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{{Short description|Motor race}}
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{{Use American English|date=June 2018}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2018}}
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[[File:Daytona International Speedway - Road Course.svg|thumb|right|250px|The track layout of the [[Daytona International Speedway]] combined road course, where the race was held]]
[[File:Daytona International Speedway - Road Course.svg|thumb|right|250px|The track layout of the [[Daytona International Speedway]] combined road course, where the race was held]]
The '''2018 24 Hours of Daytona''' (formally the '''56th Rolex 24 at Daytona''') was an [[International Motor Sports Association]] (IMSA)-sanctioned 24-hour [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|automobile endurance race]] for [[Daytona Prototype]] and [[Grand tourer|Grand Touring]] sports cars held at the [[Daytona International Speedway]] combined road course in [[Daytona Beach, Florida]], on January 27–28, 2018. It was the first of twelve [[2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship]] races, the 56th edition of the [[24 Hours of Daytona|event]], and the first of four rounds of the North American Endurance Cup.
The '''2018 24 Hours of Daytona''' (formally the '''56th Rolex 24 at Daytona''') was an [[International Motor Sports Association]] (IMSA)-sanctioned 24-hour [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|automobile endurance race]] for [[Daytona Prototype]] and [[Grand tourer|Grand Touring]] sports cars held at the [[Daytona International Speedway]] combined road course in [[Daytona Beach, Florida]], on January 27 to 28, 2018. It was the first of twelve [[2018 IMSA SportsCar Championship]] races, the 56th [[24 Hours of Daytona]], and the first in the four-round North American Endurance Cup.


[[Renger van der Zande]] for [[Wayne Taylor Racing]] started from [[pole position]] and led for most of the opening hour. [[Filipe Albuquerque]] of [[Action Express Racing|Mustang Sampling Racing]] took the lead after the first round of [[pit stop]]s and kept it for five hours before losing it to [[Team Penske]]'s [[Hélio Castroneves]]. Whelen Engineering Racing, Penske and Mustang Sampling traded the lead several times over the next 12 hours. Mustang Sampling's Albuquerque, [[Christian Fittipaldi]] and [[João Barbosa]] led the final third of the race to win in a record-breaking distance of 808 laps and {{convert|2,876.48|mi|km}} and take the lead of the Prototype Drivers' and Teams' Championships. [[Mike Conway]], [[Eric Curran]], Stuart Middleton and [[Felipe Nasr]] were second in the sister Whelen Engineering Racing car. Third were [[CORE Autosport]]'s Jon Bennett, [[Colin Braun]], [[Romain Dumas]] and [[Loïc Duval]].
[[Renger van der Zande]] for [[Wayne Taylor Racing]] started from [[pole position]] and led for most of the opening hour. [[Filipe Albuquerque]] of [[Action Express Racing|Mustang Sampling Racing]] took the lead after the first round of [[pit stop]]s and kept it for five hours before losing it to [[Team Penske]]'s [[Hélio Castroneves]]. Whelen Engineering Racing (WER), Penske and Mustang Sampling traded the lead several times over the next 12 hours. Mustang Sampling's Albuquerque, [[Christian Fittipaldi]] and [[João Barbosa]] led the final third of the race to win in a record-breaking distance of 808 laps and {{convert|2876.48|mi|km}} and take the lead of the Prototype Drivers' and Teams' Championships. [[Mike Conway]], [[Eric Curran]], Stuart Middleton and [[Felipe Nasr]] were second in the sister WER car. Third were [[CORE Autosport]]'s [[Jon Bennett (racing driver)|Jon Bennett]], [[Colin Braun]], [[Romain Dumas]] and [[Loïc Duval]].


[[Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford Chip Ganassi Racing]] drivers [[Scott Dixon]], [[Ryan Briscoe]] and [[Richard Westbrook]], won the [[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]] (GTLM) class, after passing the sister team of [[Sébastien Bourdais]], [[Dirk Müller (racing driver)|Dirk Müller]] and [[Joey Hand]] at its final pit stop. The team led all bar nine laps in the category to claim Chip Ganassi Racing's 200th motor racing victory and the lead of the GTLM points lead. The pole-sitting [[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]] trio of [[Antonio García (racing driver)|Antonio García]], [[Jan Magnussen]] and [[Mike Rockenfeller]] completed the class podium. Having led the last four and a half hours, [[Mirko Bortolotti]], Rik Breukers, Rolf Ineichen and [[Franck Perera]] of [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]] won the [[Grand tourer|Grand Touring Daytona]] (GTD) category to claim Lamborghini's first 24-hour race victory and the lead of the class points standings, despite starting from the back of the [[Glossary of motorsport terms#G|grid]] for failing a mandatory post-qualifying [[Stall (engine)|stall]] test. [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]]'s [[A. J. Allmendinger]], [[Trent Hindman]], [[Katherine Legge]] and [[Álvaro Parente]] was second and [[Andrea Caldarelli]], [[Bryce Miller]], [[Bryan Sellers]] and Madison Snow placed [[Paul Miller Racing]]'s car in third.
[[Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford Chip Ganassi Racing]] (CGR) drivers [[Scott Dixon]], [[Ryan Briscoe]] and [[Richard Westbrook]], won the [[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]] (GTLM) class, after passing the sister team of [[Sébastien Bourdais]], [[Dirk Müller (racing driver)|Dirk Müller]] and [[Joey Hand]] at its final pit stop. The team led all bar nine laps in the category to claim CGR's 200th motor racing victory and the lead of the GTLM points lead. The pole-sitting [[Corvette Racing]] trio of [[Antonio García (racing driver)|Antonio García]], [[Jan Magnussen]] and [[Mike Rockenfeller]] completed the class podium. Having led the last four and a half hours, [[Mirko Bortolotti]], Rik Breukers, [[Rolf Ineichen]] and [[Franck Perera]] of [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]] won the [[Grand tourer|Grand Touring Daytona]] (GTD) category to claim Lamborghini's first 24-hour race victory and the lead of the class points standings, despite starting from the back of the [[Glossary of motorsport terms#G|grid]] for failing a mandatory post-qualifying [[Stall (engine)|stall]] test. [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]]'s [[A. J. Allmendinger]], [[Trent Hindman]], [[Katherine Legge]] and [[Álvaro Parente]] was second and [[Andrea Caldarelli]], [[Bryce Miller (racing driver)|Bryce Miller]], [[Bryan Sellers]] and [[Madison Snow]] placed [[Paul Miller Racing]]'s car in third.


==Background==
==Background==
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[[File:Daytona International Speedway on the day of the Daytona 500.JPG|thumb|right|Daytona International Speedway in 2015]]
[[File:Daytona International Speedway on the day of the Daytona 500.JPG|thumb|right|Daytona International Speedway in 2015]]


NASCAR founder [[Bill France Sr.]], who built the Daytona International Speedway in 1959, conceived the 24 Hours of Daytona as a race to attract European sports car endurance racing to the United States and provide international exposure to Daytona.<ref name="DTR24History">{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/everything-to-know-daytona-24-hour/|title=Daytona 101: Everything you need to know about America’s 24-hour endurance race|last=Edelstein|first=Stephen|date=January 27, 2016|publisher=[[Digital Trends]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610054608/http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/everything-to-know-daytona-24-hour/|archive-date=June 10, 2016|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> It is informally considered part of the "Triple Crown of Endurance Racing" with the [[12 Hours of Sebring]] and the [[24 Hours of Le Mans]].<ref name="RTR24History">{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a17729/24-hours-of-daytona/|title=24 Hours of Daytona: A short history of a long race|last=Pose|first=Sam|date=December 7, 2011|website=[[Road & Track]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003111712/http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a17729/24-hours-of-daytona/|archive-date=October 3, 2015|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref>
NASCAR founder [[Bill France Sr.]], who built the Daytona International Speedway in 1959, conceived the 24 Hours of Daytona as a race to attract European sports car endurance racing to the United States and provide international exposure to Daytona.<ref name="DTR24History">{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/everything-to-know-daytona-24-hour/|title=Daytona 101: Everything you need to know about America's 24-hour endurance race|last=Edelstein|first=Stephen|date=January 27, 2016|publisher=[[Digital Trends]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610054608/http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/everything-to-know-daytona-24-hour/|archive-date=June 10, 2016|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> It is informally considered part of the "Triple Crown of Endurance Racing" with the [[12 Hours of Sebring]] and the [[24 Hours of Le Mans]].<ref name="RTR24History">{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a17729/24-hours-of-daytona/|title=24 Hours of Daytona: A short history of a long race|last=Pose|first=Sam|date=December 7, 2011|website=[[Road & Track]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003111712/http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a17729/24-hours-of-daytona/|archive-date=October 3, 2015|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref>


[[International Motor Sports Association]]'s (IMSA) president Scott Atherton confirmed the race was part of the schedule for the [[2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship]] in August 2017.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/08/06/imsa-announce-2018-calendar.html|title=IMSA Announce 2018 Calendar|last=Goodwin|first=Graham|date=August 6, 2017|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/08/06/imsa-announce-2018-calendar.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> It was the fifth consecutive year it was part of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the 56th 24 Hours of Daytona.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule" /> The 24 Hours of Daytona was the first of twelve scheduled sports car [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance]] races of 2018 by IMSA, and the first of four races of the North American Endurance Cup.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule" /> It took place at the 12-turn {{Convert|3.56|mi|km|abbr=on}} [[Daytona International Speedway]] combined road course in [[Daytona Beach, Florida]], on January 27–28.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule" /><ref name="RTR24History" />
[[IMSA|International Motor Sports Association]]'s (IMSA) president Scott Atherton confirmed the race was part of the schedule for the [[2018 IMSA SportsCar Championship]] (IMSA SCC) in August 2017.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/08/06/imsa-announce-2018-calendar.html|title=IMSA Announce 2018 Calendar|last=Goodwin|first=Graham|date=August 6, 2017|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/08/06/imsa-announce-2018-calendar.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> It was the fifth consecutive year it was part of the IMSA SCC, and the 56th 24 Hours of Daytona.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule" /> The 24 Hours of Daytona was the first of twelve scheduled sports car [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance]] races of 2018 by IMSA, and the first of four races of the North American Endurance Cup (NAEC).<ref name="2018IMSASchedule" /> It took place at the 12-turn {{Convert|3.56|mi|km|abbr=on}} [[Daytona International Speedway]] combined road course in [[Daytona Beach, Florida]], from January 27 to 28.<ref name="2018IMSASchedule" /><ref name="RTR24History" />


===Entry list===
===Entry list===
Fifty cars were officially entered for the [[24 Hours of Daytona]] with the bulk of entries in the Prototype and [[Grand tourer|Grand Touring Daytona]] (GTD) categories.<ref name=S365Entry>{{cite web|last=Dagys|first=John|title=Rolex 24 Entry List Released|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/rolex-24-entry-list-released/|publisher=SportsCar365|date=January 17, 2018|accessdate=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418152808/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/rolex-24-entry-list-released/|archivedate=April 18, 2018}}</ref> The [[2017 24 Hours of Daytona|2017 race]] winner, [[Wayne Taylor Racing]], returned to defend their title.<ref name="ApexEntry">{{cite web|last=Durant|first=Aaron|title=50 Cars Entered for Rolex 24|url=https://www.theapexracing.co/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-entry-list/|publisher=The Apex|date=January 16, 2018|accessdate=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/https://www.theapexracing.co/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-entry-list/|archivedate=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Three existing teams, [[Action Express Racing]], [[Spirit of Daytona Racing]] and [[Extreme Speed Motorsports]], each fielded two [[Daytona Prototype|Daytona Prototype International]] (DPi) cars called [[Cadillac DPi-V.R]] and [[Ligier JS P217#Nissan Onroak DPi|Nissan Onroak DPi]]. Wayne Taylor sent a solitary Cadillac DPi-V.R chassis to the race.<ref name="AutoweekEntry">{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Matt|title=IMSA reveals 50-car Rolex 24 Entry List|url=http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/imsa-reveals-50-car-rolex-24-entry-list|work=[[Autoweek]]|date=January 21, 2018|accessdate=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072436/http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/imsa-reveals-50-car-rolex-24-entry-list|archivedate=June 12, 2018}}</ref> [[Team Penske|Penske Racing]] made their full-time [[sports car racing]] competition comeback for the first time since the [[2009 Rolex Sports Car Series]]. They fielded a pair of [[Honda Racing Corporation|Honda]]-powered [[Oreca 07#Acura ARX-05|Acura ARX-05]] DPis for 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://racing.ap.org/article/penske-returns-rolex-its-own-version-star-cars|title=Penske returns to Rolex with its own version of star cars|last=Fryer|first=Jenna|date=January 5, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127095329/https://racing.ap.org/article/penske-returns-rolex-its-own-version-star-cars|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=dead|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> [[Mazda]] returned to sports car racing after withdrawing with three races left in the [[2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship|2017 season]] so their duo of [[Riley Mk. 30|RT24-Ps]] could be re-engineered by German outfit [[Joest Racing|Team Joest]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/mazda-team-joest-optimistic-ahead-of-rolex-24-998717/|title=Mazda Team Joest optimistic ahead of Rolex 24|last=Malsher|first=David|date=January 24, 2018|publisher=[[motorsport.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/mazda-team-joest-optimistic-ahead-of-rolex-24-998717/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> They were joined by ten global-specification [[Le Mans Prototype#LMP2|Le Mans Prototype 2]] (LMP2) cars, represented by three out of the four major chassis: six [[Oreca 07]]s entered by [[JDC MotorSports|JDC-Miller MotorSports]], [[Jackie Chan DC Racing|Jackie Chan DCR JOTA]] (two each), Performance Tech Motorsports, [[CORE Autosport]] (one each). a trio of [[Ligier JS P217]]s utilised by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports (one) and [[United Autosports]] (two), and one [[Riley Mk. 30]] from BAR1 Motorsports.<ref name="S365Entry" /><ref name="FronstretchEntry">{{cite web|last=Allaway|first=Phil|title=Entry List: 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona|url=https://www.frontstretch.com/2018/01/17/entry-list-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona/|publisher=Frontstretch|date=January 17, 2018|accessdate=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417155644/https://www.frontstretch.com/2018/01/17/entry-list-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona/|archivedate=April 17, 2018}}</ref>
A total of 50 cars were officially entered for the [[24 Hours of Daytona]] with most entries being in the Prototype and [[Grand tourer|Grand Touring Daytona]] (GTD) categories.<ref name=S365Entry>{{cite web|last=Dagys|first=John|title=Rolex 24 Entry List Released|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/rolex-24-entry-list-released/|publisher=SportsCar365|date=January 17, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418152808/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/rolex-24-entry-list-released/|archive-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref> The [[2017 24 Hours of Daytona|2017 race]] winner, [[Wayne Taylor Racing]] (WTR), returned to defend their title.<ref name="ApexEntry">{{cite web|last=Durant|first=Aaron|title=50 Cars Entered for Rolex 24|url=https://www.theapexracing.co/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-entry-list/|publisher=The Apex|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/https://www.theapexracing.co/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-entry-list/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Three existing teams, [[Action Express Racing]] (AER), [[Spirit of Daytona Racing]] and [[Extreme Speed Motorsports]] (ESM), each fielded two [[Daytona Prototype|Daytona Prototype International]] (DPi) [[Cadillac DPi-V.R]] and [[Ligier JS P217#Nissan Onroak DPi|Nissan Onroak DPi]] cars. WTR sent one Cadillac DPi-V.R chassis to Daytona.<ref name="AutoweekEntry">{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Matt|title=IMSA reveals 50-car Rolex 24 Entry List|url=http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/imsa-reveals-50-car-rolex-24-entry-list|work=[[Autoweek]]|date=January 21, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072436/http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/imsa-reveals-50-car-rolex-24-entry-list|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> [[Team Penske|Penske Racing]] made their full-time [[sports car racing]] comeback for the first time since the [[2009 Rolex Sports Car Series]], fielding two [[Honda Racing Corporation|Honda]]-powered [[Acura ARX-05]] DPis for 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://racing.ap.org/article/penske-returns-rolex-its-own-version-star-cars|title=Penske returns to Rolex with its own version of star cars|last=Fryer|first=Jenna|date=January 5, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127095329/https://racing.ap.org/article/penske-returns-rolex-its-own-version-star-cars|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=dead|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> [[Mazda]] returned to sports car racing after withdrawing with three races left in the [[2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship|2017 season]] so their duo of [[Riley Mk. 30|RT24-Ps]] could be re-engineered by German outfit [[Joest Racing|Team Joest]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/mazda-team-joest-optimistic-ahead-of-rolex-24-998717/|title=Mazda Team Joest optimistic ahead of Rolex 24|last=Malsher|first=David|date=January 24, 2018|publisher=[[motorsport.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/mazda-team-joest-optimistic-ahead-of-rolex-24-998717/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> They were joined by ten global-specification [[Le Mans Prototype#LMP2|Le Mans Prototype 2]] (LMP2) cars, represented by three out of the four major chassis: six [[Oreca 07]]s entered by [[JDC MotorSports|JDC-Miller MotorSports]], [[Jackie Chan DC Racing|Jackie Chan DCR JOTA]] (two each), Performance Tech Motorsports (PTR), [[CORE Autosport]] (one each). a trio of [[Ligier JS P217]]s utilised by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports (one) and [[United Autosports]] (two), and one [[Riley Mk. 30]] from BAR1 Motorsports.<ref name="S365Entry" /><ref name="FronstretchEntry">{{cite web|last=Allaway|first=Phil|title=Entry List: 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona|url=https://www.frontstretch.com/2018/01/17/entry-list-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona/|publisher=Frontstretch|date=January 17, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417155644/https://www.frontstretch.com/2018/01/17/entry-list-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona/|archive-date=April 17, 2018}}</ref>


[[File:Alonso 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Fernando Alonso]], the two-time [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Formula One World Champion]] ''(pictured in 2016)'' made a one-off appearance for [[United Autosports]] for Daytona.]]
[[File:Alonso 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Fernando Alonso]], the two-time [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Formula One World Champion]] ''(pictured in 2016)'' made a one-off appearance for [[United Autosports]] for Daytona.]]


