Ford Multimatic Motorsports’ Mustang GT3, piloted by Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch, and Dennis Olsen, claimed victory at the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona, marking a triumphant turnaround for the Blue Oval’s customer racing program. The team’s first win in any series worldwide came after a challenging debut season in IMSA, FIA WEC, and GT World Challenge America.
Seasoned driver Mike Rockenfeller, initially hesitant about the Mustang’s performance, secured a podium finish alongside teammates Sebastian Priaulx and Austin Cindric. The team’s success was a testament to their perseverance and dedication to overcoming early obstacles.
The race was not without its drama, with a heated battle between the No. 4 Corvette and the No. 1 BMW leading to a collision that affected the outcome of the competition. Despite the intense competition, Ford’s victory highlighted the team’s resilience and commitment to excellence.
In the GTD PRO category, AWA Corvette Racing emerged as the victor, with Matt Bell and Marvin Kirchhofer leading the charge to claim the top spot. Bell’s strategic maneuvering in the final stages of the race solidified AWA’s second Daytona class win in three years, showcasing the team’s skill and determination.
The GTD podium was rounded out by Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and Winward Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3, with each team demonstrating exceptional performance despite facing challenges throughout the race. Turner Motorsport’s BMW M4 GT3 EVO also made a strong showing, underscoring the competitive nature of the field.
Despite setbacks and disappointments for some teams, the overall atmosphere at Daytona was one of celebration and triumph. AWA’s redemption story, in particular, served as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of endurance racing, where perseverance and passion are often rewarded with success.
The Rolex 24 At Daytona was a showcase of talent, determination, and teamwork, with Ford and AWA Corvette Racing emerging as the champions in their respective categories. The weekend’s events proved that in the world of motorsports, anything is possible with dedication, skill, and a drive to succeed.
