DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The No. 31 Cadillac prototype entered by Action Express Racing, owned by NASCAR chairman Jim France, initially earned pole position at the Rolex 24 at Daytona event. However, following post-qualifying technical scrutiny, the vehicle was disqualified due to an infringement related to the rear skid block friction surface exceeding maximum permitted limits. Consequently, the Cadillac forfeited its leading grid spot and was relegated to the rear of the GTP class starting positions.
The disqualification altered the starting order significantly, promoting a Meyer Shank Racing Acura to the front. The Rolex 24, slated to begin on Saturday and extend for 24 consecutive hours at Daytona International Speedway, is recognized as the premier endurance racing contest within the United States. This year's competition features 60 entrants from 12 automotive manufacturers, including a diverse roster of 228 drivers hailing from 32 countries, highlighting the global scope and depth of talent.
Jim France's multifaceted involvement in the sport includes oversight of NASCAR, the IMSA sports car series, the Daytona track, and the Action Express Racing team. The disqualified No. 31 vehicle's driver lineup showcases a blend of seasoned and emerging talents, including Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Formula 1 development driver Frederik Vesti, and NASCAR newcomer Connor Zilisch.
Zilisch, a 19-year-old rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series, is making his debut at this highest level of sports car racing. Despite concerns regarding his experience, particularly in managing rapid closing speeds under night racing conditions amid dense traffic, Zilisch impressed team management during nocturnal practice sessions. His performance was characterized as composed and risk-calculating, avoiding incidents during extended track time with numerous other vehicles present.
"He calculates his risk pretty well. He doesn’t get in trouble, or he hasn’t, yet, driving our car," said Action Express team manager Gary Nelson. "We put him out there at night with 55 other cars on the track for almost an hour and I was concerned, obviously, because there’s traffic, we’re in the fastest car, we’re passing cars constantly and many times those other cars don’t see us coming. You have to be able to slice through the traffic without hitting anything or getting hit. When the session was over I made it a point to talk to him as soon as he got out of the car just to see if his blood pressure was up or his adrenaline was up and he was just like ‘So what time is dinner?’"
The loss of pole position presents additional challenges for Zilisch and the Action Express team as they prepare to navigate a highly competitive GTP category. The Rolex 24 serves as the motorsports season’s unofficial start, featuring a robust grid with multiple teams contending for victory.
Porsche Penske Motorsports aims for a third straight triumph, entering with a refreshed driver lineup. Their No. 7 Porsche 963 prototype, having won the previous two editions with different combinations, retains Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr, who joins newcomers Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich. Meanwhile, Laurens Vanthoor, a recent titleholder, has transferred to the team's No. 6 car, partnering with Kevin Estre and Matt Campbell.
Meanwhile, Meyer Shank Racing’s No. 60 Acura presents a powerhouse driver roster reminiscent of historical 'star car' entries. This quartet combines ten Rolex 24 victories, including multiple wins by Colin Braun, Tom Blomqvist, IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, and NASCAR competitor AJ Allmendinger. Allmendinger, despite lesser familiarity with the Acura car, brings substantial endurance racing experience and traffic management expertise, particularly during night stints. Team owner Michael Shank credits his loyalty and skill, emphasizing a desire to secure additional Rolex triumphs for Allmendinger.
In addition to Action Express’s single Cadillac entry, three other Cadillac prototypes will compete from Wayne Taylor Racing, operating under the new TWG Motorsports banner. This restructuring enabled Andretti Global to deploy prominent drivers Marcus Ericsson and Colton Herta in separate Cadillac entries for Daytona, adding to the intensity of the manufacturer’s representation.
On a legal front, Alex Palou, driver for Meyer Shank Racing, was recently mandated to pay over $12 million in damages linked to a contractual breach involving McLaren Racing. Palou had initially committed to joining McLaren’s IndyCar team twice before choosing to remain with his current outfit.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona thus commences under dynamic circumstances, combining high-level competition, unexpected setbacks, and veteran presence. The ultimate endurance test commences with an unpredictable trajectory, reflecting the rigorous demands and technical precision requisite in professional motorsports.