After the aging [[Le Mans Prototype Challenge|Prototype Challenge]] class was retired after 2017 due to declining interest from teams,<ref name="TSEntry">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/rolex-24-hours-of-daytona-2018-preview-ar179439.html|title=The racing season is just around the corner|last=Fira|first=Mihai|date=January 22, 2018|publisher=TopSpeed|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]] (GTLM) was made the highest-ranking class below the Prototype category in the [[WeatherTech SportsCar Championship]]. Nine cars from five manufacturers were entered for Daytona.<ref name="ApexEntry" /> The [[BMW M8 GTE]] made its racing competition debut at the track; [[Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing|Team RLL]] entered two chassis for the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/23/bmw-m8-gte-gets-ready-upcoming-daytona-debut/|title=BMW M8 GTE gets ready for its upcoming Daytona debut|last=DeMattia|first=Nico|date=January 23, 2018|publisher=BMW Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125101259/http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/23/bmw-m8-gte-gets-ready-upcoming-daytona-debut/|archive-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[Porsche in motorsport|Porsche]] fielded two [[Porsche 911|911 RSRs]] for the second successive season, and [[Chip Ganassi Racing]] entered their two [[Ford GT]]s for the third consecutive year.<ref name="DriveEntry">{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Caleb|title=IMSA Announces Official 50-Car Field for 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona|url=http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17873/imsa-announces-official-50-car-field-for-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona|publisher=The Drive|date=January 22, 2018|accessdate=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17873/imsa-announces-official-50-car-field-for-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona|archivedate=June 12, 2018}}</ref> [[Ferrari]] aligned with [[Risi Competizione]] for one [[Ferrari 488|488 GTE]].<ref name="DriveEntry" /> [[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]] transported their aging duo of [[Chevrolet Corvette C7.R|C7.Rs]] to Daytona.<ref name="TSEntry" /> GTD composed twenty-one cars amongst eight [[Group GT3|GT3]] manufacturers.<ref name="AutoweekEntry" /> Ferrari was the most represented marque in the category with four 488s: two by [[Scuderia Corsa]] and one each from [[AF Corse|Spirit of Race]] and Risi Competizione.<ref name="ApexEntry" /><ref name="TSEntry" /> A mix of teams and automotive brands made up the rest of the GTD field. These included two [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]-entered [[Lamborghini Huracán]]s with a third by [[Paul Miller Racing]], and a trio of [[Riley Technologies|Riley Motorsports]]-entered [[Mercedes-AMG GT#Motorsport|Mercedes-AMGs]]. [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] and [[American Honda Motor Company|HART]] entered three [[Honda NSX (second generation)|Acura NSXs]] and a trio of [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R|Porsche 911 Rs]] with one each from Park Place Motorsports, Wright Motorsports and [[Olaf Manthey|Manthey Racing]]. Other cars fielded were a duo of [[Audi R8#Second generation (2015–present)|Audi R8 LMS]] from [[Magnus Racing]] and Land Motorsport, two [[Lexus RC#IMSA|Lexus RC Fs]] by [[3GT Racing]] and a [[BMW M6#M6 GT3|BMW M6]] from [[Turner Motorsport]].<ref name="FronstretchEntry" />
After the aging [[Le Mans Prototype Challenge|Prototype Challenge]] class was retired after 2017 due to declining interest from teams,<ref name="TSEntry">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/rolex-24-hours-of-daytona-2018-preview-ar179439.html|title=The racing season is just around the corner|last=Fira|first=Mihai|date=January 22, 2018|publisher=TopSpeed|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]] (GTLM) was made the highest-ranking class below the Prototype category in the IMSA SCC Championship. Nine cars from five manufacturers were entered for Daytona.<ref name="ApexEntry" /> The [[BMW M8 GTE]] made its racing competition debut at the track; [[Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing|Team RLL]] entered two chassis for 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/23/bmw-m8-gte-gets-ready-upcoming-daytona-debut/|title=BMW M8 GTE gets ready for its upcoming Daytona debut|last=DeMattia|first=Nico|date=January 23, 2018|publisher=BMW Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125101259/http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/23/bmw-m8-gte-gets-ready-upcoming-daytona-debut/|archive-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[Porsche in motorsport|Porsche]] fielded two [[Porsche 911 RSR (2017)|911 RSR]]s for the second successive season, and [[Chip Ganassi Racing]] (CGR) entered their two [[Ford GT#Ford GT LM GTE-Pro by Ford Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford GT]]s for the third consecutive year.<ref name="DriveEntry">{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Caleb|title=IMSA Announces Official 50-Car Field for 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona|url=http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17873/imsa-announces-official-50-car-field-for-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona|publisher=The Drive|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17873/imsa-announces-official-50-car-field-for-2018-rolex-24-at-daytona|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> [[Ferrari]] aligned with [[Risi Competizione]] for one [[Ferrari 488|488 GTE]].<ref name="DriveEntry" /> [[Corvette Racing]] transported their two aging [[Chevrolet Corvette C7.R|C7.Rs]] to Daytona.<ref name="TSEntry" /> GTD featured 21 cars amongst 8 [[Group GT3|GT3]] manufacturers.<ref name="AutoweekEntry" /> Ferrari was the most represented marque in GTD with four 488s: two by [[Scuderia Corsa]] and one each from [[AF Corse|Spirit of Race]] and Risi Competizione.<ref name="ApexEntry" /><ref name="TSEntry" /> A mix of teams and automotive brands made up the rest of the GTD field, including two [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]-entered [[Lamborghini Huracán]]s with a third by [[Paul Miller Racing]] (PSR), and a trio of [[Riley Technologies|Riley Motorsports]]-entered [[Mercedes-AMG GT#Motorsport|Mercedes-AMGs]]. [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] (MSR) and [[American Honda Motor Company|HART]] entered three [[Honda NSX (second generation)|Acura NSXs]] and a trio of [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R (2016–2019)|Porsche 911 Rs]] with one each from Park Place Motorsports, Wright Motorsports and [[Manthey Racing]]. Other cars fielded were a duo of [[Audi R8#Second generation (2015–present: Type 4S)|Audi R8 LMS]] from [[Magnus Racing]] and Land Motorsport, two [[Lexus RC#IMSA|Lexus RC Fs]] by [[3GT Racing]] and a [[BMW M6#M6 GT3|BMW M6]] from [[Turner Motorsport]].<ref name="FronstretchEntry" />


Each car was driven by two drivers who contested the entire [[2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship|WeatherTech SportsCar Championship]]. They were joined by one North American Endurance Cup racer and one or two extra drivers.<ref name="2018regs">{{Cite web|url=https://competitors.imsa.com/sites/default/files/reults/downlods/2018_imsa_sporting_regulations_and_ssr_iwsc_blackline_051618.pdf|title=2018 IMSA Sporting Regulations & Series Supplementary Regulations of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship|date=May 16, 2018|publisher=[[International Motor Sports Association]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180629141512/https://competitors.imsa.com/sites/default/files/reults/downlods/2018_imsa_sporting_regulations_and_ssr_iwsc_blackline_051618.pdf|archive-date=June 29, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> These additional participants were recruited from a variety of racing categories, including the [[FIA World Endurance Championship]] (such as [[Gustavo Menezes]] for [[JDC MotorSports|JDC-Miller MotorSports]]), the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters]] (such as [[René Rast]] for Mazda Team Joest), and the [[IndyCar Series]] (such as [[Ryan Hunter-Reay]] for Wayne Taylor) among others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/2018-team-team-prototype|title=2018 Team-By-Team: Prototype|date=January 3, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104192605/https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/2018-team-team-prototype|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> Some drivers competed at Daytona on a one-off basis, such as [[Fernando Alonso]], a two-time [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Formula One World Champion]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41768709|title=Fernando Alonso: McLaren driver to compete in Daytona 24-hour race|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=October 26, 2017|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327234607/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41768709|archive-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[Williams Grand Prix Engineering|Williams]] driver [[Lance Stroll]] and [[Formula E]] racers [[Felix Rosenqvist]] and [[António Félix da Costa]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/da-costa-habsburg-join-dc-racing-for-daytona-990847/|title=Da Costa, Habsburg join DC Racing for Daytona|last=Khorounzhiy|first=Valentin|date=December 24, 2017|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/da-costa-habsburg-join-dc-racing-for-daytona-990847/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[A. J. Allmendinger]], [[Justin Marks]], [[Brendan Gaughan]] and [[Austin Cindric]] from [[NASCAR]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/22227927/tradition-experience-drivers-formula-one-indycar-nascar-returning-race-rolex-24|title=Coolness factor, Daytona charm keep drivers interested in Rolex 24|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=[[ESPN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222118/http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/22227927/tradition-experience-drivers-formula-one-indycar-nascar-returning-race-rolex-24|archive-date=February 21, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> and [[2017 FIA Formula 3 European Championship|2017 Formula Three European Champion]] [[Lando Norris]] entered the event.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2119423/formula-one-testing-first-young-gun-lando-norris-then-desperate|title=Formula One testing first for young gun Lando Norris, then a desperate dash across the globe to the Macau Grand Prix|last=Scott|first=Matthew|date=November 11, 2017|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|access-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2119423/formula-one-testing-first-young-gun-lando-norris-then-desperate|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Stuart Middleton won the Sunoco Whelen Challenge by taking the [[GT4 European Series|GT4]] category title in his debut year in the [[2017 British GT Championship|British GT Championship]], earning him a seat with Action Express Racing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/145388-middleton-wins-sunoco-challenge-daytona-dpi-drive|title=Middleton wins Sunoco Challenge Daytona DPi drive|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=October 30, 2017|website=[[Racer (magazine)|Racer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119182847/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/145388-middleton-wins-sunoco-challenge-daytona-dpi-drive|archive-date=November 19, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref>
Each car was driven by two drivers who contested the entire IMSA SCC season. They were joined by one NAEC racer and one or two extra drivers.<ref name="2018regs">{{Cite web|url=https://competitors.imsa.com/sites/default/files/reults/downlods/2018_imsa_sporting_regulations_and_ssr_iwsc_blackline_051618.pdf|title=2018 IMSA Sporting Regulations & Series Supplementary Regulations of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship|date=May 16, 2018|publisher=[[International Motor Sports Association]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180629141512/https://competitors.imsa.com/sites/default/files/reults/downlods/2018_imsa_sporting_regulations_and_ssr_iwsc_blackline_051618.pdf|archive-date=June 29, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> These additional participants were recruited from a variety of racing categories, including the [[FIA World Endurance Championship]] (such as [[Gustavo Menezes]] for JDC-Miller MotorSports), the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters]] (such as [[René Rast]] for Mazda Team Joest), and the [[IndyCar Series]] (such as [[Ryan Hunter-Reay]] for WTR) among others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/2018-team-team-prototype|title=2018 Team-By-Team: Prototype|date=January 3, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104192605/https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/2018-team-team-prototype|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> Some drivers competed at Daytona on a one-off basis, such as [[Fernando Alonso]], a two-time [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Formula One World Champion]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41768709|title=Fernando Alonso: McLaren driver to compete in Daytona 24-hour race|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=October 26, 2017|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327234607/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41768709|archive-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[Williams Grand Prix Engineering|Williams]] driver [[Lance Stroll]], [[Formula E]] racers [[Felix Rosenqvist]] and [[António Félix da Costa]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/da-costa-habsburg-join-dc-racing-for-daytona-990847/|title=Da Costa, Habsburg join DC Racing for Daytona|last=Khorounzhiy|first=Valentin|date=December 24, 2017|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612072441/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/da-costa-habsburg-join-dc-racing-for-daytona-990847/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[A. J. Allmendinger]], [[Justin Marks]], [[Brendan Gaughan]] and [[Austin Cindric]] from [[NASCAR]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/22227927/tradition-experience-drivers-formula-one-indycar-nascar-returning-race-rolex-24|title=Coolness factor, Daytona charm keep drivers interested in Rolex 24|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=[[ESPN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222118/http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/22227927/tradition-experience-drivers-formula-one-indycar-nascar-returning-race-rolex-24|archive-date=February 21, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> and [[2017 FIA Formula 3 European Championship|2017 Formula Three European Champion]] [[Lando Norris]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2119423/formula-one-testing-first-young-gun-lando-norris-then-desperate|title=Formula One testing first for young gun Lando Norris, then a desperate dash across the globe to the Macau Grand Prix|last=Scott|first=Matthew|date=November 11, 2017|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|access-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2119423/formula-one-testing-first-young-gun-lando-norris-then-desperate|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Stuart Middleton won the Sunoco Whelen Challenge by taking the [[SRO GT4|GT4]] category title in his debut year in the [[2017 British GT Championship|British GT Championship]], earning him a seat with AER.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/145388-middleton-wins-sunoco-challenge-daytona-dpi-drive|title=Middleton wins Sunoco Challenge Daytona DPi drive|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=October 30, 2017|website=[[Racer (magazine)|Racer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119182847/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/145388-middleton-wins-sunoco-challenge-daytona-dpi-drive|archive-date=November 19, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref>


===Pre-event balance of performance changes===
===Pre-event balance of performance changes===


The week before the official three-day test session at the circuit, IMSA altered the balance of performance in all three categories to create parity in the classes. {{Convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of weight was added to the Cadillac DPi-V.Rs compared to 2017 but the decrease of handling abilities was countered by having the car's top speed raised by having its [[Restrictor plate|air restrictor]] increased by {{Convert|1.8|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The duo of Nissan Onroak DPis and the two Acura ARX-05s had their weight increased to {{Convert|940|kg|lb|abbr=on}} to lower their performance, {{Convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} more than the LMP2 chassis and the pair of Mazda RT24-Ps. The Nissan and Mazda engines were not altered because IMSA was satisfied with their performances, but the series changed the aerodynamic packages on some Prototypes which affected their handing abilities. The debuting BMW M8 GTE's weight was established at {{Convert|1250|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and its turbocharger boost curve was revised over its predecessor, the [[BMW M6#F12/13 M6 (2012–present)|BMW M6 GTLM]]. The Mercedes-AMG GTD car had its top speed raised slightly with the enlargement of its air restrictor by {{Convert|1|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.speedweek.com/imsa/news/120533/24h-Daytona-IMSA-gibt-die-BoP-Einstufungen-bekannt.html|title=24h Daytona: IMSA gibt die BoP-Einstufungen bekannt|last=Müller|first=Martina|date=December 30, 2017|publisher=Speedweek|language=German|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143620/http://www.speedweek.com/imsa/news/120533/24h-Daytona-IMSA-gibt-die-BoP-Einstufungen-bekannt.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref>
The week before the official three-day test session at the circuit, IMSA altered the [[balance of performance]] in all three categories to create [[Parity (sports)|parity]] in the classes. {{Convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of weight was added to the Cadillac DPi-V.Rs compared to 2017 but the decrease of handling abilities was countered by having the car's top speed raised by having its [[Restrictor plate|air restrictor]] increased by {{Convert|1.8|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The duo of Nissan Onroak DPis and the two Acura ARX-05s had their weight increased to {{Convert|940|kg|lb|abbr=on}} to lower their performance, {{Convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} more than the LMP2 chassis and the pair of Mazda RT24-Ps. The Nissan and Mazda engines were not altered because IMSA was satisfied with their performances, but the series changed the aerodynamic packages on some Prototypes which affected their handing abilities. The debuting [[BMW M8 GTE]]'s weight was established at {{Convert|1250|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and its turbocharger boost curve was revised over its predecessor, the [[BMW M6 GTLM]]. The Mercedes-AMG GTD car had its top speed raised slightly with the enlargement of its air restrictor by {{Convert|1|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.speedweek.com/imsa/news/120533/24h-Daytona-IMSA-gibt-die-BoP-Einstufungen-bekannt.html|title=24h Daytona: IMSA gibt die BoP-Einstufungen bekannt|last=Müller|first=Martina|date=December 30, 2017|publisher=Speedweek|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143620/http://www.speedweek.com/imsa/news/120533/24h-Daytona-IMSA-gibt-die-BoP-Einstufungen-bekannt.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref>


==Testing==
==Testing==
[[File:Felipe Nasr 2015 Malaysia.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Felipe Nasr]] ''(pictured in 2015)'' set the fastest overall lap time in testing for [[Action Express Racing]]'s concluding day. ]]
[[File:Felipe Nasr 2015 Malaysia.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Felipe Nasr]] ''(pictured in 2015)'' set the fastest overall lap in testing for [[Action Express Racing]]. ]]


All 50 entries were involved in three days of testing divided into seven sessions held at the circuit from January 5–7.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/roar-before-the-rolex-24-rolls-today-through-sunday-includes-1st-ever-race/|title=What you need to know about Roar Before the Rolex 24, including entry lists, schedules|last=Bonkowski|first=Jerry|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/roar-before-the-rolex-24-rolls-today-through-sunday-includes-1st-ever-race/|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[João Barbosa]] set the fastest time early in the first day's running with a time of 1 minute and 37.266 seconds for the {{Abbr|No.|Car number}} 5 [[Action Express Racing|Mustang Sampling Racing]] Cadillac.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-tops-session-1-at-roar/|title=Action Express Tops Session 1 at Roar|last=Myrehn|first=Ryan|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143526/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-tops-session-1-at-roar/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> Co-driver [[Filipe Albuquerque]] later improved in the second session to a 1-minute and 37.196 seconds lap.<ref name=DSCT1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/05/albuquerque-quickest-on-day-1-of-the-roar.html|title=Albuquerque, Action Express Quickest On Day 1 Of The Roar|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/05/albuquerque-quickest-on-day-1-of-the-roar.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> The fastest LMP2 lap came from [[Colin Braun]]'s No. 54 CORE Oreca who was second-fastest overall. The No. 10 Wayne Taylor Cadillac of [[Renger van der Zande]] was third.<ref name=DSCT1/> [[Tristan Vautier]] set the fourth-fastest lap time for Spirit of Daytona in its No. 90 Cadillac. [[Ho-Pin Tung]] in the No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca 07 rounded out the top five.<ref name=AutosportT1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/133774/albuquerque-leads-day-one-of-daytona-test|title=Daytona 24 Hours 'Roar' test: Albuquerque leads for Action Express|last=Straw|first=Edd|date=January 5, 2018|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/133774/albuquerque-leads-day-one-of-daytona-test|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[Laurens Vanthoor]] led GTLM in the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR with a 1-minute and 44.065 seconds lap in the second session, and teammate [[Nick Tandy]]'s sister car was third. They were separated by [[Richard Westbrook]]'s No. 67 Chip Ganassi Ford.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/roar-24-friday-recap-action-express-fastest-and-fernando-alonso-gets-acclimated|title=Roar Before the 24 Friday recap: Action Express fastest and Fernando Alonso gets Acclimated|last=Weaver|first=Matt|date=January 5, 2018|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612150528/http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/roar-24-friday-recap-action-express-fastest-and-fernando-alonso-gets-acclimated|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> GTD was topped by the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini of Rolf Ineichen and later [[Franck Perera]]. They were ahead of Matteo Cairoli's No. 59 Manthey Porsche.<ref name=DSCT1/><ref name=AutosportT1/>
All 50 entries were involved in three days of testing divided into seven sessions held at the circuit from January 5 to 7.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/roar-before-the-rolex-24-rolls-today-through-sunday-includes-1st-ever-race/|title=What you need to know about Roar Before the Rolex 24, including entry lists, schedules|last=Bonkowski|first=Jerry|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/roar-before-the-rolex-24-rolls-today-through-sunday-includes-1st-ever-race/|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[João Barbosa]] set the fastest time early in the first day's running with a time of 1 minute, 37.266 seconds for the {{Abbr|No.|Car number}} 5 [[Action Express Racing|Mustang Sampling Racing]] Cadillac.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-tops-session-1-at-roar/|title=Action Express Tops Session 1 at Roar|last=Myrehn|first=Ryan|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143526/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-tops-session-1-at-roar/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> Co-driver [[Filipe Albuquerque]] later improved in the second session to a 1-minute, 37.196 seconds lap.<ref name=DSCT1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/05/albuquerque-quickest-on-day-1-of-the-roar.html|title=Albuquerque, Action Express Quickest On Day 1 Of The Roar|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/05/albuquerque-quickest-on-day-1-of-the-roar.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> The fastest LMP2 lap came from [[Colin Braun]]'s No. 54 CORE Oreca in second, and the No. 10 WTR Cadillac of [[Renger van der Zande]] was third.<ref name=DSCT1/> [[Tristan Vautier]] set the fourth-fastest lap for Spirit of Daytona in its No. 90 Cadillac. [[Ho-Pin Tung]]'s No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca 07 was fifth.<ref name=AutosportT1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/133774/albuquerque-leads-day-one-of-daytona-test|title=Daytona 24 Hours 'Roar' test: Albuquerque leads for Action Express|last=Straw|first=Edd|date=January 5, 2018|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/133774/albuquerque-leads-day-one-of-daytona-test|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> [[Laurens Vanthoor]] led GTLM in the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR with a 1-minute, 44.065 seconds lap in the second session, and teammate [[Nick Tandy]]'s sister car was third. They were separated by [[Richard Westbrook]]'s No. 67 CGR Ford.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/roar-24-friday-recap-action-express-fastest-and-fernando-alonso-gets-acclimated|title=Roar Before the 24 Friday recap: Action Express fastest and Fernando Alonso gets Acclimated|last=Weaver|first=Matt|date=January 5, 2018|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612150528/http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/roar-24-friday-recap-action-express-fastest-and-fernando-alonso-gets-acclimated|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 25, 2018}}</ref> GTD was led by [[Rolf Ineichen]]'s and later [[Franck Perera]]'s No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini from Matteo Cairoli's No. 59 Manthey Porsche.<ref name=DSCT1/><ref name=AutosportT1/>


