United Autosports Secures LMP2 Victory at Rolex 24 After Tower Motorsports’ Penalty
In a thrilling turn of events at the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona, United Autosports USA emerged as the LMP2 class winner following a penalty levied against Tower Motorsports for a technical violation. The victory came after a post-race inspection revealed that the skid block beneath the Tower Motorsports car had worn beyond the permissible limit of five millimeters, ultimately resulting in their demotion to 12th place in the LMP2 category. Despite a protest filed by Tower Motorsports, the decision was upheld by IMSA, solidifying United Autosports’ triumph in the prestigious endurance race.
The No. 22 United Autosports ORECA 07, piloted by Daniel Goldburg, Paul di Resta, Rasmus Lindh, and James Allen, was elevated to first place in LMP2 and eighth overall, securing the team’s victory. United Autosports CEO Richard Dean expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasizing the significance of winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona, especially on the heels of their recent triumph at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The victory underscored the team’s unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, a sentiment echoed by driver Paul di Resta, who reflected on the team’s relentless pursuit of success despite facing adversity.
The win marked United Autosports’ second 24-hour race victory in less than a year, following their LMP2 class win at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. For driver James Allen, it was his second LMP2 win at Daytona in three years, adding another accolade to his already impressive racing career. The win also marked the first career IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship victories for Goldburg, Di Resta, and Lindh, highlighting the team’s collective achievement in the face of challenges.
Reflecting on the race, Goldburg shared the team’s initial disappointment following the penalty that seemed to dash their hopes of victory. However, the unexpected turn of events ultimately led to their triumph, underscoring the unpredictable nature of endurance racing and the resilience required to navigate its twists and turns. The revised classification saw the No. 74 Riley ORECA claiming second place, with the No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports car rounding out the podium in LMP2.
The drama didn’t end with the penalty handed to Tower Motorsports, as the No. 21 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 faced consequences for a drive-time violation, relegating them to the rear of the GTD class. The penalty served as a reminder of the strict regulations governing endurance racing and the importance of adherence to the rules to ensure fair competition.
As the dust settled on an eventful Rolex 24 At Daytona, United Autosports emerged as the victors, their triumph a testament to their skill, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The rollercoaster of emotions, from disappointment to elation, underscored the unpredictable nature of endurance racing, where victory often hinges on a delicate balance of strategy, skill, and sheer determination. For United Autosports, the win was not just a testament to their talent on the track but a reminder of the resilience and camaraderie that propels them to victory against all odds.
