Laurens Vanthoor Leads Final Practice for Rolex 24 at Daytona

Laurens Vanthoor of Porsche Penske Motorsport recorded the fastest lap during the final practice session for the 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona, clocking in at 1 minute, 36.475 seconds in the No. 6 Porsche 963. This session, held on Friday morning, was marked by three red flags due to minor incidents involving several cars. The second-fastest time was set by Ricky Taylor in the No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series. R, trailing Vanthoor by just 0.066 seconds. Dries Vanthoor in the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 secured the third position, followed closely by Julien Andlauer in the No. 7 Porsche and Louis Deletraz in another WTR Cadillac.

Porsche’s Vanthoor Paces Disrupted Final Rolex 24 Practice – Sportscar365Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 PracticeCadillac edges Porsche in evening practice for Rolex 24

In the LMP2 class, Charles Milesi led with a time of 1:39.909 in the No. 11 TDS Racing Oreca 07 Gibson. Maro Engel topped the GTD Pro category with a best lap of 1:46.251 in the No. 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, while Scott McLaughlin led the GTD class in the DXDT Racing Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3. R.

Porsche’s Vanthoor Paces Disrupted Final Rolex 24 Practice – Sportscar365

The practice session experienced interruptions due to three red flags. The first was caused by Henrik Hedman, whose No. 19 DragonSpeed Corvette stalled on track. Following the resumption, Jon Field had a minor incident with the barriers in the No. 37 Intersport Racing Oreca LMP2, but both cars returned to the track. The final red flag was due to a stoppage involving the Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, which also resumed running before the session concluded.

Porsche’s Vanthoor Paces Disrupted Final Rolex 24 Practice – Sportscar365

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is set to commence at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. Teams are preparing for a competitive race, with the field featuring 60 cars across multiple classes. Notably, the No. 93 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06, which secured pole position, finished the practice session in tenth place.

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 Practice

Among the competitors, the Fittipaldi brothers, Pietro and Enzo, are making their debut as teammates in the No. 73 Pratt Miller Motorsports Oreca LMP2 07. Pietro expressed excitement about racing alongside his brother, highlighting the significance of the event in their family's motorsport legacy. Enzo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of personal experience in the race.

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 Practice

Orey Fidani, co-driver of the No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3. R, praised the team's efforts, stating, “The boys and girls worked all night and haven’t gone home... I think it’s a perfect car and we’re ready for the race.” This reflects the dedication and morale within the team as they prepare for the challenging 24-hour race.

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 PracticePorsche’s Vanthoor Paces Disrupted Final Rolex 24 Practice – Sportscar365Cadillac edges Porsche in evening practice for Rolex 24

While most sources agree on the top times and incidents during the practice session, discrepancies exist regarding the specific details of the red flag incidents and the performance of certain cars. Further clarification may emerge as the race approaches.

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 Practice

• “It’s normal 24-hour stuff and making sure everything is just right.” — Scott McLaughlin, Driver, DXDT Racing

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 Practice

• “It’s a dream.” — Pietro Fittipaldi, Driver, No. 73 Pratt Miller Motorsports Oreca LMP2 07

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 Practice

• “To do it together with my brother it becomes even more special, Enzo Fittipaldi said.” — Enzo Fittipaldi, Driver, No. 73 Pratt Miller Motorsports Oreca LMP2 07

Porsche, Vanthoor Top Final Rolex 24 Practice