The second day's testing had [[Felipe Nasr]] lead in the No. 31 Action Express Cadillac at 1 minute and 36.793 seconds. [[Jordan Taylor (racing driver)|Jordan Taylor]] improved Wayne Taylor's Cadillac best time to second. Albuquerue was slower than the day before and was third. [[Eddie Cheever III]], driving the No. 90 Spirit Cadillac, was fourth-fastest by going faster lap co-driver Vautier in the day's second session. The No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca was the highest-placed LMP2 car in fifth with [[Alex Brundle]] aboard. The No. 66 Chip Ganassi Ford of [[Sébastien Bourdais]] moved to the top of GTLM with a lap of 1 minute and 43.795 seconds in the fourth session. [[Gianmaria Bruni]] was second-quickest in the No. 912 Porsche. [[Ryan Briscoe]] put the sister No. 67 Chip Ganassi Ford in third, and [[Alessandro Pier Guidi]]'s No. 62 Risi Ferrari was fourth-fastest. GTD was still led by the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini courtesy of Ineichen's lap on the first day. Manthey's No. 59 Porsche remained second; driver [[Sven Müller (racing driver)|Sven Müller]] improved its best lap time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/07/action-express-still-on-top-after-two-days-at-the-roar.html|title=Action Express Still On Top After Two Days At The Roar|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 7, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/07/action-express-still-on-top-after-two-days-at-the-roar.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/axr-cadillac-pace-roar-session-4/|title=AXR, Cadillac Pace Roar Session 4|last=Myrehn|first=Ryan|date=January 6, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143204/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/axr-cadillac-pace-roar-session-4/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>
The second day's testing saw [[Felipe Nasr]] lead in the No. 31 AER Cadillac at 1 minute, 36.793 seconds. [[Jordan Taylor (racing driver)|Jordan Taylor]] improved WTR's Cadillac best time to second. Albuquerue was slower than the day before and was third. [[Eddie Cheever III]], driving the No. 90 Spirit Cadillac, was fourth-fastest by going faster than co-driver Vautier in the day's second session. The No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca was the highest-placed LMP2 car in fifth with [[Alex Brundle]] aboard. The No. 66 CGR Ford of [[Sébastien Bourdais]] moved to the top of GTLM with a lap of 1 minute, 43.795 seconds in the fourth session. [[Gianmaria Bruni]] was second-quickest in the No. 912 Porsche. [[Ryan Briscoe]] put the sister No. 67 CGR Ford third, and [[Alessandro Pier Guidi]]'s No. 62 Risi Ferrari was fourth-fastest. GTD was still led by the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini courtesy of Ineichen's lap on the first day. Manthey's No. 59 Porsche remained second; driver [[Sven Müller (racing driver)|Sven Müller]] improved its best lap time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/07/action-express-still-on-top-after-two-days-at-the-roar.html|title=Action Express Still On Top After Two Days at the Roar|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 7, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/07/action-express-still-on-top-after-two-days-at-the-roar.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/axr-cadillac-pace-roar-session-4/|title=AXR, Cadillac Pace Roar Session 4|last=Myrehn|first=Ryan|date=January 6, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143204/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/axr-cadillac-pace-roar-session-4/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>


The third and final day of testing featured a qualifying session to determine the locations of the team's pit stalls and garages for the race three weeks later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/roar-test-7-nasr-heads-prequalifying-session-993521/?s=1|title=Roar test #7: Nasr heads prequalifying session|last=Straw|first=Edd|date=January 7, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140751/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/roar-test-7-nasr-heads-prequalifying-session-993521/?s=1|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Nasr's No. 31 Action Express Cadillac set the fastest overall testing lap time of all drivers with a 1-minute and 35.806 seconds effort. The second-fastest car was the No. 90 Spirit Cadillac of Vautier and Albuquerque putting the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac in third position. Wayne Taylor Racing placed fourth from a lap by Van der Zande and [[Dane Cameron]] completed the top five overall runners in the No. 6 Penske Acura ARX-05. [[Joey Hand]] set the fastest overall GTLM time in the No. 66 Chip Ganassi Ford with a 1-minute and 43.610 seconds lap. [[Oliver Gavin]]'s No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R was second, followed by the sister No. 67 Ford GT driven by Briscoe. Ineichen's lap from the first day of testing was never bettered and the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini remained the fastest GTD car. Cairoli's first session lap in the Manthey Porsche was fast enough to keep it second in class.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/08/nasr-action-express-tops-imsa-roar.html|title=Nasr, Action Express Top IMSA Roar Before The 24|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 8, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/08/nasr-action-express-tops-imsa-roar.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>
The third and final day of testing featured a qualifying session to determine the locations of the team's pit stalls and garages for the race three weeks later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/roar-test-7-nasr-heads-prequalifying-session-993521/?s=1|title=Roar test #7: Nasr heads prequalifying session|last=Straw|first=Edd|date=January 7, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140751/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/roar-test-7-nasr-heads-prequalifying-session-993521/?s=1|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Nasr's No. 31 AER Cadillac set the fastest overall time with a 1-minute, 35.806 seconds lap. The second-fastest car was the No. 90 Spirit Cadillac of Vautier and Albuquerque putting the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac in third position. WTR were fourth after a lap by Van der Zande and [[Dane Cameron]] took fifth in the No. 6 Penske Acura ARX-05. [[Joey Hand]] set the fastest overall GTLM time in the No. 66 CGR Ford with a 1-minute, 43.610 seconds lap. [[Oliver Gavin]]'s No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R was second, followed by the sister No. 67 Ford GT driven by Briscoe. Ineichen's lap from the first day of testing was never bettered and the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini remained the fastest GTD car. Cairoli's first session lap in the Manthey Porsche was fast enough to keep it second in class.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/08/nasr-action-express-tops-imsa-roar.html|title=Nasr, Action Express Top IMSA Roar Before The 24|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 8, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/08/nasr-action-express-tops-imsa-roar.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>


After testing, IMSA adjusted the balance of performance for the second time in all categories after analysing data of the car's performances. The Cadillac DPi-V.Rs had their fuel capacity enlarged by {{Convert|1|l||abbr=on}} along with their refuelling restrictors by {{Convert|0.5|l||abbr=on}} but their air restrictors were {{Convert|0.6|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The size of the fuel tanks in the Acura ARX-05 and the Nissan Onroak DPis were increased by {{Convert|4|l||abbr=on}} and {{Convert|2|l||abbr=on}} with the size of both car's fuel restrictors increased by {{Convert|1.5|mm|in|abbr=on}}. Nissan Onroak DPis boost pressure was increased to peak at 7,100 rpm. The Mazda RT24-Ps were {{Convert|15|kg|lb|abbr=on}} lighter. Its rev limit was raised to 8,600 rpm and its air restrictor was lengthened by {{Convert|0.5|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The Acura, Nissan and Mazda DPis [[gurney flap]]s were adjusted for aerodynamic purposes.<ref name="RacerBOPPostTest">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146836-imsa-sets-bop-tables-for-rolex-24-at-daytona|title=IMSA sets BoP tables for Rolex 24|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=January 18, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312053934/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146836-imsa-sets-bop-tables-for-rolex-24-at-daytona|archive-date=March 12, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>
After testing, IMSA adjusted the balance of performance for the second time in all categories after analysing data of the car's performances. The Cadillac DPi-V.Rs had their fuel capacity enlarged by {{Convert|1|l||abbr=on}} along with their refuelling restrictors by {{Convert|0.5|l||abbr=on}} but their air restrictors were {{Convert|0.6|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The size of the fuel tanks in the Acura ARX-05 and the Nissan Onroak DPis were increased by {{Convert|4|l||abbr=on}} and {{Convert|2|l||abbr=on}} with the size of both car's fuel restrictors increased by {{Convert|1.5|mm|in|abbr=on}}. Nissan Onroak DPis boost pressure was increased to peak at 7,100 rpm. The Mazda RT24-Ps were {{Convert|15|kg|lb|abbr=on}} lighter. Its rev limit was raised to 8,600 rpm and its air restrictor was lengthened by {{Convert|0.5|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The Acura, Nissan and Mazda DPis [[gurney flap]]s were adjusted for aerodynamic purposes.<ref name="RacerBOPPostTest">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146836-imsa-sets-bop-tables-for-rolex-24-at-daytona|title=IMSA sets BoP tables for Rolex 24|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=January 18, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312053934/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146836-imsa-sets-bop-tables-for-rolex-24-at-daytona|archive-date=March 12, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>
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==Practice and qualifying==
==Practice and qualifying==
Four practice sessions were held before the start of the race on Saturday, three on Thursday and one on Friday. The first two one-hour sessions were on Thursday morning and afternoon. The third held later that evening ran for 90 minutes; the fourth on Friday morning lasted an hour.<ref name=DaytonaSchedule>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-keys-to-the-race-rolex-24-4/|title=Continental Tire Keys to the Race: Rolex 24|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 24, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420074838/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-keys-to-the-race-rolex-24-4/|archive-date=April 20, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>
There were four practice sessions preceding the start of the race on Saturday, three on Thursday and one on Friday. The first two one-hour sessions were on Thursday morning and afternoon. The third held later that evening ran for 90 minutes; the fourth on Friday morning lasted an hour.<ref name=DaytonaSchedule>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-keys-to-the-race-rolex-24-4/|title=Continental Tire Keys to the Race: Rolex 24|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 24, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420074838/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-keys-to-the-race-rolex-24-4/|archive-date=April 20, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>


Rast's No. 77 Mazda set the fastest lap of the first practice session at 1 minute and 37.428 seconds, 0.007 seconds faster than Vautier's Spirit's No. 90 Cadillac. Jordan Taylor put the No. 10 Wayne Taylo Cadillac in third overall. Albuquerue placed the No. 5 Mustang Sampling car fourth. The highest-placed LMP2 car was Brundle's No. 78 Jackie Chan entry in fifth place.<ref name="RacerFP1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146955-mazda-fastest-in-opening-rolex-24-practice|title=Mazda fastest in opening Rolex 24 practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 25, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618101920/https://racer.com/2018/01/25/mazda-fastest-in-opening-rolex-24-practice/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> Early in the session, [[Philip Hanson (racing driver)|Phil Hanson]] made an error on cold tires that put the front of the United Autosports Ligier into the turn five tire barrier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/mazda-tops-opening-rolex-24-practice.html|title=Mazda Tops Opening Rolex 24 Practice|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/mazda-tops-opening-rolex-24-practice.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Practice was [[Racing flags#Red flag|red-flagged]] for 8 minutes and 49 seconds so his car could be removed from the circuit.<ref name=RacerFP1/> In GTLM, the No. 66 Chip Ganassi Ford of Hand led with a lap of 1 minute and 44.571 seconds. Alessandro Pier Guidi put the No. 62 Risi Ferrari second. Vanthoor in the No. 912 Porsche was third. [[Miguel Molina (racing driver)|Miguel Molina]]'s No. 82 Risi car was fastest in GTD. [[Pedro Lamy]] set the second-fastest class lap in Spirit of Race's No. 51 entry.<ref name=RacerFP1/>
Rast's No. 77 Mazda set the fastest lap of the first practice session at 1 minute, 37.428 seconds, 0.007 seconds faster than Vautier's Spirit's No. 90 Cadillac. Jordan Taylor put the No. 10 Wayne Taylo Cadillac in third overall. Albuquerue placed the No. 5 Mustang Sampling car fourth. The highest-placed LMP2 car was Brundle's No. 78 Jackie Chan entry in fifth place.<ref name="RacerFP1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146955-mazda-fastest-in-opening-rolex-24-practice|title=Mazda fastest in opening Rolex 24 practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 25, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618101920/https://racer.com/2018/01/25/mazda-fastest-in-opening-rolex-24-practice/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> Early in the session, [[Phil Hanson (racing driver)|Phil Hanson]] made an error on cold tires that put the front of the United Autosports Ligier into the turn five tire barrier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/mazda-tops-opening-rolex-24-practice.html|title=Mazda Tops Opening Rolex 24 Practice|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614174620/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/mazda-tops-opening-rolex-24-practice.html|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Practice was [[Racing flags#Red flag|red-flagged]] for 8 minutes and 49 seconds so his car could be removed from the circuit.<ref name=RacerFP1/> In GTLM, the No. 66 CGR Ford of Hand led with a lap of 1 minute, 44.571 seconds. Alessandro Pier Guidi put the No. 62 Risi Ferrari second. Vanthoor in the No. 912 Porsche was third. [[Miguel Molina (racing driver)|Miguel Molina]]'s No. 82 Risi car was fastest in GTD. [[Pedro Lamy]] set the second-fastest class lap in Spirit of Race's No. 51 entry.<ref name=RacerFP1/>


In the second practice session, [[Hélio Castroneves]] in the No. 6 Penske Acura ARX-05 recorded the fastest lap of the day with a 1-minute and 37.096 seconds effort. He was ahead of the No. 22 Extreme Speed Nissan of [[Nicolas Lapierre]] and Albquerque's No. 5 Mustang Sampling car. The leading LMP2 car was Colin Braun behind the wheel of the No. 54 CORE car in fourth. [[Jonathan Bomarito]] rounded out the top five in Mazda's No. 55 vehicle.<ref name=MComFP2>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-second-practice-castroneves-penske-acura-99106/|title=Rolex 24: Castroneves fastest for Penske in second practice|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-second-practice-castroneves-penske-acura-99106/|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> [[Patrick Pilet]] led GTLM in the No. 911 Porsche with a 1-minute and 43.902 seconds lap set late in the session. [[Jan Magnussen]]'s No. 3 Corvette was second. Westbrook in the No. 66 Chip Ganassi Ford rounded out the top three in the category.<ref name=MComFP2/> [[Álvaro Parente]]'s No. 86 Michael Shank Racing Acura-NSX GT3 was fastest in GTD, while Molina was 0.242 seconds slower in the No. 82 Risi Ferrari.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://racer.com/2018/01/25/castroneves-penske-acura-top-second-rolex-practice/|title=Castroneves tops second Rolex practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 25, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618164905/https://racer.com/2018/01/25/castroneves-penske-acura-top-second-rolex-practice/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref>
In the second practice session, [[Hélio Castroneves]] in the No. 6 Penske Acura ARX-05 recorded the fastest lap of the day with a 1-minute, 37.096 seconds effort, ahead of the No. 22 ESM Nissan of [[Nicolas Lapierre]] and Albquerque's No. 5 Mustang Sampling car. The leading LMP2 car was Colin Braun behind the wheel of the No. 54 CORE car in fourth. [[Jonathan Bomarito]] was fifth in Mazda's No. 55 car.<ref name=MComFP2>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-second-practice-castroneves-penske-acura-99106/|title=Rolex 24: Castroneves fastest for Penske in second practice|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-second-practice-castroneves-penske-acura-99106/|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> [[Patrick Pilet]] led GTLM in the No. 911 Porsche with a 1-minute, 43.902 seconds lap set late in the session. [[Jan Magnussen]]'s No. 3 Corvette was second. Westbrook in the No. 66 CGR Ford was third in GTLM.<ref name=MComFP2/> [[Álvaro Parente]]'s No. 86 MSR Acura-NSX GT3 was fastest in GTD, while Molina was 0.242 seconds slower in the No. 82 Risi Ferrari.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://racer.com/2018/01/25/castroneves-penske-acura-top-second-rolex-practice/|title=Castroneves tops second Rolex practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 25, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618164905/https://racer.com/2018/01/25/castroneves-penske-acura-top-second-rolex-practice/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref>


[[File:Renger van der Zande 2016.png|thumb|upright|[[Renger van der Zande]] ''(pictured in 2016)'' took the overall [[pole position]] for [[Wayne Taylor Racing]].]]
[[File:Renger van der Zande 2016.png|thumb|upright|[[Renger van der Zande]] ''(pictured in 2016)'' took the overall [[pole position]] for [[Wayne Taylor Racing]].]]


