALSO READ: Historic Sportscar Racing Takes Daytona by Storm: 25-Hour Classic Event
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the 24-hour endurance race at Daytona?
The Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, formerly known as the 24 Hours of DAYTONA, is a grueling 24-hour sports car endurance race that marks the start of the IMSA Weather Tech SportsCar Championship season at Daytona International Speedway. This annual event tests the limits of drivers and their vehicles, as they push themselves to the brink of exhaustion in pursuit of victory. With its rich history and challenging course, the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA is a must-see event for any motorsports enthusiast.
Who won the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1992?
The No. 23 Nissan Motorsport International Nissan R91CP, piloted by Masahiro Hasemi, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, and Toshio Suzuki, emerged victorious in both the overall and LM class categories. Their exceptional driving skills and teamwork propelled them to the top spot, leaving their competitors in the dust. This impressive feat is a testament to the Nissan team’s dedication and commitment to excellence.
How many miles will a Rolex 24 go?
If you were to complete 833 laps, you would have traveled a distance of 2,965.48 miles. To put that into perspective, it’s like driving from Daytona Beach to Los Angeles, then heading north to San Francisco, and finally ending your journey in Santa Rosa, California – the heart of wine country!
What were the results of the Rolex 24 at Daytona?
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian emerged victorious at Daytona, with Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, Helio Castroneves, and Simon Pagenaud taking the top prize. Blomqvist, who secured pole position, dominated the first two hours in his Acura ARX-06 and continued his impressive performance in the final two hours. The team’s exceptional teamwork and driving skills were on full display, securing a well-deserved win.
