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The Rolex 24 At Daytona showcased some of the most intense moments in motorsport, particularly during the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class. Among the highlights was a breathtaking slide at 175mph by driver Phillip Ellis, which he has since labeled as one of the wildest moments of his career. This dramatic incident unfolded as Ellis engaged in a fierce competition for the lead against Nicki Thiim, ultimately resulting in a triumphant victory for the Winward Racing team.
Thrilling battle for GTD supremacy
During the final hours of the endurance race, the competition escalated between Ellis’s #57 Winward Mercedes-AMG GT3 and Thiim’s #44 Magnus Racing Aston Martin. The tension was palpable as they fought tooth and nail for the coveted first position, captivating the crowd with their relentless pursuit of glory. Just ten minutes before the end, a stunning maneuver saw Ellis narrowly maintain his lead after a brief moment of contact with Thiim, sending both cars into dramatic slides.
A heart-stopping moment
Ellis described the incident as an adrenaline-fueled experience that tested his driving skills to the limit. “It was a super-tight battle with Nicki,” he reflected. “When we made contact, I misjudged the situation a bit, but thankfully, we both managed to keep our cars under control.” His ability to recover quickly from the slide allowed him to maintain a slight edge over Thiim, concluding the race with a victory margin of just over a second.
Pushing the limits of racing
This intense duel not only showcased talent but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and strategy in endurance racing. Ellis shared the victory with co-drivers Russell Ward, Indy Dontje, and Lucas Auer, emphasizing the collective effort that contributed to their success. “It’s not just about one person; this win is a testament to our teamwork,” he noted. The Winward team celebrated their third GTD class victory at the Rolex 24, with previous wins in and, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in the series.
Paul Miller Racing’s impressive comeback
Meanwhile, Paul Miller Racing faced their own challenges during the race. After being disqualified from a front-row starting position due to technical violations, they began the race from the back of the pack. However, the team remained undeterred. Driver Neil Verhagen explained, “Starting from the back was daunting, but we knew we had 24 hours to make up for it.” Their perseverance paid off as they clinched victory in GTD PRO, showcasing the unpredictable nature of endurance racing.
Reflections on the race
Ellis’s thrilling experiences resonated with the fans and fellow competitors alike. The excitement of the last laps, characterized by high-speed battles and nail-biting moments, kept everyone on the edge of their seats. “I’m just glad that the contact didn’t affect our ability to race hard until the end,” he remarked. His thoughts were echoed by Thiim, who acknowledged the fierce competition but also expressed disappointment in finishing second. “It was an insane battle, and while I’m frustrated, I must commend the Winward team for their performance,” he stated.
The Rolex 24 At Daytona served as a vivid reminder of why fans flock to endurance racing. The combination of skill, strategy, and raw emotion creates an electrifying atmosphere that is hard to replicate. Ellis’s heart-stopping slide was just one of many highlights that contributed to the race’s legacy, ensuring its place in the annals of motorsport history.
As the dust settles on this edition of the iconic race, the focus now shifts to the upcoming events in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where teams will once again vie for supremacy on the track.