Porsche Secures Back-to-Back Victories at the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona

The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida, delivered another thrilling chapter in endurance racing history. This year’s event, which began at 1:40 PM local time on Saturday, marked the 63rd running of the legendary race. As the world’s top drivers lined up for the rolling start, the stage was set for a grueling 24-hour battle of skill, strategy, and endurance. For Porsche, the stars aligned perfectly, securing their 20th overall victory at Daytona. However, the win was anything but easy, with the final moments of the race coming down to mere seconds. Here’s a detailed look at how the event unfolded.  

A Multifaceted Battle Across Classes
Endurance racing is unique in its ability to bring together a diverse field of competitors, and the replica Rolex 24 at Daytona is no exception. Sanctioned by IMSA, the race features multiple classes, each with its own set of challenges and rivalries. The top-tier GTP class, governed by LMDh regulations, is where global manufacturers like Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, and Acura battle for supremacy. Below this, the LMP2 class offers a more level playing field, with all teams using the same Oreca 07-Gibson chassis and drivetrain. Meanwhile, the production-based GTD Pro and GTD classes showcase GT3-spec cars, with the former featuring all-professional driver lineups and the latter mixing pros with talented amateurs. 

The GTP Class: Porsche’s Dominance Continues
The GTP class, the pinnacle of the event, saw 12 entries this year, including four Porsche 963s, three Cadillac V-Series.Rs, and cars from BMW, Acura, and Lamborghini. Lamborghini made its Daytona debut with the SC63 hypercar, but overheating issues forced an early retirement. Cadillac, known for reliability, struggled to match the pace of Porsche and Acura, with their best finish being fifth overall.

The race’s climax came in the final half-hour, with the No. 6 and No. 7 Porsche 963s battling for the lead. Felipe Nasr, driving the No. 7 car, eventually edged out teammate Matt Campbell and Tom Blomqvist in the No. 60 Acura ARX-6. The margin of victory was a razor-thin 4.4 seconds, marking Porsche’s 20th overall win at Rolex Daytona and their second consecutive victory in the event.

LMP2: Tower Motorsports Triumphs Amid Chaos
The LMP2 class, known for its close competition, lived up to its reputation. All teams use identical Oreca 07-Gibson cars, making driver skill and strategy the key differentiators. The race was marred by early incidents, including a spin on the opening lap and a crash that brought out the first caution. Despite the replica watches, the No. 8 Tower Motorsports car, driven by Sébastien Bourdais, emerged victorious with a 44-second lead – a rare margin in this tightly contested class. United Autosports USA and Riley Motorsports rounded out the podium.

GTD Pro: Ford Mustangs Shine in a Hard-Fought Battle
The GTD Pro class featured 15 entries, with Ford Multimatic Motorsports’ Mustang GT3s taking center stage. The #65 Mustang, driven by Christopher Mies, Dennis Olsen, and Frédéric Vervisch, claimed the win after a fierce battle with the #3 Corvette and the #64 Mustang. The race was not without controversy, as Augusto Farfus in the #48 BMW was penalized for blocking the leading Corvette, sparking a heated exchange between drivers.  

GTD: A Pro-Am Showcase of Skill and Determination
The GTD class, with 22 entries, proved that amateur drivers can hold their own against seasoned professionals. The #13 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, piloted by Matt Bell, Orey Fidani, Lars Kern, and Marvin Kirchhöfer, took the class win. Despite setbacks, including a stuck throttle pedal for the #57 Mercedes-AMG GT3, the class delivered thrilling battles, with the top nine cars finishing on the same lap.  

The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona once again demonstrated why it is one of the most prestigious events in motorsport. From Porsche’s hard-fought victory in the GTP class to the dramatic finishes in LMP2 and GTD, the race showcased the perfect blend of speed, strategy, and endurance. As the sun set on Rolex Daytona International Speedway, the winners celebrated not just a race victory, but a place in racing history.