Thursday afternoon's 75-minute qualifying session was divided into three groups.<ref name="DaytonaSchedule" /> GTD cars were sent onto the track first for 15 minutes with a 10-minute interval before GTLM and Prototype entrants had two separate identically timed sessions. Regulations stipulated teams to nominate a single driver to qualify their cars. The competitors' fastest lap times determined the starting order. IMSA then arranged the grid to put the Prototype and GTLM cars ahead of the GTD field.<ref name="2018regs" /> Van Der Zande for Wayne Taylor took the third [[pole position]] of his career,<ref name="VDZ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoracing1.com/article.asp?id=17773|title=Van der Zande nips Castroneves for Rolex 24 pole|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=AutoRacing1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102156/https://www.autoracing1.com/article.asp?id=17773|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> on his final lap with a time of 1 minute and 36.083 seconds; he ran deep at turn five through later braking.<ref name="AutosportQuali">{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134057/van-der-zande-takes-daytona-pole-alonso-13th|title=Daytona 24 Hours: Van der Zande on pole, Fernando Alonso 13th|last=Watkins|first=Gary|date=January 25, 2018|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140246/https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134057/van-der-zande-takes-daytona-pole-alonso-13th|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> This was his team's first pole position at Daytona since [[Max Angelelli]] in the [[2010 24 Hours of Daytona|2010 race]].<ref name="VDZ"/> He was joined on the [[Glossary of motorsport terms#G|grid]]'s front row by Castroneves who had pole position for Penske in the closing minutes until Van der Zande's lap.<ref name="DSCQuali" />
Thursday afternoon's 75-minute qualifying session was divided into three groups.<ref name="DaytonaSchedule" /> All three categories had 15-minute individual sessions, and regulations stipulated teams to nominate a single driver to qualify their cars. The competitors' fastest lap times determined the starting order with the grid arranged to put the Prototype and GTLM cars ahead of all GTD entries.<ref name="2018regs" /> Van Der Zande for WTR took the third [[pole position]] of his career,<ref name="VDZ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoracing1.com/article.asp?id=17773|title=Van der Zande nips Castroneves for Rolex 24 pole|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=AutoRacing1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102156/https://www.autoracing1.com/article.asp?id=17773|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> on his final lap with a time of 1 minute, 36.083 seconds; he ran deep at turn five through later braking.<ref name="AutosportQuali">{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134057/van-der-zande-takes-daytona-pole-alonso-13th|title=Daytona 24 Hours: Van der Zande on pole, Fernando Alonso 13th|last=Watkins|first=Gary|date=January 25, 2018|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140246/https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134057/van-der-zande-takes-daytona-pole-alonso-13th|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> This was WTR's first pole position at Daytona since [[Max Angelelli]] in the [[2010 24 Hours of Daytona|2010 event]].<ref name="VDZ"/> He was joined on the [[Glossary of motorsport terms#G|grid]]'s front row by Castroneves who had pole position for Penske in the closing minutes until Van der Zande's lap.<ref name="DSCQuali" />


On his final timed lap, Albuquerue qualified the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac in third place. [[Patricio O'Ward]] took fourth in the No. 38 Performance Tech Racing Oreca to become the field's highest-placed LMP2 car.<ref name="DSCQuali">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/van-der-zande-storms-to-pole-at-daytona.html|title=Van Der Zande Storms To Pole At Daytona|last=Goodwin|first=Graham|last2=Kilbey|first2=Stephen|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143038/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/van-der-zande-storms-to-pole-at-daytona.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Early pace setter Vautier in Spirit's No. 90 car was fifth, and [[Robin Frijns]]' No. 78 Jackie Chan entry sixth.<ref name="AutosportQuali" /> An electrical fault left Nasr seventh.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R on Pole for Rolex 24 At Daytona|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=[[General Motors]]|url=http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2018/jan/cadillac-racing/0125-rolex.html|last=Kyle|first=Chura|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> Braun's No. 54 CORE car, Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda ninth, and Cameron's No. 6 Penske were eighth to tenth.<ref name="Starting grid">{{cite web|url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/00_Starting%20Grid%20-%20Official.PDF|title=Race Official Starting Grid|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|format=PDF|accessdate=January 29, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141501/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/00_Starting%20Grid%20-%20Official.PDF|archivedate=January 29, 2018}}</ref> Lapierre set no lap time after he locked his brakes on his first timed lap and drove into the tyre barriers at the West Horseshoe. He damaged the No. 22 Extreme Speed car's front-left [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]].<ref name="AutosportQuali" /><ref name="S365PQuali">{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/van-der-zande-steals-pole-for-rolex-24/|title=Van der Zande Steals Pole for Rolex 24|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143727/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/van-der-zande-steals-pole-for-rolex-24/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Extreme Speed's No. 2 vehicle did not take part due to a precautionary engine switch.<ref name="DSCQuali" /> Mazda's No. 77 car was absent because of a pre-qualifying data irregularity.<ref name="S365PQuali" />[[File:Jan Magnussen cropped.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Jan Magnussen]] ''(pictured in 2009)'' claimed pole position in the GTLM class for [[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]].]]
On his final timed lap, Albuquerue qualified the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac third, and [[Patricio O'Ward]] took fourth in the No. 38 PTR Oreca to become the field's highest-placed LMP2 car.<ref name="DSCQuali">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/van-der-zande-storms-to-pole-at-daytona.html|title=Van Der Zande Storms To Pole at Daytona|last1=Goodwin|first1=Graham|last2=Kilbey|first2=Stephen|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143038/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/25/van-der-zande-storms-to-pole-at-daytona.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Early pace setter Vautier in Spirit's No. 90 car was fifth, and [[Robin Frijns]]' No. 78 Jackie Chan car was sixth.<ref name="AutosportQuali" /> An electrical fault left Nasr seventh.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R on Pole for Rolex 24 At Daytona|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=[[General Motors]]|url=http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2018/jan/cadillac-racing/0125-rolex.html|last=Kyle|first=Chura|access-date=March 27, 2018|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130194617/https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2018/jan/cadillac-racing/0125-rolex.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Braun's No. 54 CORE car, Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda, and Cameron's No. 6 Penske were eighth to tenth.<ref name="Starting grid">{{cite web|url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/00_Starting%20Grid%20-%20Official.PDF|title=Race Official Starting Grid|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|access-date=January 29, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141501/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/00_Starting%20Grid%20-%20Official.PDF|archive-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref> Lapierre set no lap time after he locked his brakes on his first timed lap and damaged the No. 22 ESM car's front-left [[Car suspension|suspension]] against the tyre barriers at the West Horseshoe.<ref name="AutosportQuali" /><ref name="S365PQuali">{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/van-der-zande-steals-pole-for-rolex-24/|title=Van der Zande Steals Pole for Rolex 24|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143727/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/van-der-zande-steals-pole-for-rolex-24/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> ESM's No. 2 entry did not participate due to a precautionary engine switch.<ref name="DSCQuali" /> Mazda's No. 77 car was absent because of a pre-qualifying data irregularity.<ref name="S365PQuali" />[[File:Jan Magnussen cropped.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Jan Magnussen]] ''(pictured in 2009)'' achieved pole position in the GTLM class for [[Corvette Racing]].]]


In GTLM, Magnussen's No. 3 Corvette [[Drafting (aerodynamics)|drafted]] his teammate Gavin and took his fourth class pole position in the series. He suppressed Hand's 2017 category lap record of the track with a time of 1 minute and 42.779 seconds. Magnussen was 0.019 seconds faster than Hand's No. 66 Ford in second place. Following in third was Vanthoor's No. 912 Porsche, with the sister No. 911 car of Pilet in fourth.<ref name=AutoweekGTQuali>{{Cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/rolex-24-hours/corvette-ferrari-capture-imsa-rolex-24-gt-class-poles|title=Ford, Ferrari capture GT class poles for Rolex 24 at Daytona|last=IMSA Wire Service|date=January 25, 2018|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127103215/http://autoweek.com/article/rolex-24-hours/corvette-ferrari-capture-imsa-rolex-24-gt-class-poles|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Westbrook completed the top five class competitors in the slower Ford.<ref name="DSCQuali" /> [[Daniel Serra]] in the No. 51 Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GT3 was the first driver to record a GTD lap time in the 1 minute and 46 second range midway through.<ref name="DSCQuali" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/magnussen-secures-gtlm-pole-for-corvette/|title=Magnussen Secures GTLM Pole for Corvette|last=Kilshaw|first=Jake|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618102540/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/magnussen-secures-gtlm-pole-for-corvette/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> This secured him the second pole position of his career, and his first in any class since the [[2016 Monterey Grand Prix]] with a 1-minute and 46.407 seconds lap. Molina made it an all-Ferrari category front row in the No. 82 Risi car.<ref name=AutoweekGTQuali/> The No. 11 GRT Lamborghini of [[Mirko Bortolotti]] was the third-fastest class qualifier. The car was demoted to the rear of the GTD field for failing a mandatory [[Stall (engine)|stall]] test in a post-qualifying technical inspection. Hence, [[Jack Hawksworth]] in the No. 15 3GT Racing Lexus RC F GT3 inherited third.<ref name=AutoweekGTQuali/> [[Alessandro Balzan]]'s No. 63 Scuderia Ferrari started fourth, and Dominik Baumann's slower Lexus fifth.<ref name="DSCQuali" /> Two GTD cars failed to record a lap time: The No. 73 Park Place Porsche [[Flat tire|tire punctured]] on its [[Glossary of motorsport terms#O|out lap]], and P1's No. 73 Mercedes-AMG GT3 had brake problems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-thursday-notebook-6/|title=Daytona Thursday Notebook|last=Dagys|first=John|last2=Kilshaw|first2=Jake|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301152422/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-thursday-notebook-6/|archive-date=March 1, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018|last3=Myrehn|first3=Ryan}}</ref>
In GTLM, Magnussen's No. 3 Corvette [[Drafting (aerodynamics)|drafted]] his teammate Gavin to achieve his fourth class pole position, and bettered Hand's 2017 category lap track record with a time of 1 minute, 42.779 seconds. Magnussen was 0.019 seconds faster than Hand's second-placed No. 66 Ford. Following in third was Vanthoor's No. 912 Porsche, with the sister No. 911 car of Pilet fourth.<ref name=AutoweekGTQuali>{{Cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/rolex-24-hours/corvette-ferrari-capture-imsa-rolex-24-gt-class-poles|title=Ford, Ferrari capture GT class poles for Rolex 24 at Daytona|last=IMSA Wire Service|date=January 25, 2018|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127103215/http://autoweek.com/article/rolex-24-hours/corvette-ferrari-capture-imsa-rolex-24-gt-class-poles|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Westbrook was fifth in GTLM in the slower Ford.<ref name="DSCQuali" /> [[Daniel Serra]] in the No. 51 Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GT3 was the first driver to record a GTD lap time in the 1 minute, 46-second range midway through,<ref name="DSCQuali" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/magnussen-secures-gtlm-pole-for-corvette/|title=Magnussen Secures GTLM Pole for Corvette|last=Kilshaw|first=Jake|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618102540/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/magnussen-secures-gtlm-pole-for-corvette/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> securing his second career pole position, and his first in any class since the [[2016 Monterey Grand Prix]] with a 1-minute, 46.407 seconds lap. Molina made it an all-Ferrari class front row in the No. 82 Risi car.<ref name=AutoweekGTQuali/> [[Mirko Bortolotti]]'s No. 11 GRT Lamborghini was third-fastest, but the car was demoted to the rear of the GTD field for failing a mandatory [[Stall (engine)|stall]] test at a post-qualifying technical inspection. Hence, [[Jack Hawksworth]]'s No. 15 3GT Racing Lexus RC F GT3 started third.<ref name=AutoweekGTQuali/> [[Alessandro Balzan]]'s No. 63 Scuderia Ferrari started fourth, with Dominik Baumann's slower Lexus fifth.<ref name="DSCQuali" /> Two GTD cars failed to record a lap time: The No. 73 Park Place Porsche's [[Flat tire|tire punctured]] on its [[Glossary of motorsport terms#O|out lap]], and P1's No. 73 Mercedes-AMG GT3 had brake problems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-thursday-notebook-6/|title=Daytona Thursday Notebook|last1=Dagys|first1=John|last2=Kilshaw|first2=Jake|date=January 25, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301152422/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-thursday-notebook-6/|archive-date=March 1, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018|last3=Myrehn|first3=Ryan}}</ref>


The third practice session ran at night and had Vautier's No. 90 Cadillac set the fastest overall lap of 1 minute and 37.210 seconds. Castroneves was almost two-tenths of a second behind in second, with the No. 22 Extreme Speed Nissan of [[Pipo Derani]] third. [[Harry Tincknell]] in the No. 55 Mazda placed fourth and Norris' quicker United Autosports car was fifth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/24h-daytona-libres-3-tristan-vautier-cadillac-le-plus-vite-dans-la-nuit/|title=24H Daytona, Libres 3 : Tristan Vautier (Cadillac) le plus vite dans la nuit|last=Mercier|first=Laurent|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=Endurance-Info|language=French|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127034657/http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/24h-daytona-libres-3-tristan-vautier-cadillac-le-plus-vite-dans-la-nuit/|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Kyle Masson caused the session's first stoppage when his No. 38 Performance Tech Oreca ran out of fuel on the track requiring recovery back to the pit lane. Later, Gustavo Menezes' No. 99 JDC-Miller car blew its right-rear tire entering turn six at high-speed. Though he controlled his car throughout and avoided hitting the wall, practice was stopped for 12 minutes.<ref name=RacerFP3>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146979-vautier-cadillac-lead-rolex-night-practice|title=Vautier, Cadillac lead Rolex night practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 25, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126062403/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146979-vautier-cadillac-lead-rolex-night-practice|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Ford took the first two placings in GTLM with Bourdais faster than his teammate Westbrook by two-tenths of a second. Bortolotti's No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini Huracán led GTD, and [[Sam Bird]], in the No. 64 Scuderia Ferrari, was second in class.<ref name=RacerFP3/>
The third practice session ran at night and saw Vautier's No. 90 Cadillac set the fastest overall lap of 1 minute, 37.210 seconds. Castroneves was almost two-tenths of a second behind in second, with the No. 22 ESM Nissan of [[Pipo Derani]] third. [[Harry Tincknell]] in the No. 55 Mazda was fourth and Norris' quicker United Autosports car was fifth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/24h-daytona-libres-3-tristan-vautier-cadillac-le-plus-vite-dans-la-nuit/|title=24H Daytona, Libres 3 : Tristan Vautier (Cadillac) le plus vite dans la nuit|last=Mercier|first=Laurent|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=Endurance-Info|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127034657/http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/24h-daytona-libres-3-tristan-vautier-cadillac-le-plus-vite-dans-la-nuit/|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Kyle Masson caused the session's first stoppage when his No. 38 PTR Oreca ran out of fuel on the track requiring recovery back to the pit lane. Later, Menezes' No. 99 JDC-Miller car right-rear tire failed entering turn six at high-speed. Though he controlled his car throughout and avoided hitting the wall, practice was stopped for 12 minutes.<ref name=RacerFP3>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146979-vautier-cadillac-lead-rolex-night-practice|title=Vautier, Cadillac lead Rolex night practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 25, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126062403/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/146979-vautier-cadillac-lead-rolex-night-practice|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Ford occupied first and second in GTLM with Bourdais faster than his teammate Westbrook by two-tenths of a second. Bortolotti's No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini Huracán led GTD, and [[Sam Bird]], in the No. 64 Scuderia Ferrari, was second in class.<ref name=RacerFP3/>


[[Mike Conway]] led the last practice session in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Racing entry with a time of 1 minute and 36.865 seconds. Stroll's No. 37 Jackie Chan car was second-fastest. The No. 90 Cadillac of Vautier set the third-quickest lap. Rast's No. 77 Mazda, along with Albuquerque's No. 5 Mustang Sampling entry completed the top five overall entrants.<ref name=MComFP4>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-final-practice-conway-leads-stroll-999353/|title=Rolex 24: Conway edges Stroll to top final practice|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512001838/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-final-practice-conway-leads-stroll-999353/|archive-date=May 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Though the session passed relatively peacefully, the right-rear tire on the No. 32 United Autosports vehicle driven by [[Bruno Senna]] blew on the track.<ref name=MComFP4/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/26/whelen-cadillac-leads-final-rolex-24-practice.html|title=Whelen Cadillac Leads Final Rolex 24 Practice|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140008/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/26/whelen-cadillac-leads-final-rolex-24-practice.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> In GTLM, Hand once again went fastest in the class with a lap of 1 minute and 44.602 seconds. Bruni was second-fastest in the No. 912 Porsche, and his teammate Pilet placed third in the sister No. 911 car. Cairoli set the fastest time in GTD, followed by [[Jeroen Bleekemolen]] in the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://racer.com/2018/01/26/conway-fastest-in-final-rolex-24-practice/|title=Conway fastest in final Rolex 24 practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 26, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618095731/https://racer.com/2018/01/26/conway-fastest-in-final-rolex-24-practice/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref>
[[Mike Conway]] led the last practice session in the No. 31 WER car with a lap of 1 minute, 36.865 seconds. Stroll's No. 37 Jackie Chan car was second-fastest. The No. 90 Cadillac of Vautier set the third-quickest lap. Rast's No. 77 Mazda, along with Albuquerque's No. 5 Mustang Sampling car were fourth and fifth.<ref name=MComFP4>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-final-practice-conway-leads-stroll-999353/|title=Rolex 24: Conway edges Stroll to top final practice|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512001838/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-final-practice-conway-leads-stroll-999353/|archive-date=May 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Though the session passed relatively peacefully, the right-rear tire on the No. 32 United Autosports vehicle of [[Bruno Senna]] blew on the track.<ref name=MComFP4/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/26/whelen-cadillac-leads-final-rolex-24-practice.html|title=Whelen Cadillac Leads Final Rolex 24 Practice|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140008/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/26/whelen-cadillac-leads-final-rolex-24-practice.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> In GTLM, Hand was again fastest in the class with a lap of 1 minute, 44.602 seconds. Bruni was second-fastest in the No. 912 Porsche, and his teammate Pilet took third in the sister No. 911 car. Cairoli set the fastest time in GTD, followed by [[Jeroen Bleekemolen]]'s No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://racer.com/2018/01/26/conway-fastest-in-final-rolex-24-practice/|title=Conway fastest in final Rolex 24 practice|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 26, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618095731/https://racer.com/2018/01/26/conway-fastest-in-final-rolex-24-practice/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref>


