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TheRolex 24 at Daytonamarks the start of the racing season and has become a cherished tradition. The 64th edition is set for January 24-25, 2026, at the iconicDaytona International Speedway. Anticipation is high among fans and competitors, particularly for Porsche, which aims to make a significant impact.
Porsche boasts a rich history in this endurance race, with 20 ThePorsche Penske Motorsportteam will enter two advancedPorsche 963hybrid prototypes. Additionally, the Manthey Racing team will compete with a pair ofPorsche 911 GT3 Rcars in the GTD-Pro class.
Porsche’s strategy and lineup for the race
This year’s lineup features a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers.Porsche Penske Motorsporthas restructured its driver roster to enhance competitiveness. Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor will drive the No. 6 Porsche 963 throughout the season, with reigning championMatt Campbellsupporting them.
The sister car, No. 7, will be piloted byFelipe Nasr,Julien Andlauer, and newcomerLaurin Heinrich. This strategic combination aims to utilize the strengths of each driver, ensuring a formidable presence in the GTP class.
Technical advancements and preparation
Porsche’s commitment to innovation is apparent in the enhancements made to thePorsche 963. The team has implemented aerodynamic refinements to ensure consistent performance across various track conditions. Results from the recentRoar Before the 24testing sessions indicate their success, as both cars frequently topped the charts, suggesting a competitive advantage heading into the race.
Meanwhile, the Manthey team is poised to make its mark in the GTD-Pro class. The iconic No. 911, known for its distinctive “Grello” livery, will feature a talented driver lineup, includingKlaus Bachler,Ricardo Feller, and two DTM champions,Ayhancan GüvenandThomas Preining. Their combined expertise is expected to enhance their chances for a top finish.
Excitement builds as drivers prepare
Among the notable entries this year are the Fittipaldi brothers,PietroandEnzo, who will race together for the first time. This moment is particularly significant, as they are the grandsons of two-time Formula 1 championEmerson Fittipaldi. They will pilot the No. 73Pratt Miller Motorsports ORECA LMP2 07, with Pietro eager to compete alongside his brother.
“Being able to race together is a dream come true,” Pietro stated. “This race is where my passion for motorsport began, and to share it with my brother makes it even more meaningful.” Enzo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the value of this shared experience as they tackle the challenges of endurance racing.
Last-minute preparations and resilience
As race weekend approaches, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and determination. The13 Autosportteam encountered challenges leading up to the event, including a refueling issue during practice. However, their crew worked diligently overnight to prepare the No. 13Corvette Z06 GT3.Rfor the race. Co-driverOrey Fidanipraised his team’s resilience, stating, “They took the whole car apart overnight and put it back together for today. We’re ready for the race, and we want to win this for them.”
With the stakes higher than ever, the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona promises to deliver a thrilling race. Fans can expect fierce competition, remarkable teamwork, and potentially another chapter in Porsche’s storied history at this legendary event.