Daytona, January 28, 2024: In an adrenaline-charged finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Porsche Penske Motorsport team roared to a sensational victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The No. 7 Porsche 963, helmed by an international quartet of racing maestros – Felipe Nasr (Brazil), Dane Cameron (USA), Matt Campbell (Australia), and American IndyCar sensation Josef Newgarden – blazed past the finish line, marking Porsche’s 19th triumph in this prestigious event.
Their teammates in the No. 6 Porsche 963, featuring a dynamic crew of Mathieu Jaminet (France), Nick Tandy (Great Britain), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), and Kévin Estre (France), clinched a commendable fourth place. Hot on their heels were the Proton Competition and JDC-Miller MotorSports teams, demonstrating the formidable prowess of the Porsche 963.
In the GTD Pro class, AO Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 R snagged a well-earned second place, further cementing Porsche’s dominance in the race.
The event was nothing short of a cinematic spectacle, with the Porsche Penske Motorsport’s 519 kW (706 PS) machines swapping leads with the No. 31 Cadillac in a high-octane drama. The No. 6 car’s early lead was jeopardized by a series of penalties and a pit lane slip-up by Kévin Estre, dimming their victory hopes.
However, it was the breathtaking showdown between Porsche’s Felipe Nasr in the No. 7 car and Cadillac’s Tom Blomqvist that had fans riveted. In a final 32-minute duel, Nasr masterfully navigated deteriorating tyres and relentless pressure from Blomqvist to secure a historic win for Porsche, their first overall victory since 2003.
Michael Steiner, a thrilled member of Porsche’s Executive Board for Development, praised the team’s unwavering spirit and hard work, while Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, was overjoyed at winning one of the sport’s most significant races.
Roger Penske, Founder and Chairman of the Penske Corporation, lauded the performance and reliability of both Porsche vehicles, celebrating a momentous victory that echoed Porsche’s enduring legacy in motorsport.
The Proton Competition and JDC-Miller MotorSports teams also showed impressive form in the top GTP class, securing fifth and sixth places. AO Racing’s remarkable run in the GTD Pro category underscored the team’s cool-headed strategy and execution.
This victory catapults Porsche to the top of the manufacturers’ championship leaderboard, setting an exhilarating tone for the upcoming 12 Hours of Sebring.
The drivers shared their elation, with Nasr describing the race’s climax as “unbelievable” and Campbell, Cameron, and Newgarden expressing their pride and joy at this monumental achievement. Alessio Picariello and Richard Westbrook of the customer teams also reflected on their performances, highlighting the learning experience and the thrill of the race.
With Daytona now in the rearview mirror, the Porsche Penske Motorsport team gears up for the next challenge, their spirits high and engines revving for more victories in the season ahead.