===Pre-race===
===Pre-race===
[[Tomy Drissi]] withdrew from the race due to business commitments, leaving the No. 20 BAR1 Riley Mk. 30 to operate as a four-person entry.<ref name=S365FridayNotes>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-friday-notebook-7/|title=Daytona Friday Notebook|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618102431/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-friday-notebook-7/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> The No. 2 Extreme Speed Motorsports, the No. 71 P1 Mercedes-AMG, and the No. 77 Mazda entries were sent to the rear of their respective class fields because their teams changed their respective starting drivers. Although Paul Miller Racing and Mazda changed engines in their respective cars (the No. 48 Lamborghini and the No. 77 RT24-P), they were not demoted any grid places since the race lasted more than six hours.<ref name=SatNotebook>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-pre-race-notebook-5/|title=Daytona Pre-Race Notebook|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143930/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-pre-race-notebook-5/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>
[[Tomy Drissi]] withdrew from the race due to business commitments, leaving the No. 20 BAR1 Riley Mk. 30 to operate as a four-person entry.<ref name=S365FridayNotes>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-friday-notebook-7/|title=Daytona Friday Notebook|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 26, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618102431/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-friday-notebook-7/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> The No. 2 ESM Motorsports, the No. 71 P1 Mercedes-AMG, and the No. 77 Mazda entries were sent to the rear of their respective class fields because their teams changed their respective starting drivers. Although PSR and Mazda changed engines in their respective cars (the No. 48 Lamborghini and the No. 77 RT24-P), they were not demoted any grid places since the race lasted more than six hours.<ref name=SatNotebook>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-pre-race-notebook-5/|title=Daytona Pre-Race Notebook|last=Dagys|first=John|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143930/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-pre-race-notebook-5/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>


===Qualifying results===
===Qualifying results===
[[Pole position]]s in each class are indicated in '''bold''' and by a {{Double-dagger}}. P stands for [[Daytona Prototype|Daytona Prototype International]], GTLM ([[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]]) and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).<ref name="Starting grid"/>
[[Pole position]]s in each class are indicated in '''bold'''. P stands for [[Daytona Prototype|Daytona Prototype International]], GTLM ([[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]]) and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).<ref name="Starting grid"/>


{| class="wikitable" "
{| class="wikitable" "
|+Final qualifying classification
! scope="col" | {{Abbr|Pos.|Position}}
! scope="col" | {{Abbr|Pos.|Position}}
! scope="col" | Class
! scope="col" | Class
Line 91: Line 93:
| '''1:36.083'''
| '''1:36.083'''
| '''—'''
| '''—'''
! '''1'''{{Double-dagger}}
! '''1'''
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2
! scope="row" | 2
Line 240: Line 242:
| '''GTLM'''
| '''GTLM'''
| '''3'''
| '''3'''
| '''[[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]]'''
| '''[[Corvette Racing]]'''
| '''[[Jan Magnussen]]'''
| '''[[Jan Magnussen]]'''
| '''1:42.779'''
| '''1:42.779'''
| '''+6.696'''
| '''+6.696'''
! '''21'''{{Double-dagger}}
! '''21'''
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 19
! scope="row" | 19
Line 285: Line 287:
| GTLM
| GTLM
| 4
| 4
| [[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]]
| [[Corvette Racing]]
| [[Oliver Gavin]]
| [[Oliver Gavin]]
| 1:43.453
| 1:43.453
Line 325: Line 327:
| '''1:46.049'''
| '''1:46.049'''
| '''+9.966'''
| '''+9.966'''
! '''30'''{{Double-dagger}}
! '''30'''
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 28
! scope="row" | 28
Line 348: Line 350:
| GTD
| GTD
| 11
| 11
| GRT Grasser Racing Team
| [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]
| [[Mirko Bortolotti]]
| [[Mirko Bortolotti]]
| 1:46.658
| 1:46.658
Line 394: Line 396:
| 29
| 29
| Montaplast by Land-Motorsport
| Montaplast by Land-Motorsport
| Sheldon van der Linde
| [[Sheldon van der Linde]]
| 1:47.273
| 1:47.273
| +11.190
| +11.190
Line 429: Line 431:
| GTD
| GTD
| 59
| 59
| [[Olaf Manthey|Manthey Racing]]
| [[Manthey Racing]]
| [[Sven Müller (racing driver)|Sven Müller]]
| [[Sven Müller (racing driver)|Sven Müller]]
| 1:47.587
| 1:47.587
Line 466: Line 468:
| 48
| 48
| [[Paul Miller Racing]]
| [[Paul Miller Racing]]
| [[Bryce Miller]]
| [[Bryce Miller (racing driver)|Bryce Miller]]
| 1:48.181
| 1:48.181
| +12.098
| +12.098
Line 475: Line 477:
| 93
| 93
| [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] with [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb-Agajanian]]
| [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] with [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb-Agajanian]]
| Côme Ledogar
| [[Côme Ledogar]]
| 1:48.239
| 1:48.239
| +12.156
| +12.156
Line 492: Line 494:
| GTD
| GTD
| 19
| 19
| GRT Grasser Racing Team
| [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]
| Christoph Lenz
| Christoph Lenz
| 1:51.531
| 1:51.531
Line 502: Line 504:
| 77
| 77
| [[Joest Racing|Mazda Team Joest]]
| [[Joest Racing|Mazda Team Joest]]
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did Not Participate''
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did not participate''
! 19{{ref|2|2}}
! 19{{ref|2|2}}
|-
|-
Line 509: Line 511:
| 2
| 2
| [[Extreme Speed Motorsports|Tequila Patrón ESM]]
| [[Extreme Speed Motorsports|Tequila Patrón ESM]]
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did Not Participate''
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did not participate''
! 20{{ref|2|2}}
! 20{{ref|2|2}}
|-
|-
Line 516: Line 518:
| 73
| 73
| Park Place Motorsports
| Park Place Motorsports
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did Not Participate''
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did not participate''
! 48
! 48
|-
|-
Line 523: Line 525:
| 71
| 71
| P1 Motorsports
| P1 Motorsports
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did Not Participate''
| colspan=3 align=center|''Did not participate''
! 49{{ref|2|2}}
! 49{{ref|2|2}}
|-
|-
Line 534: Line 536:


===Start===
===Start===
Weather conditions at the start of the race were dry but cloudy. The air temperature throughout was between {{convert|64|and|77|F|C|abbr=on}} and the track temperature ranged from {{convert|62|to|80|F|C|abbr=on}};<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/26_Weather.PDF|title=Rolex 24 at Daytona: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – Race Weather Report|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000928/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/26_Weather.PDF|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> conditions were expected to remain consistent throughout the race, but a 70% chance of rain was forecast for Sunday.<ref name="DaytonaSchedule" /> Chip Ganassi Racing founder and owner [[Chip Ganassi]] waved the [[Racing flags#Green flag|green flag]] at 14:40 [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard Time]] ([[UTC−05:00]]) to start the proceedings.<ref name="DaytonaSchedule" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Articles/2018/01/Chip-Ganassi-to-Serve-as-Grand-Marshal-for-2018-Rolex-24.aspx|title=Chip Ganassi to Serve as Grand Marshal for 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=Daytona International Speedway|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Articles/2018/01/Chip-Ganassi-to-Serve-as-Grand-Marshal-for-2018-Rolex-24.aspx|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> Fifty cars were due to take the start, but Robert Renauer spun on cold tyres and heavily damaged the left-hand quarter of the No. 58 Wright Motorsports car when he hit the turn five inside wall during the first [[Parade lap|formation lap]].<ref name="TCFH1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-1-update-albuquerque-leads/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 1 Update – Albuquerque Leads|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618160935/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-1-update-albuquerque-leads/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/cadillacs-strong-through-first-six-hours-rolex-24-plenty-others-still-hunt|title=Cadillacs Strong Through First Six Hours of Rolex 24, But Plenty Others Still in Hunt|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111514/https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/cadillacs-strong-through-first-six-hours-rolex-24-plenty-others-still-hunt|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DSCH2&4" /> Extensive repairs to the car were carried out for the next two hours and eight minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-rolex-24-post-race-notebook/|title=Continental Tire Rolex 24 Post-Race Notebook|last=Dagys|first=John|last2=Myrehn|first2=Ryan|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515043829/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-rolex-24-post-race-notebook/|archive-date=May 15, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018|last3=Kilshaw|first3=Jake}}</ref> Van Der Zande led from the start with Castroneves close behind. Nasr moved to third by the third lap and overtook Castroneves around the outside for second at turn seven. He lost third to Albuquerque two corners later. The first round of green flag pit stops for fuel began on lap 17, with Van der Zande stopping two laps later. He lost first to Albuquerque after all pit stops were carried out.<ref name="TCFH1" /> Hand took the GTLM lead from Magnussen in the opening minutes. Westbrook was also an early mover but fell to third after a slow pit stop to rectify brake issues. Jeffrey Schmidt's No. 29 Land Motorsport car moved to the front of GTD by passing Serra and having a faster pit stop than Molina who overtook Serra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/cadillac-1-2-3-4-after-opening-hour-at-daytona.html|title=Cadillac 1–2–3–4 After Opening Hour At Daytona|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111825/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/cadillac-1-2-3-4-after-opening-hour-at-daytona.html|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>
Weather conditions at the start of the race were dry but cloudy. The air temperature throughout was between {{convert|64|and|77|F|C|abbr=on}} and the track temperature ranged from {{convert|62|to|80|F|C|abbr=on}};<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/26_Weather.PDF|title=Rolex 24 at Daytona: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – Race Weather Report|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000928/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/26_Weather.PDF|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> conditions were expected to remain consistent throughout the race, but a 70 per cent chance of rain was forecast for Sunday.<ref name="DaytonaSchedule" /> CGR founder and owner [[Chip Ganassi]] waved the [[Racing flags#Green flag|green flag]] at 14:40 [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard Time]] ([[UTC−05:00]]) to start the proceedings.<ref name="DaytonaSchedule" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Articles/2018/01/Chip-Ganassi-to-Serve-as-Grand-Marshal-for-2018-Rolex-24.aspx|title=Chip Ganassi to Serve as Grand Marshal for 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona|date=January 5, 2018|publisher=Daytona International Speedway|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Articles/2018/01/Chip-Ganassi-to-Serve-as-Grand-Marshal-for-2018-Rolex-24.aspx|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> Fifty cars were due to take the start, but Robert Renauer spun on cold tyres and heavily damaged the left-hand quarter of the No. 58 Wright Motorsports car when he hit the turn five inside wall during the first [[Parade lap|formation lap]].<ref name="TCFH1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-1-update-albuquerque-leads/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 1 Update – Albuquerque Leads|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618160935/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-1-update-albuquerque-leads/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/cadillacs-strong-through-first-six-hours-rolex-24-plenty-others-still-hunt|title=Cadillacs Strong Through First Six Hours of Rolex 24, But Plenty Others Still in Hunt|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111514/https://www.imsa.com/news/012018/cadillacs-strong-through-first-six-hours-rolex-24-plenty-others-still-hunt|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DSCH2&4" /> Extensive repairs to the car were carried out for the next two hours and eight minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-rolex-24-post-race-notebook/|title=Continental Tire Rolex 24 Post-Race Notebook|last1=Dagys|first1=John|last2=Myrehn|first2=Ryan|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515043829/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/continental-tire-rolex-24-post-race-notebook/|archive-date=May 15, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018|last3=Kilshaw|first3=Jake}}</ref> Van Der Zande led from the start with Castroneves close behind. Nasr moved to third by the third lap and overtook Castroneves around the outside for second at turn seven. He lost third to Albuquerque two corners later. The first round of green flag pit stops for fuel began on lap 17, with Van der Zande stopping two laps later. He lost first to Albuquerque after all pit stops were carried out.<ref name="TCFH1" /> Hand took the GTLM lead from Magnussen in the opening minutes. Westbrook was also an early mover but fell to third after a slow pit stop to rectify brake issues. Jeffrey Schmidt's No. 29 Land Motorsport car moved to the front of GTD by passing Serra and having a faster pit stop than Molina who overtook Serra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/cadillac-1-2-3-4-after-opening-hour-at-daytona.html|title=Cadillac 1–2–3–4 After Opening Hour at Daytona|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111825/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/cadillac-1-2-3-4-after-opening-hour-at-daytona.html|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>


Early in the second hour, problems during the second pit stop phase affected several cars. The right-front wheel on Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda detached and rested on the Armco barriers lining the circuit. Bomarito slowed to {{Convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on his way to the pit lane, putting him three laps behind the overall leader; Tincknell relieved him at his pit box. [[Oliver Jarvis]]' sister No. 77 car was then transported into its garage for a downshifting problem that put him behind the GTLM leaders and five laps behind the overall pace setters.<ref name="RacerH2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147026-rolex-24-hour-2-alonso-leads-a-lap|title=Rolex 24, Hour 2: Alonso leads a lap|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 27, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128012954/https://racer.com/imsa/item/147026-rolex-24-hour-2-alonso-leads-a-lap|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="MCOMH2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-2-cadillac-dominates-early-exchanges-999690/?s=1|title=Rolex 24, Hour 2: Cadillac dominates early exchanges|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-2-cadillac-dominates-early-exchanges-999690/?s=1|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DSCH2&4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/action-express-leads-esm-rising-up-the-order-after-three-hours.html|title=Action Express Leads, ESM Rising Up The Order After Three Hours|last=Goodwin|first=Graham|last2=Kish|first2=Ryan|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111959/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/action-express-leads-esm-rising-up-the-order-after-three-hours.html|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Santiago Creel relieved Molina in the No. 82 Risi Ferrari, but a [[flash fire]] affected the car when fuel ignited at its pit stop after the nozzle was disconnected. The entry dropped 24 laps as it was tended to.<ref name="RacerH2" /><ref name="DSCH2&4" /> Ricky Taylor's No. 7 Penske car was delayed by its left-hand door loosening due to a broken [[latch]]; he remained on the same lap as the overall leader.<ref name="DSCH2&4" /> During this period, Vautier, Alonso and Barbosa all led outright.<ref name="RacerH2" /><ref name=MCOMH2/> Extreme Speed Motorsports gained the most positions: the No. 22 car of Derani had gained 15 places from starting 18th, while [[Olivier Pla]]'s sister No. 22 entry overcame an earlier cut tire that necessitated an unscheduled pit stop to run in seventh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hour-2-update/|title=IMSA: Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona after 2 hours — 22 hours remain|last=Lavigne|first=Kyle|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160731/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hour-2-update/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>
Early in the second hour, problems during the second pit stop phase affected several cars. The right-front wheel on Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda detached and rested on the Armco barriers lining the circuit. Bomarito slowed to {{Convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on his way to the pit lane, putting him three laps behind the overall leader; Tincknell relieved him at his pit box. [[Oliver Jarvis]]' sister No. 77 car was then transported into its garage for a downshifting problem that put him behind the GTLM leaders and five laps behind the overall pace setters.<ref name="RacerH2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147026-rolex-24-hour-2-alonso-leads-a-lap|title=Rolex 24, Hour 2: Alonso leads a lap|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 27, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128012954/https://racer.com/imsa/item/147026-rolex-24-hour-2-alonso-leads-a-lap|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="MCOMH2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-2-cadillac-dominates-early-exchanges-999690/?s=1|title=Rolex 24, Hour 2: Cadillac dominates early exchanges|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-2-cadillac-dominates-early-exchanges-999690/?s=1|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DSCH2&4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/action-express-leads-esm-rising-up-the-order-after-three-hours.html|title=Action Express Leads, ESM Rising Up The Order After Three Hours|last1=Goodwin|first1=Graham|last2=Kish|first2=Ryan|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111959/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/27/action-express-leads-esm-rising-up-the-order-after-three-hours.html|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Santiago Creel relieved Molina in the No. 82 Risi Ferrari, but a [[flash fire]] affected the car when fuel ignited at its pit stop after the nozzle was disconnected. The entry dropped 24 laps as it was tended to.<ref name="RacerH2" /><ref name="DSCH2&4" /> Ricky Taylor's No. 7 Penske car was delayed by its left-hand door loosening due to a broken [[latch]]; he remained on the same lap as the overall leader.<ref name="DSCH2&4" /> During this period, Vautier, Alonso and Barbosa all led outright.<ref name="RacerH2" /><ref name=MCOMH2/> ESM gained the most positions: the No. 22 car of Derani had gained 15 places from starting 18th, while [[Olivier Pla]]'s sister No. 22 entry overcame an earlier cut tire that necessitated an unscheduled pit stop to run in seventh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hour-2-update/|title=IMSA: Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona after 2 hours — 22 hours remain|last=Lavigne|first=Kyle|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160731/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hour-2-update/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>


Derani was gaining on Barbosa when the first [[Racing flags#Yellow flag|full course caution]] period of the race was activated for 14 minutes. [[James French (racing driver)|James French]] in the No. 38 Performance Tech Oreca had stopped on the oval banking at turn seven halfway through the third hour because of no fuel.<ref name="DSCH2&4" /><ref name="R&TBlog">{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a15903043/2018-rolex-24-at-daytona-the-live-blog/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: The Live Blog|last=Smith|first=Fred|last2=Perkins|first2=Chris|date=January 28, 2018|website=Road & Track|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a15903043/2018-rolex-24-at-daytona-the-live-blog/|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Barbosa kept first from Derani at the [[Rolling start|restart]]. Two Jackie Chan cars separated the pair allowing Barbosa to draw clear and re-establish his advantage upfront, which grew to seven seconds.<ref name="CFH3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-3-update-barbosa-builds-lead-first-caution-called/|title=2018 Rolex 24 At Daytona: Hour 3 Update – Barbosa Builds Lead as First Caution is Called|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111512/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-3-update-barbosa-builds-lead-first-caution-called/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-4-action-express-cadillac-leads-999699/?s=1|title=Rolex 24, Hour 4: AXR in command as darkness falls|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618164711/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-4-action-express-cadillac-leads-999699/?s=1|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Derani fell out of contention in the battle for the lead soon after his right-rear tire burst, shredding the right-rear quarter of his car and sending him to pit road for repairs. [[Matt McMurry]] in the No. 90 Spirit of Race car was demoted to third when Hunter-Reay's No. 10 Wayne Taylor entry, [[Simon Pagenaud]]'s No. 6 Penske, and Middleton's No. 31 Whelen Engineering car got past him the lap after the restart. Middleton came into contact with Pagenaud at turn five; in spite of both remaining on the lead lap, Middleton earned a drive-through penalty. As night fell, [[James Calado]]'s No. 62 Risi car, and Nunez' No. 77 Mazda, picked up punctures at the rear of their cars within 28 minutes of each other.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name="CFH3" />
Derani was gaining on Barbosa when the first [[Racing flags#Yellow flag|full course caution]] period of the race was activated for 14 minutes. [[James French (racing driver)|James French]] in the No. 38 PTR Oreca had stopped on the oval banking at turn seven halfway through the third hour because of no fuel.<ref name="DSCH2&4" /><ref name="R&TBlog">{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a15903043/2018-rolex-24-at-daytona-the-live-blog/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: The Live Blog|last1=Smith|first1=Fred|last2=Perkins|first2=Chris|date=January 28, 2018|website=Road & Track|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a15903043/2018-rolex-24-at-daytona-the-live-blog/|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Barbosa kept first from Derani at the [[Rolling start|restart]]. Two Jackie Chan cars separated the pair allowing Barbosa to draw clear and re-establish his advantage upfront, which grew to seven seconds.<ref name="CFH3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-3-update-barbosa-builds-lead-first-caution-called/|title=2018 Rolex 24 At Daytona: Hour 3 Update – Barbosa Builds Lead as First Caution is Called|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111512/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-3-update-barbosa-builds-lead-first-caution-called/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-4-action-express-cadillac-leads-999699/?s=1|title=Rolex 24, Hour 4: AXR in command as darkness falls|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618164711/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-4-action-express-cadillac-leads-999699/?s=1|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Derani fell out of contention in the battle for the lead soon after his right-rear tire burst, shredding the right-rear quarter of his car and sending him to pit road for repairs. [[Matt McMurry]] in the No. 90 Spirit of Race car was demoted to third when Hunter-Reay's No. 10 WTR entry, [[Simon Pagenaud]]'s No. 6 Penske, and Middleton's No. 31 WER car got past him the lap after the restart. Middleton came into contact with Pagenaud at turn five; in spite of both remaining on the lead lap, Middleton earned a drive-through penalty. As night fell, [[James Calado]]'s No. 62 Risi car, and Nunez' No. 77 Mazda, picked up punctures at the rear of their cars within 28 minutes of each other.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name="CFH3" />


