The Porsche Penske Motorsport factory squad encountered significant obstacles that impeded the performance of their two Porsche 963 vehicles during the highly anticipated 61st edition of the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona. In the highly competitive GTD category, the recently unveiled Porsche 911 GT3 R faced an uphill battle, largely attributed to its unfavorable Balance of Performance classification.
The highly anticipated hybrid prototype made a remarkable impression as it took the stage for its debut in the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With an awe-inspiring performance, the cutting-edge vehicle left spectators in awe. In a disappointing turn of events, both vehicles encountered technical defects that resulted in them losing contact with the leading pack. In a remarkable display of resilience, the two driver crews piloting the GTP racing cars defied all odds to secure crucial points in the fiercely competitive North American championship, despite facing numerous challenges and undergoing extensive repairs. In the highly competitive GTD category, the recently unveiled Porsche 911 GT3 R faced an uphill battle, primarily attributed to its unfavorable Balance of Performance classification.
In a race that held much promise, the Porsche Works team encountered their first setback at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Despite a strong start with Nick Tandy and Felipe Nasr at the helm of the two Porsche 963 vehicles, the team was forced to replace the high-voltage battery, causing the No. 7 car to plummet down the field. During the course of the race, the vehicle encountered a setback as damage to its cooling system became apparent, ultimately necessitating a return to the Porsche Penske Motorsport garage for necessary repairs.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the No. 6 car, driven by Tandy, surged forward from its starting position of P9 on the grid to join the leading pack. Demonstrating exceptional performance, the No. 6 car showcased its prowess on the track. In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Porsche returnee, accompanied by his talented teammates Mathieu Jaminet from France and Dane Cameron from the USA, showcased their prowess on the track throughout the night. Their exceptional performance even saw them take the lead at various points, leaving their competitors in awe. In a dramatic turn of events, Tandy, the victorious driver of the 2015 Le Mans race in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, found himself in a precarious situation after a spin on the track. This unfortunate incident resulted in a setback of three laps for the skilled racer. In a display of relentless determination, the crew once again initiated an assault on Sunday morning. In a valiant display of speed and determination, the Porsche 963 surged forward, posting impressive lap times that put it within reach of the leading contenders. However, just as victory seemed within grasp, a devastating gearbox issue dashed all hopes of a triumphant finish. In a thrilling display of endurance racing, the car jointly piloted by Tandy, Jaminet, and Cameron unfortunately faced an untimely retirement. However, their sister car, skillfully maneuvered by the talented trio of Campbell, Nasr, and Christensen, emerged triumphant in the GTP class. After a grueling 24-hour battle, they crossed the finish line in a commendable seventh position, proudly claiming the coveted flag.
In a candid statement, Thomas Laudenbach expresses his disappointment without hesitation. In a recent development, the Vice President of Porsche Motorsport has come forward to shed light on the unfortunate turn of events that unfolded during the race. According to the esteemed official, the No. 7 car, which had been performing admirably for just over five hours, was abruptly disqualified from the race due to a critical malfunction in its high-voltage system. This unexpected setback has undoubtedly dashed the team's hopes of securing a triumphant victory. In a subsequent development, our No. 6 vehicle encountered a setback as it incurred damage to its powertrain. Amidst a series of challenges, our team managed to glean valuable insights. In a positive turn of events, it has become clear that we have gained a solid understanding of our current position and have identified the areas that require our attention and improvement. In anticipation of the upcoming race at Sebring in March, the team is now embarking on a meticulous and systematic preparation process.