===Night===
===Night===
Before the fourth hour's end, Jordan Taylor's right-rear tire burst on the banking entering turn 12. Damage was minimal since he was near the pit lane and repairs took 29 seconds.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147031-rolex-24-hour-5-scare-for-defending-winners-rain-hits-daytona|title=Rolex 24 Hour 5: Scare for defending winners; rain hits Daytona|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 27, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128063805/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147031-rolex-24-hour-5-scare-for-defending-winners-rain-hits-daytona|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Light rain began falling just as the fifth hour began and several cars in all categories were caught out by the change of conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hours-of-daytona-after-6-hours-18-hours-remain/|title=IMSA: Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona after 6 hours — 18 hours remain|last=Bonkowski|first=Jerry|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614194653/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hours-of-daytona-after-6-hours-18-hours-remain/|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Soon after, the rain intensified enough for most of the field to make pit stops for [[rain tyre]]s. [[Marcel Fässler (racing driver)|Marcel Fässler]] stayed on the circuit but was ten seconds slower than teammate Magnussen and was overtaken by Bourdais and [[Scott Dixon]]'s Fords. The rain later tapered off, but the disparity of drying of the banking and the infield sections was problematic for rain tyre equipped cars. The first major incident in GTLM came 4 hours and 42 minutes in when [[Bill Auberlen]]'s No. 25 BMW M8's right-front tyre was cut {{Convert|10|mm|cm|abbr=on}} from debris on the banking leaving turn six. He stayed off the wall and returned to his garage to repair front-right bodywork damage. Pilet remained on dry tyres and took the GTLM lead but dropped to fourth by the end of hour six. In the meantime, Fittipaldi lost the overall lead to Castroneves before Conway took it after he made a pit stop two laps later than both drivers.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-6-conway-stars-in-wet-takes-lead-999709/?s=1|title=Rolex 24, Hour 6: Conway stars in wet, takes lead|last=Malsher|first=David|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618161413/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-6-conway-stars-in-wet-takes-lead-999709/?s=1|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/conway-storms-to-rolex-24-lead-after-six-hours.html|title=Conway Storms To Rolex 24 Lead After Six Hours|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618161427/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/conway-storms-to-rolex-24-lead-after-six-hours.html|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref>
Before the fourth hour's end, Jordan Taylor's right-rear tire burst on the banking entering turn 12. Damage was minimal since he was near the pit lane and repairs took 29 seconds.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147031-rolex-24-hour-5-scare-for-defending-winners-rain-hits-daytona|title=Rolex 24 Hour 5: Scare for defending winners; rain hits Daytona|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|date=January 27, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128063805/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147031-rolex-24-hour-5-scare-for-defending-winners-rain-hits-daytona|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Light rain began falling just as the fifth hour began and several cars in all categories were caught out by the change of conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hours-of-daytona-after-6-hours-18-hours-remain/|title=IMSA: Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona after 6 hours — 18 hours remain|last=Bonkowski|first=Jerry|date=January 27, 2018|publisher=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614194653/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/01/27/imsa-rolex-24-hours-of-daytona-after-6-hours-18-hours-remain/|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Soon after, the rain intensified enough for most of the field to make pit stops for [[rain tyre]]s. [[Marcel Fässler (racing driver)|Marcel Fässler]] stayed on the circuit but was ten seconds slower than teammate Magnussen and was overtaken by Bourdais and [[Scott Dixon]]'s Fords. The rain later tapered off, but the disparity of drying of the banking and the infield sections was problematic for rain tyre equipped cars. The first major incident in GTLM came 4 hours and 42 minutes in when [[Bill Auberlen]]'s No. 25 BMW M8's right-front tyre was cut {{Convert|10|mm|cm|abbr=on}} from debris on the banking leaving turn six. He stayed off the wall and returned to his garage to repair front-right bodywork damage. Pilet remained on dry tyres and took the GTLM lead but dropped to fourth by the end of hour six. In the meantime, Fittipaldi lost the overall lead to Castroneves before Conway took it after he made a pit stop two laps later than both drivers.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-6-conway-stars-in-wet-takes-lead-999709/?s=1|title=Rolex 24, Hour 6: Conway stars in wet, takes lead|last=Malsher|first=David|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618161413/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-6-conway-stars-in-wet-takes-lead-999709/?s=1|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/conway-storms-to-rolex-24-lead-after-six-hours.html|title=Conway Storms To Rolex 24 Lead After Six Hours|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618161427/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/conway-storms-to-rolex-24-lead-after-six-hours.html|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref>


Norris was the best-placed LMP2 car and was sometimes the fastest overall and gained positions through superior fuel economy before Hanson took over the No. 23 vehicle.<ref name="CFH7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-7-update-team-penske-acura-leads-1-2-pitstops/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 7 Update – Team Penske Acura Leads 1–2 After Pitstops|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618161030/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-7-update-team-penske-acura-leads-1-2-pitstops/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Despite a front nose change at his pit stop, Castroneves retook the lead after Curran took over from Conway when the No. 5 car stopped. Castroneves was soon being gained on by Albuquerque who relieved Fittipaldi. The two drew level when Albuquerque used his car's extra torque to get a better exit out of the turn three hairpin. Albuquerque overtook Castroneves because the latter elected not to risk driving beside him entering the kink. Albuquerque opened up a five-second gap before handing the lead back to Castroneves ten minutes before the eighth hour ended on pit stop rotation.<ref name=CFH7/> Don Yount lost control of the No. 96 Turner BMW M6's rear at the Bus Stop chicane and hit the tyre wall heavily. No caution was needed.<ref name=DSCH6-12>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/through-to-halfway-cadillac-and-acura-battle-for-the-lead.html|title=Through To Halfway, Cadillac & Acura Battle For The Lead|last=Goodwin|first=Graham|last2=Kilbey|first2=Stephen|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111942/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/through-to-halfway-cadillac-and-acura-battle-for-the-lead.html|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Soon after, Hanson's right-rear tyre blew turning into the Bus Stop chicane, significantly damaging his car's bodywork. Hanson required an engine cover and rear wing replacement and Alonso took over from him. Castroneves again lost the lead to Albuquerque when he overshot his pit box and was half a minute adrift into hour nine. Third-placed Van der Zande picked up another right-rear puncture on the No. 10 Wayne Taylor car at the Bus Stop chicane; the carcass delaminated and deranged its bodywork and radiator line, forcing it into the garage for repairs. It dropped ten laps to the overall leader.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/>
Norris was the best-placed LMP2 car and was sometimes the fastest overall and gained positions through superior fuel economy before Hanson took over the No. 23 vehicle.<ref name="CFH7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-7-update-team-penske-acura-leads-1-2-pitstops/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 7 Update – Team Penske Acura Leads 1–2 After Pitstops|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618161030/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-7-update-team-penske-acura-leads-1-2-pitstops/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Despite a front nose change at his pit stop, Castroneves retook the lead after Curran took over from Conway when the No. 5 car stopped. Castroneves was soon being gained on by Albuquerque who relieved Fittipaldi. The two drew level when Albuquerque used his car's extra torque to get a better exit out of the turn three [[Hairpin turn|hairpin]]. Albuquerque overtook Castroneves because the latter elected not to risk driving beside him entering the kink. Albuquerque opened up a five-second gap before handing the lead back to Castroneves ten minutes before the eighth hour ended on pit stop rotation.<ref name=CFH7/> Don Yount lost control of the No. 96 Turner BMW M6's rear at the Bus Stop chicane and hit the tyre wall heavily. No caution was needed.<ref name=DSCH6-12>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/through-to-halfway-cadillac-and-acura-battle-for-the-lead.html|title=Through To Halfway, Cadillac & Acura Battle for the Lead|last1=Goodwin|first1=Graham|last2=Kilbey|first2=Stephen|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111942/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/through-to-halfway-cadillac-and-acura-battle-for-the-lead.html|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Soon after, Hanson's right-rear tyre blew turning into the Bus Stop chicane, significantly damaging his car's bodywork. Hanson required an engine cover and rear wing replacement and Alonso took over from him. Castroneves again lost the lead to Albuquerque when he overshot his pit box and was half a minute adrift into hour nine. Third-placed Van der Zande picked up another right-rear puncture on the No. 10 WTR car at the Bus Stop chicane; the carcass delaminated and deranged its bodywork and radiator line, forcing it into the garage for repairs. It dropped ten laps to the overall leader.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/>


McMurry brought the No. 90 Spirit of Racing car into his garage with a misfiring engine and later retired. Nick Tandy got past [[Antonio García (racing driver)|Antonio García]]'s No. 3 Corvette but clipped the curb at the Bus Stop chicane too hard and speared into the tyre barrier after losing control of his vehicle's rear leaving the turn. He returned to the pit lane with heavy car damage. As it turned January 28, Nasr's right-rear tire failed but had minimal car damage and went to the pit lane for a replacement wheel.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/> The lead of GTD went to [[Adam Christodoulou]]'s No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG because IMSA deemed that Jeffrey Schmidt's No. 29 Land Audi had exceeded the maximum rate of permitted fuel flow (a balance of performance transgression) at the car's pit stops. IMSA ordered the team to serve a five-minute stop-and-hold penalty.<ref name=RacerH10>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147037-rolex-24-hour-10-penskes-back-on-top-gtd-leader-penalized|title=Rolex 24 Hour 10: Penske Acuras back on top; GTD leader penalized|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=January 27, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128114911/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147037-rolex-24-hour-10-penskes-back-on-top-gtd-leader-penalized|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> The race's second full course yellow was activated for 18 minutes when [[Roberto González Valdez|Roberto González]] was on his out-lap on cold tyres and went straight into the tyre barrier at the third corner.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/><ref name=RacerH10/> Mustang Sampling Racing changed the brake discs on the No. 5 car during the caution, allowing Ricky Taylor and Pagenaud into first and second overall.<ref name=DSCH6-12/><ref name=RacerH10/>
McMurry brought the No. 90 Spirit of Racing car into his garage with a misfiring engine and later retired. Nick Tandy got past [[Antonio García (racing driver)|Antonio García]]'s No. 3 Corvette but clipped the curb at the Bus Stop chicane too hard and speared into the tyre barrier after losing control of his vehicle's rear leaving the turn. He returned to the pit lane with heavy car damage. As it turned January 28, Nasr's right-rear tire failed but had minimal car damage and went to the pit lane for a replacement wheel.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/> The lead of GTD went to [[Adam Christodoulou]]'s No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG because IMSA deemed that Jeffrey Schmidt's No. 29 Land Audi had exceeded the maximum rate of permitted fuel flow (a balance of performance transgression) at the car's pit stops. IMSA ordered the team to serve a five-minute stop-and-hold penalty.<ref name=RacerH10>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147037-rolex-24-hour-10-penskes-back-on-top-gtd-leader-penalized|title=Rolex 24 Hour 10: Penske Acuras back on top; GTD leader penalized|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=January 27, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128114911/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147037-rolex-24-hour-10-penskes-back-on-top-gtd-leader-penalized|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> The race's second full course yellow was activated for 18 minutes when [[Roberto González Valdez|Roberto González]] was on his out-lap on cold tyres and went straight into the tyre barrier at the third corner.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/><ref name=RacerH10/> Mustang Sampling Racing changed the brake discs on the No. 5 car during the caution, allowing Ricky Taylor and Pagenaud into first and second overall.<ref name=DSCH6-12/><ref name=RacerH10/>


In GTD, [[Katherine Legge]] took over the class lead in the No. 86 Michael Shank Acura NSX when the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG served a stop-and-hold penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Legge lost it soon after to Perera's No. 48 Paul Miller Racing Lamborghini and Brekers took second place in the class for Grasser. Meanwhile, the top four overall cars were separated by six seconds and three cars were contesting the battle for second place.<ref name=DSCH6-12/> Barbosa sidedrafted Pagenaud with fourth-placed Nasr slipstreaming both cars on the approach to the Bus Stop chicane. Nasr out-braked both vehicles and passed them for second overall. [[Graham Rahal]] was now in the No.7 Penske Acura but was overtaken by Barbosa and Nasr. Ten hours and 30 minutes in, Alonso drove No. 23 United Autosports car into the garage with a master brake cylinder failure and fell out of contention for a top ten finish. One second separated the trio of Barbosa, Nasr and Rahal with Pagenaud drawing slightly closer in fourth. Nasr lost second to Rahal in the 11th hour. Pagenaud took the lead for a short time during the pit stop rotation for fuel. Rahal extended his advantage upfront as Barbosa and Nasr lost time on cold tyres, but Pagenaud gained first when Rahal spun and stalled at turn one.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147038-rolex-24-hour-11-axr-back-in-front-no-23-in-garage|title=Rolex 24 Hour 11: AXR back in front, No.23 in garage|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=January 28, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128114856/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147038-rolex-24-hour-11-axr-back-in-front-no-23-in-garage|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref>
In GTD, [[Katherine Legge]] took over the class lead in the No. 86 MSR Acura NSX when the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG served a stop-and-hold penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Legge lost it soon after to Perera's No. 48 PSR Lamborghini and Brekers took second place in the class for Grasser. Meanwhile, the top four overall cars were separated by six seconds and three cars were contesting the battle for second place.<ref name=DSCH6-12/> Barbosa sidedrafted Pagenaud with fourth-placed Nasr slipstreaming both cars on the approach to the Bus Stop chicane. Nasr out-braked both vehicles and passed them for second overall. [[Graham Rahal]] was now in the No.7 Penske Acura but was overtaken by Barbosa and Nasr. Ten hours and 30 minutes in, Alonso drove No. 23 United Autosports car into the garage with a master brake cylinder failure and fell out of contention for a top ten finish. One second separated Barbosa, Nasr and Rahal with Pagenaud drawing slightly closer in fourth. Nasr lost second to Rahal in the 11th hour. Pagenaud took the lead for a short time during the pit stops for fuel. Rahal extended his lead as Barbosa and Nasr lost time on cold tyres, but Pagenaud gained first when Rahal spun and stalled at turn one.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=DSCH6-12/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147038-rolex-24-hour-11-axr-back-in-front-no-23-in-garage|title=Rolex 24 Hour 11: AXR back in front, No.23 in garage|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|date=January 28, 2018|website=Racer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128114856/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147038-rolex-24-hour-11-axr-back-in-front-no-23-in-garage|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref>


===Morning===
===Morning===
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[[File:Mike Conway Driver of Toyota Gazoo Racing's Toyota TS050 Hybrid (27156709091) (2).jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Mike Conway]] ''(pictured in 2016)'' of Whelen Engineering Racing was called to pit road for cooling issues in the 18th hour.]]
[[File:Mike Conway Driver of Toyota Gazoo Racing's Toyota TS050 Hybrid (27156709091) (2).jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Mike Conway]] ''(pictured in 2016)'' of Whelen Engineering Racing was called to pit road for cooling issues in the 18th hour.]]


Conway regained first place through the next pit stop cycle. Tung slid the No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca at the Bus Stop chicane and rear-ended the inside tire barrier. He made a pit stop for a replacement rear wing assembly and repairs to the car's front-left bodywork. The two Nissan DPis of Extreme Speed Motorsports driven by [[Ryan Dalziel]] and Derani retired by hour 14 because of respective terminal gearbox and engine failures.<ref name="R&TBlog" /> Cameron led for three laps before his mechanics called him to pit road to inspect the No. 6 Penske car thoroughly for a suspected [[Alternator (automotive)|alternator]] problem that drained its [[Automotive battery|battery]]. Cameron lost 25 laps to the leaders, and just three entries in the Prototype category were now on the lead lap.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Medland|first=Chris|title=Rolex 24 Hour 14: AXR in charge; Penske problems|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147048-rolex-24-hour-14-cadillac-in-charge-problems-for-penske|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 13, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128121836/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147048-rolex-24-hour-14-cadillac-in-charge-problems-for-penske|archivedate=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Curran led at the beginning of the 15th hour but lost it to teammate Albuquerque when his rear brake light failed to work. A rear wing replacement was mandated at his unscheduled pit stop as he fell off the lead lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-15-update-albuquerque-regains-lead-curran-drops-back/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 15 Update – Albuquerque Regains Lead as Curran Drops Back|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618161133/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-15-update-albuquerque-regains-lead-curran-drops-back/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=June 13, 2018}}</ref> In the 16th hour's opening minutes, the third full course yellow flags were waved for 20 minutes. [[Jörg Bergmeister]] in the No. 73 Park Place Porsche had lightly hit the tire wall alongside the circuit and continued to the pit lane. Several cars in GTD took the opportunity to change brake discs during the caution.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name="RacerH16">{{cite web|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|title=Rolex 24 Hour 16: Another setback for Penske|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147050-rolex-24-hour-16-another-setback-for-penske|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 13, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128163656/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147050-rolex-24-hour-16-another-setback-for-penske|archivedate=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-16-axr-cadillacs-on-top-penske-acura-damaged-999831/|title=Rolex 24, Hour 16: AXR Cadillacs on top, Penske Acura damaged|last=Malsher|first=David|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618155921/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-16-axr-cadillacs-on-top-penske-acura-damaged-999831/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=June 14, 2018}}</ref>
Conway regained first place through the next pit stop cycle. Tung slid the No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca at the Bus Stop chicane and rear-ended the inside tire barrier. He made a pit stop for a replacement rear wing assembly and repairs to the car's front-left bodywork. The two Nissan DPis of ESM driven by [[Ryan Dalziel]] and Derani retired by hour 14 because of respective terminal gearbox and engine failures.<ref name="R&TBlog" /> Cameron led for three laps before his mechanics called him to pit road to inspect the No. 6 Penske car thoroughly for a suspected [[Alternator (automotive)|alternator]] problem that drained its [[Automotive battery|battery]].<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Medland|first=Chris|title=Rolex 24 Hour 14: AXR in charge; Penske problems|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147048-rolex-24-hour-14-cadillac-in-charge-problems-for-penske|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128121836/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147048-rolex-24-hour-14-cadillac-in-charge-problems-for-penske|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cameron lost 24 laps to the leaders while the alternator was changed, and just three entries in the Prototype category remained on the lead lap.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Gary |date=February 1, 2018 |title=Cadillac claims old-school Daytona triumph |url=https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2018/02/AS2018.02.01.pdf |access-date=August 28, 2022 |website=[[Autosport]] |pages=28–35 |via=Porsche Cars History |archive-date=August 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828134804/https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2018/02/AS2018.02.01.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Curran led at the beginning of the 15th hour but lost it to teammate Albuquerque when his rear brake light failed to work. A rear wing replacement was mandated at his unscheduled pit stop as he fell off the lead lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-15-update-albuquerque-regains-lead-curran-drops-back/|title=2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 15 Update – Albuquerque Regains Lead as Curran Drops Back|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618161133/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-15-update-albuquerque-regains-lead-curran-drops-back/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> In the 16th hour's opening minutes, the third full course yellow flags were waved for 20 minutes. [[Jörg Bergmeister]] in the No. 73 Park Place Porsche had lightly hit the tire wall alongside the circuit and continued to the pit lane. Several cars in GTD took the opportunity to change brake discs during the caution.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name="RacerH16">{{cite web|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|title=Rolex 24 Hour 16: Another setback for Penske|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147050-rolex-24-hour-16-another-setback-for-penske|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128163656/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147050-rolex-24-hour-16-another-setback-for-penske|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-16-axr-cadillacs-on-top-penske-acura-damaged-999831/|title=Rolex 24, Hour 16: AXR Cadillacs on top, Penske Acura damaged|last=Malsher|first=David|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618155921/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-24-hour-16-axr-cadillacs-on-top-penske-acura-damaged-999831/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref>


14 minutes after racing resumed, Castroneves and Nasr made contact, resulting in significant damage to the No. 7 Penske's left-hand side [[intercooler]], radiator and bodywork, necessitating its return to the garage. It returned 25 laps adrift of the leader and out of contention for the overall win.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=RacerH16/> Van der Zande's No. 10 Wayne Taylor Cadillac sustained another right-rear puncture, this time at high speed. Team owner [[Wayne Taylor]] retired the car for driver safety reasons, uncertain of the cause of the problem, and he wanted to stop using spare bodywork parts.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|title=Wayne Taylor Throws In The Towel|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/wayne-taylor-throws-in-the-towel.html|publisher=DailySportsCar|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128210610/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/wayne-taylor-throws-in-the-towel.html|archivedate=January 28, 2018}}</ref> Soon after, Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda retired at the West Horseshoe due to an exhaust problem that led the car to catch fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134135/mazda-convinced-of-promise-despite-car-issues|title=Mazda convinced of updated car's promise despite tough Daytona debut|last=Watkins|first=Gary|date=January 30, 2018|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134135/mazda-convinced-of-promise-despite-car-issues|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=June 14, 2018}}</ref> The fourth (and final) full course yellow was activated for 22 minutes when Kyle Masson put Legge off the track; he ploughed through an advertising billboard and [[Styrofoam]] blocks, littering debris on the circuit. Legge narrowly avoided impacting Masson's side. Under caution, Fittipaldi brought the No. 5 vehicle onto pit road to rectify an overnight cooling issue by removing the engine cover and adding water. This allowed Conway back on the lead lap.<ref name="R&TBlog"/><ref>{{cite web|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|title=Rolex 24 Hour 18: Legge has wild ride, leader visits garage|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147055-rolex-24-hour-18-legge-has-wild-ride-leader-visits-garage|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 14, 2018|archivedate=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128233154/https://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147055-rolex-24-hour-18-legge-has-wild-ride-leader-visits-garage}}</ref>
14 minutes after racing resumed, Castroneves and Nasr made contact at the first infield hairpin,<ref name=":0" /> resulting in significant damage to the No. 7 Penske's left-hand side [[intercooler]], radiator and bodywork, necessitating its return to the garage. It returned 25 laps adrift of the leader and out of contention for the overall win.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref name=RacerH16/> Van der Zande's No. 10 WTR Cadillac sustained another right-rear puncture, this time at high speed. WTR owner [[Wayne Taylor]] retired the car for driver safety reasons, uncertain of the cause of the problem, and he wanted to stop using spare bodywork parts.<ref name="R&TBlog" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Kilbey|first=Stephen|title=Wayne Taylor Throws in the Towel|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/wayne-taylor-throws-in-the-towel.html|publisher=DailySportsCar|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128210610/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/01/28/wayne-taylor-throws-in-the-towel.html|archive-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> Soon after, Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda retired at the West Horseshoe due to an exhaust problem that caused an car fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134135/mazda-convinced-of-promise-despite-car-issues|title=Mazda convinced of updated car's promise despite tough Daytona debut|last=Watkins|first=Gary|date=January 30, 2018|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617000927/https://www.autosport.com/imsa/news/134135/mazda-convinced-of-promise-despite-car-issues|archive-date=June 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> The fourth (and final) full course yellow was activated for 22 minutes when Kyle Masson put Legge off the track; he ploughed through an advertising billboard and [[Styrofoam]] blocks, littering debris on the circuit. Legge narrowly avoided impacting Masson's side. Under caution, Fittipaldi brought the No. 5 vehicle onto pit road to rectify an overnight cooling issue by removing the engine cover and adding water. This allowed Conway back on the lead lap.<ref name="R&TBlog"/><ref>{{cite web|last=O'Malley|first=J. J.|title=Rolex 24 Hour 18: Legge has wild ride, leader visits garage|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147055-rolex-24-hour-18-legge-has-wild-ride-leader-visits-garage|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128233154/https://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147055-rolex-24-hour-18-legge-has-wild-ride-leader-visits-garage}}</ref> Mustang Sampling also switched off their car's engine during pit stops to limit rising temperatures while the sister WER team had a less severe temperature issue.<ref name=":0" />


Conway stayed close by Fittipaldi as Braun got the No. 54 CORE car past the latter to regain one of its laps. Conway could not pass his teammate to regain first overall. Midway through the 19th hour, Conway was called to pit road for a similar cooling issue that hindered the sister No. 5 car; he kept second because [[Paul di Resta]]'s No. 32 United Autosports car had a [[clutch]] pressure problem that temporarily prevented him from leaving pit road. He lost three laps to Fittipaldi.<ref name="R&TBlog"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-19-update-conway-drops-back-due-overheating/|title=2018 Rolex 24 At Daytona: Hour 19 Update – Conway Drops Back due to Overheating|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618154022/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-19-update-conway-drops-back-due-overheating/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=June 14, 2018}}</ref> The No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini took the lead in GTD after trading the position with the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG for the past few hours. Meanwhile, teams scheduled their final pit stops and prepared their fastest drivers for their last stints. The leaders of two of the three categories were close by each other without over risking.<ref name="R&TBlog"/> Overheating concerns slowed Nasr and fell to third behind [[Loïc Duval]]'s No. 54 CORE car. Nasr retook second when Duval made a scheduled pit stop by the end of hour 22.<ref>{{cite web|last=Malley|first=J. J.|title=Rolex 24 Hour 22: Overheating could hinder AXR 1–2|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147059-rolex-24-hour-22-overheating-could-hinder-axr-1-2|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128222458/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147059-rolex-24-hour-22-overheating-could-hinder-axr-1-2|archivedate=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 14, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Conway stayed close by Fittipaldi as Braun got the No. 54 CORE car past the latter to regain one of its laps. Conway could not pass his teammate to regain first overall. Midway through the 19th hour, Conway was called to pit road for a similar cooling issue that hindered the sister No. 5 car; he kept second because [[Paul di Resta]]'s No. 32 United Autosports car had a [[clutch]] pressure problem that temporarily prevented him from leaving pit road. He lost three laps to Fittipaldi.<ref name="R&TBlog"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-19-update-conway-drops-back-due-overheating/|title=2018 Rolex 24 At Daytona: Hour 19 Update – Conway Drops Back due to Overheating|last=Thompson|first=James|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=The Checkered Flag|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618154022/https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/01/2018-rolex-24-daytona-hour-19-update-conway-drops-back-due-overheating/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> The No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini took the lead in GTD after trading the position with the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG for the past few hours. Meanwhile, teams scheduled their final pit stops and prepared their fastest drivers for their last stints. The leaders of two of the three categories were close by each other without over risking.<ref name="R&TBlog"/> Overheating concerns slowed Nasr and fell to third behind [[Loïc Duval]]'s No. 54 CORE car. Nasr retook second when Duval made a scheduled pit stop by the end of hour 22.<ref>{{cite web|last=Malley|first=J. J.|title=Rolex 24 Hour 22: Overheating could hinder AXR 1–2|url=http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147059-rolex-24-hour-22-overheating-could-hinder-axr-1-2|website=Racer|date=January 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128222458/http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/147059-rolex-24-hour-22-overheating-could-hinder-axr-1-2|archive-date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Finish===
===Finish===
Unhindered after relieving Fittipaldi in the final two hours, Albuquerque took the [[chequered flag]] for Mustang Sampling Racing in a record-breaking distance of 808 laps and {{convert|2,876.48|mi|km}}. This surpassed the previous record held by [[John Paul Jr. (racing driver)|John Paul Jr.]], [[John Paul Sr. (racing driver)|John Paul Sr.]] and [[Rolf Stommelen]] in a [[Porsche 935]] at the [[1982 24 Hours of Daytona|1982 race]].<ref name="NASCARJan18" /> It was Barbosa and Fittipaldi's third outright victory at Daytona and Albquqerue's first.<ref name=NASCARJan18>{{cite web|title=Albuquerque wheels home No. 5 Cadillac DPi to overall Rolex 24 at Daytona victory|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/01/27/rolex-24-at-daytona-recap-live-updates-results/|publisher=NASCAR|agency=IMSA Wire Service|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613083950/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/01/27/rolex-24-at-daytona-recap-live-updates-results/|archivedate=June 13, 2018}}</ref> Middleton's No. 31 Whelen Engineering car followed 1 minute and 10.544 seconds later in second, and Braun in the No. 54 CORE Oreca was the highest-placed LMP2 vehicle in third.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dagys|first=John|title=Action Express Holds On for Victory in Record-Setting Rolex 24|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-holds-on-for-victory-in-record-setting-rolex-24/|publisher=SportsCar365|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218050120/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-holds-on-for-victory-in-record-setting-rolex-24/|archivedate=February 18, 2018}}</ref><ref name=RaceResults/> In GTLM, the No. 67 Ford of Briscoe, Dixon and Westbrook passed the sister No. 66 Ford of Hand, [[Dirk Müller (racing driver)|Dirk Müller]] and Bourdais in its final pit stop. It crossed the start-finish line after 783 laps to clinch Chip Ganassi Racing's 200th motor racing victory, and the team's second consecutive win, by 11.180 seconds after leading all but nine laps.<ref name=NASCARJan18/> Dixon had his third victory at Daytona, Briscoe's was his second, and it was Hand's first.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dean|first=Zach|title=Ganassi dominance, Lamborghini milestone headline other Rolex 24 classes|url=http://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/20180128/ganassi-dominance-lamborghini-milestone-headline-other-rolex-24-classes|newspaper=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|date=January 28, 2018|accessdate=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223211036/http://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/20180128/ganassi-dominance-lamborghini-milestone-headline-other-rolex-24-classes|archivedate=February 23, 2018}}</ref> The No. 3 Corvette of Garcia, Magnussen and [[Mike Rockenfeller]] completed the class podium in third.<ref name=NASCARJan18/><ref name=RaceResults/> Bleekemolen's No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG closed to within a second of Bortolotti's No. 11 GRT Lamborghini in the final half hour. A pit stop for fuel for Bleekemolen with 15 minutes left allowed Bortolotti to claim victory in GTD and Lamborghini's maiden 24 hour race win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/01/29/cadillac-claims-record-breaking-daytona-24hrs/|title=Cadillac claims record-breaking Daytona 24Hrs|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=[[Speedcafe]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618160248/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/01/29/cadillac-claims-record-breaking-daytona-24hrs/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Parente got the No. 86 Michael Shank Acura NSX to second and Paul Miller's No. 23 Lamborghini took third with [[Andrea Caldarelli]] driving its final stint.<ref name=NASCARJan18/>
Unhindered after relieving Fittipaldi in the final two hours by nursing the overheating car, Albuquerque took the [[chequered flag]] for Mustang Sampling Racing in a record-breaking distance of 808 laps and {{convert|2876.48|mi|km}}, overtaking the record set by [[John Paul Jr. (racing driver)|John Paul Jr.]], [[John Paul Sr. (racing driver)|John Paul Sr.]] and [[Rolf Stommelen]] in a [[Porsche 935]] at the [[1982 24 Hours of Daytona|1982 race]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="NASCARJan18" /> It was Barbosa and Fittipaldi's third outright victory at Daytona and Albuquerque's first.<ref name=NASCARJan18>{{cite web|title=Albuquerque wheels home No. 5 Cadillac DPi to overall Rolex 24 at Daytona victory|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/01/27/rolex-24-at-daytona-recap-live-updates-results/|publisher=NASCAR|agency=IMSA Wire Service|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613083950/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/01/27/rolex-24-at-daytona-recap-live-updates-results/|archive-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> Middleton's No. 31 WER car followed 1 minute and 10.544 seconds later in second, and Braun's No. 54 CORE Oreca was the highest-placed LMP2 vehicle in third following the high rate of attrition.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Dagys|first=John|title=Action Express Holds On for Victory in Record-Setting Rolex 24|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-holds-on-for-victory-in-record-setting-rolex-24/|publisher=SportsCar365|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218050120/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-holds-on-for-victory-in-record-setting-rolex-24/|archive-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref> In GTLM, the No. 67 Ford of Briscoe, Dixon and Westbrook passed the sister No. 66 Ford of Hand, [[Dirk Müller (racing driver)|Dirk Müller]] and Bourdais in its final pit stop since it required less fuel by running an alternate strategy earlier than its sister entry, achieving CGR's 200th motor racing victory and their second consecutive win, by 11.180 seconds after Ford led all but nine of 783 laps.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=NASCARJan18/> It was Dixon's third Daytona victory, Briscoe's second, and Hand's first.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dean|first=Zach|title=Ganassi dominance, Lamborghini milestone headline other Rolex 24 classes|url=http://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/20180128/ganassi-dominance-lamborghini-milestone-headline-other-rolex-24-classes|newspaper=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223211036/http://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/20180128/ganassi-dominance-lamborghini-milestone-headline-other-rolex-24-classes|archive-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref> The No. 3 Corvette of Garcia, Magnussen and [[Mike Rockenfeller]] completed the class podium two laps behind the Fords in third.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=NASCARJan18/> Bleekemolen's No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG closed to within a second of Bortolotti's No. 11 GRT Lamborghini in the final half-hour. A pit stop for fuel for Bleekemolen with 15 minutes left allowed Bortolotti to claim victory in GTD and Lamborghini's maiden 24-hour race win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/01/29/cadillac-claims-record-breaking-daytona-24hrs/|title=Cadillac claims record-breaking Daytona 24Hrs|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=[[Speedcafe]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618160248/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/01/29/cadillac-claims-record-breaking-daytona-24hrs/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Parente got the No. 86 MSR Acura NSX to second and PSR's No. 23 Lamborghini took third with [[Andrea Caldarelli]] driving the final stint.<ref name=NASCARJan18/>


==Post-race==
==Post-race==
[[Continental AG|Continental Tire]], one of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's two tire suppliers, suggested the increased competition in the Prototype category, teams double stinting their tires (the same sets brought by the company to Daytona for the past five years), and running them outside of their recommended air pressures and [[Camber angle|camber settings]], were factors in several cars sustaining right-rear punctures during practice and the race.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/continental-tire-claims-rolex-24-punctures-were-due-teams-ignoring-recommended|title=Continental Tire claims Rolex 24 punctures were due to teams ignoring recommended practices|last=Weaver|first=Matt|date=January 28, 2018|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129092131/http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/continental-tire-claims-rolex-24-punctures-were-due-teams-ignoring-recommended|archive-date=January 29, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 17, 2018}}</ref><ref name="AvionContinental">{{Cite news|url=http://theavion.com/a-continental-controversy/|title=A Continental Controversy|last=Weil|first=Christopher|date=February 5, 2018|work=[[The Avion Newspaper]]|access-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618160638/http://theavion.com/a-continental-controversy/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Warm track temperatures, the highest in five years, led teams to lower tire air pressures to stop them from over-inflating once they reached their optimum running temperatures.<ref name=AvionContinental/> Furthermore, according to Continental Tire, they cautioned three teams over not receiving more sets of tires because they had not brought their limits in line with the company's recommendations. One team reported to Continental Tire that their tyre failures occurred after increasing their tyre pressures to the company's prescribed limits.<ref name="RacecarContinental">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/tyre-torture-at-the-rolex-24-hours/|title=Tyre torture at the Rolex 24 hours|last=Cotton|first=Andrew|date=February 5, 2018|website=Racecar Engineering|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618160757/http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/tyre-torture-at-the-rolex-24-hours/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 17, 2018}}</ref> Regardless, at the [[2018 12 Hours of Sebring|12 Hours of Sebring]], Continental Tire debuted a more durable slick tyre which allowed for more aggressive [[Racing setup|setups]] and enhanced the likelihood that incidents such as the multiple punctures seen at Daytona would not reoccur in the future.<ref name=AvionContinental/><ref name=RacecarContinental/>
[[Continental AG|Continental Tire]], one of IMSA's two tire suppliers, suggested the increased competition in the Prototype category, teams double stinting their tires (the same sets brought by the company to Daytona for the past five years), and running them outside of their recommended air pressures and [[Camber angle|camber settings]], were factors in several cars sustaining right-rear punctures during practice and the race.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/continental-tire-claims-rolex-24-punctures-were-due-teams-ignoring-recommended|title=Continental Tire claims Rolex 24 punctures were due to teams ignoring recommended practices|last=Weaver|first=Matt|date=January 28, 2018|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129092131/http://autoweek.com/article/imsa/continental-tire-claims-rolex-24-punctures-were-due-teams-ignoring-recommended|archive-date=January 29, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 17, 2018}}</ref><ref name="AvionContinental">{{Cite news|url=http://theavion.com/a-continental-controversy/|title=A Continental Controversy|last=Weil|first=Christopher|date=February 5, 2018|work=[[The Avion Newspaper]]|access-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180618160638/http://theavion.com/a-continental-controversy/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Warm track temperatures, the highest in five years, led teams to lower tire air pressures to stop them from over-inflating once they reached their optimum running temperatures.<ref name=AvionContinental/> Furthermore, according to Continental Tire, they cautioned three teams over not receiving more sets of tires because they had not brought their limits in line with the company's recommendations. One team reported to Continental Tire that their tyre failures occurred after increasing their tyre pressures to the company's prescribed limits.<ref name="RacecarContinental">{{Cite web|url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/tyre-torture-at-the-rolex-24-hours/|title=Tyre torture at the Rolex 24 hours|last=Cotton|first=Andrew|date=February 5, 2018|website=Racecar Engineering|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618160757/http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/tyre-torture-at-the-rolex-24-hours/|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 17, 2018}}</ref> Regardless, at the [[2018 12 Hours of Sebring|12 Hours of Sebring]], Continental Tire debuted a more durable slick tyre which allowed for more aggressive [[Racing setup|setups]] and enhanced the likelihood that incidents such as the multiple punctures seen at Daytona would not reoccur in the future.<ref name=AvionContinental/><ref name=RacecarContinental/>


The No. 29 Land Audi was impounded at technical inspection for three hours after the race. The team's refuelling equipment was deemed to comply with IMSA regulations, but a discrepancy in the fuel data provided to the series and the team was discovered.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Montaplast by Land Motorsport Statement from Daytona BoP Penalty|date=February 5, 2018|publisher=Endurance-Info|url=http://www.endurance-info.com/en/montaplast-by-land-motorsport-statement-from-daytona-bop-penalty/|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615032130/http://www.endurance-info.com/en/montaplast-by-land-motorsport-statement-from-daytona-bop-penalty/|archivedate=June 15, 2018}}</ref> Starting at Sebring, IMSA established minimum refuelling times for all classes, overriding all refuelling restrictor starting sizes issued to teams. This was listed in the category-wide balance of performance tables to counter the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-establishes-minimum-refueling-times/|title=IMSA Establishes Minimum Refueling Times|last=Dagys|first=John|date=March 1, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615032138/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-establishes-minimum-refueling-times/|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Jarvis expressed his surprise that the race had just four caution periods compared to 21 in 2017, "We always talk about Daytona as [being about] staying out of trouble, staying on the lead lap – and if you do have a problem, don't worry, because you get laps back. But it just hasn't happened. I've never seen a Daytona 24 with such big gaps [between the leading cars]. It's a shame really because in the prototype class there hasn't been much of a race on, it's just survival to the finish."<ref name=4Cautions>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/wec-stars-baffled-by-lack-of-rolex-24-cautions-1000489/?s=1|title=WEC stars baffled by lack of cautions at Daytona|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 31, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615004631/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/wec-stars-baffled-by-lack-of-rolex-24-cautions-1000489/?s=1|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Duval said the low number of cautions lessened his team's chances of the overall victory, because the day before it began they anticipated more than 20, "We tried to put some pressure on the guys [ahead] but it was a bit too late, they were a bit too far ahead."<ref name=4Cautions />
The No. 29 Land Audi was impounded at technical inspection for three hours after the race. The team's refuelling equipment was deemed to comply with IMSA regulations, but a discrepancy in the fuel data provided to the series and the team was discovered.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Montaplast by Land Motorsport Statement from Daytona BoP Penalty|date=February 5, 2018|publisher=Endurance-Info|url=http://www.endurance-info.com/en/montaplast-by-land-motorsport-statement-from-daytona-bop-penalty/|access-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615032130/http://www.endurance-info.com/en/montaplast-by-land-motorsport-statement-from-daytona-bop-penalty/|archive-date=June 15, 2018}}</ref> Starting at Sebring, IMSA established minimum refuelling times for all classes, overriding all refuelling restrictor starting sizes issued to teams. This was listed in the category-wide balance of performance tables to counter the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-establishes-minimum-refueling-times/|title=IMSA Establishes Minimum Refueling Times|last=Dagys|first=John|date=March 1, 2018|publisher=SportsCar365|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615032138/http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-establishes-minimum-refueling-times/|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Jarvis expressed his surprise that the race had just four caution periods compared to 21 in 2017, "We always talk about Daytona as [being about] staying out of trouble, staying on the lead lap – and if you do have a problem, don't worry, because you get laps back. But it just hasn't happened. I've never seen a Daytona 24 with such big gaps [between the leading cars]. It's a shame really because in the prototype class there hasn't been much of a race on, it's just survival to the finish."<ref name=4Cautions>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/wec-stars-baffled-by-lack-of-rolex-24-cautions-1000489/?s=1|title=WEC stars baffled by lack of cautions at Daytona|last=Klein|first=Jamie|date=January 31, 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615004631/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/wec-stars-baffled-by-lack-of-rolex-24-cautions-1000489/?s=1|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> Duval said the low number of cautions lessened his team's chances of the overall victory, because the day before it began they anticipated more than 20, adding: "We tried to put some pressure on the guys [ahead] but it was a bit too late, they were a bit too far ahead."<ref name=4Cautions />


Since it was the first race of the season, Albuquerue, Barbosa and Fittipaldi led the Prototype Drivers' Championship with 35 points each. Conway, Curran, Middleton and Nasr were in second with 32 points. Bennett, Braun, Dumas and Duval were third with 30 points. Westbrook, Dixon and Briscoe took the GTLM points standings lead with their teammates Bourdais, Hand and Müller placing second. Garcia, Magnussen and Rockenfeller rounded out the top three. Bortolotti, Perera, Rik Breukers and Inechen led the GTD Drivers' Championship, followed by the second-placed Allmendinger, Parente, Legge and Hindman. Caldarelli, Sellers, Miller and Snow were third.<ref name=Standings>{{Cite web|url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/22_Road%20Atlanta/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/00_Championship%20Points%20-%20Official.pdf|title=IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: Championship Points – Official|date=October 15, 2018|publisher=International Motor Sports Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020101751/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/22_Road%20Atlanta/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/00_Championship%20Points%20-%20Official.pdf|archive-date=October 20, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=October 20, 2018}}</ref> Mustang Sampling Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing and GRT Grasser Racing Team became the leaders of their respective class Teams' Championships. Cadillac, Ford and Lamborghini assumed the lead of their respective Manufacturers' Championships with 11 races left in the season.<ref name=Standings/>
Since it was the season's first race, Albuquerue, Barbosa and Fittipaldi led the Prototype Drivers' Championship with 35 points each. Conway, Curran, Middleton and Nasr were in second with 32 points. [[Jon Bennett (racing driver)|Jon Bennett]], Braun, Dumas and Duval were third with 30 points. Westbrook, Dixon and Briscoe took the GTLM points standings lead with their teammates Bourdais, Hand and Müller placing second. Garcia, Magnussen and Rockenfeller rounded out the top three. Bortolotti, Perera, Rik Breukers and Inechen led the GTD Drivers' Championship, followed by the second-placed Allmendinger, Parente, Legge and Hindman. Caldarelli, Sellers, Miller and Snow were third.<ref name="Standings">{{Cite web |date=30 January 2018 |title=IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: Championship Points – Official |url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/00_Championship%20Points%20-%20Official.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114022950/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/00_Championship%20Points%20-%20Official.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2023 |access-date=19 June 2024 |publisher=International Motor Sports Association}}</ref> Mustang Sampling Racing, CGR and GRT Grasser Racing Team became the leaders of their respective class Teams' Championships. Cadillac, Ford and Lamborghini assumed the lead of their respective Manufacturers' Championships with 11 races left in the season.<ref name=Standings/>


==Results==
==Results==
Class winners are denoted in '''bold''' and by a {{double dagger}}. P stands for [[Daytona Prototype|Daytona Prototype International]], GTLM ([[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]]) and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).<ref name=RaceResults>{{cite web | url = http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/03_Results%20-%20Provisional.PDF | title = 2018 24 Hours of Daytona – Race Provisional Results | publisher = [[International Motor Sports Association]] | format = PDF | date = January 28, 2018 | accessdate = January 29, 2018 | url-status = live | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141613/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/03_Results%20-%20Provisional.PDF | archivedate = January 29, 2018 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
Class winners are denoted in '''bold'''. P stands for [[Daytona Prototype|Daytona Prototype International]], GTLM ([[LM GTE|Grand Touring Le Mans]]) and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).<ref name=RaceResults>{{cite web | url = http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/03_Results%20-%20Provisional.PDF | title = 2018 24 Hours of Daytona – Race Provisional Results | publisher = [[International Motor Sports Association]] | date = January 28, 2018 | access-date = January 29, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141613/http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/03_Results%20-%20Provisional.PDF | archive-date = January 29, 2018 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>


{|
|-valign="top"
|
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|+Final race classification
!rowspan=2|{{Abbr|Pos|Position}}
!rowspan=2|{{Abbr|Pos|Position}}
!rowspan=2|Class
!rowspan=2|Class
Line 593: Line 599:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 808
| rowspan=2 | 808
| rowspan=2 | 24:01:32.128{{double dagger}}
| rowspan=2 | 24:01:32.128
|- style="font-weight:bold"
|- style="font-weight:bold"
| [[Cadillac]] 5.5 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
| [[Cadillac]] 5.5 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
Line 613: Line 619:
| rowspan=2 | 54
| rowspan=2 | 54
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[CORE Autosport]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[CORE Autosport]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Jon Bennett <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Colin Braun]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Romain Dumas]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Loïc Duval]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Jon Bennett (racing driver)|Jon Bennett]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Colin Braun]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Romain Dumas]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Loïc Duval]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 625: Line 631:
| rowspan=2 | 32
| rowspan=2 | 32
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[United Autosports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[United Autosports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Will Owen <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Paul di Resta]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} [[Hugo de Sadeleer]] <br> {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Senna]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Will Owen (racing driver)|Will Owen]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Paul di Resta]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} [[Hugo de Sadeleer]] <br> {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Senna]]
| [[Ligier JS P217]]
| [[Ligier JS P217]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 637: Line 643:
| rowspan=2 | 78
| rowspan=2 | 78
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Jackie Chan DC Racing|Jackie Chan DCR JOTA]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Jackie Chan DC Racing|Jackie Chan DCR JOTA]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Alex Brundle]] <br> {{flagicon|PRT}} [[António Félix da Costa]] <br> {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Ferdinand Zvonimir von Habsburg|Ferdinand Habsburg]] <br> {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Ho-Pin Tung]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Alex Brundle]] <br> {{flagicon|PRT}} [[António Félix da Costa]] <br> {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Ferdinand Habsburg (racing driver)|Ferdinand Habsburg-Lothringen]] <br> {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Ho-Pin Tung]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 648: Line 654:
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 85
| rowspan=2 | 85
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} JDC-Miller Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[JDC MotorSports|JDC-Miller MotorSports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Robert Alon <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Austin Cindric]] <br> {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Devlin DeFrancesco]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} [[Simon Trummer]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Robert Alon]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Austin Cindric]] <br> {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Devlin DeFrancesco]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} [[Simon Trummer]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 660: Line 666:
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 99
| rowspan=2 | 99
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} JDC-Miller Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[JDC MotorSports|JDC-Miller MotorSports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Misha Goikhberg]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Gustavo Menezes]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Miller (racing driver)|Chris Miller]] <br> {{flagicon|ZAF}} [[Stephen Simpson]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Misha Goikhberg]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Gustavo Menezes]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Miller (racing driver)|Chris Miller]] <br> {{flagicon|ZAF}} [[Stephen Simpson]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
Line 673: Line 679:
| rowspan=2 | 38
| rowspan=2 | 38
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Performance Tech Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Performance Tech Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[James French (racing driver)|James French]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Kyle Masson <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Joel Miller (racing driver)|Joel Miller]] <br> {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Patricio O'Ward]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[James French (racing driver)|James French]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kyle Masson]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Joel Miller (racing driver)|Joel Miller]] <br> {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Patricio O'Ward]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| [[Oreca 07]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 686: Line 692:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Team Penske|Acura Team Penske]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Team Penske|Acura Team Penske]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Hélio Castroneves]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Graham Rahal]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ricky Taylor]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Hélio Castroneves]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Graham Rahal]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ricky Taylor]]
| [[Oreca 07#Acura ARX-05|Acura ARX-05]]
| [[Acura ARX-05]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 793
| rowspan=2 | 793
Line 698: Line 704:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Team Penske|Acura Team Penske]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Team Penske|Acura Team Penske]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Dane Cameron]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Simon Pagenaud]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Dane Cameron]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Simon Pagenaud]]
| [[Oreca 07#Acura ARX-05|Acura ARX-05]]
| [[Acura ARX-05]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 793
| rowspan=2 | 793
Line 710: Line 716:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Ryan Briscoe]] <br> {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott Dixon]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Richard Westbrook]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Ryan Briscoe]] <br> {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott Dixon]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Richard Westbrook]]
| [[Ford GT#2016 Ford GT Race Program|Ford GT]]
| [[Ford GT#Ford GT LM GTE-Pro by Ford Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford GT]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | 783
| rowspan=2 | 783
| rowspan=2 | +25 Laps{{double dagger}}
| rowspan=2 | +25 Laps
|- style="font-weight:bold"
|- style="font-weight:bold"
| [[Ford EcoBoost engine|Ford EcoBoost]] 3.5 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
| [[Ford EcoBoost engine|Ford EcoBoost]] 3.5 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
Line 722: Line 728:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Bourdais]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Joey Hand]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Dirk Müller (racing driver)|Dirk Müller]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Bourdais]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Joey Hand]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Dirk Müller (racing driver)|Dirk Müller]]
| [[Ford GT#2016 Ford GT Race Program|Ford GT]]
| [[Ford GT#Ford GT LM GTE-Pro by Ford Chip Ganassi Racing|Ford GT]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | 783
| rowspan=2 | 783
Line 732: Line 738:
| rowspan=2 | GTLM
| rowspan=2 | GTLM
| rowspan=2 | 3
| rowspan=2 | 3
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Corvette Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Antonio García (racing driver)|Antonio García]] <br> {{flagicon|DNK}} [[Jan Magnussen]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Mike Rockenfeller]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Antonio García (racing driver)|Antonio García]] <br> {{flagicon|DNK}} [[Jan Magnussen]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Mike Rockenfeller]]
| [[Chevrolet Corvette C7.R]]
| [[Chevrolet Corvette C7.R]]
Line 744: Line 750:
| rowspan=2 | GTLM
| rowspan=2 | GTLM
| rowspan=2 | 4
| rowspan=2 | 4
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Pratt & Miller|Corvette Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Corvette Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|CHE}} [[Marcel Fässler (racing driver)|Marcel Fässler]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Oliver Gavin]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tommy Milner]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|CHE}} [[Marcel Fässler (racing driver)|Marcel Fässler]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Oliver Gavin]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tommy Milner]]
| [[Chevrolet Corvette C7.R]]
| [[Chevrolet Corvette C7.R]]
Line 782: Line 788:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[CORE Autosport|Porsche GT Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[CORE Autosport|Porsche GT Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Earl Bamber]] <br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Gianmaria Bruni]] <br> {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Laurens Vanthoor]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Earl Bamber]] <br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Gianmaria Bruni]] <br> {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Laurens Vanthoor]]
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 RSR (2017–)|Porsche 911 RSR]]
| [[Porsche 911 RSR (2017)|Porsche 911 RSR]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | 774
| rowspan=2 | 774
Line 805: Line 811:
| rowspan=2 | 52
| rowspan=2 | 52
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[AFS Racing|AFS/PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[AFS Racing|AFS/PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Nicholas Boulle <br> {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Roberto González Valdez|Roberto González]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} [[Sebastián Saavedra]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} [[Gustavo Yacamán]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Nick Boulle]] <br> {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Roberto González Valdez|Roberto González]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} [[Sebastián Saavedra]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} [[Gustavo Yacamán]]
| [[Ligier JS P217]]
| [[Ligier JS P217]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 818: Line 824:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[CORE Autosport|Porsche GT Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[CORE Autosport|Porsche GT Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Frédéric Makowiecki]] <br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Patrick Pilet]] <br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Nick Tandy]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Frédéric Makowiecki]] <br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Patrick Pilet]] <br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Nick Tandy]]
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 RSR (2017–)|Porsche 911 RSR]]
| [[Porsche 911 RSR (2017)|Porsche 911 RSR]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Michelin}}
| rowspan=2 | 753
| rowspan=2 | 753
Line 829: Line 835:
| rowspan=2 | 11
| rowspan=2 | 11
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Mirko Bortolotti]] <br>{{flagicon|NLD}} Rik Breukers <br>{{flagicon|CHE}} Rolf Ineichen <br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Franck Perera]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Mirko Bortolotti]] <br>{{flagicon|NLD}} Rik Breukers <br>{{flagicon|CHE}} [[Rolf Ineichen]] <br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Franck Perera]]
| [[Lamborghini Huracán#Huracán GT3 (2015–present)|Lamborghini Huracán GT3]]
| [[Lamborghini Huracán#Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo EVO (2019–present)|Lamborghini Huracán GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 752
| rowspan=2 | 752
| rowspan=2 | +56 Laps{{double dagger}}
| rowspan=2 | +56 Laps
|- style="font-weight:bold"
|- style="font-weight:bold"
| [[Lamborghini]] 5.2 L [[V10 engine|V10]]
| [[Lamborghini]] 5.2 L [[V10 engine|V10]]
Line 842: Line 848:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] with [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb-Agajanian]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] with [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb-Agajanian]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[A. J. Allmendinger]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Trent Hindman]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Katherine Legge]] <br> {{flagicon|PRT}} [[Álvaro Parente]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[A. J. Allmendinger]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Trent Hindman]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Katherine Legge]] <br> {{flagicon|PRT}} [[Álvaro Parente]]
| [[Honda NSX (second generation)#Motorsport|Acura NSX GT3]]
| [[Honda NSX (second generation)#Motorsports|Acura NSX GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 751
| rowspan=2 | 751
Line 851: Line 857:
! rowspan=2 | 23
! rowspan=2 | 23
| rowspan=2 | GTD
| rowspan=2 | GTD
| rowspan=2 | 23
| rowspan=2 | 48
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Paul Miller Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Paul Miller Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Andrea Caldarelli]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Bryce Miller]] <br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bryan Sellers]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Madison Snow
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Andrea Caldarelli]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Bryce Miller (racing driver)|Bryce Miller]] <br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bryan Sellers]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Madison Snow]]
| [[Lamborghini Huracán#Huracán GT3 (2015–present)|Lamborghini Huracán GT3]]
| [[Lamborghini Huracán#Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo EVO (2019–present)|Lamborghini Huracán GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 751
| rowspan=2 | 751
Line 865: Line 871:
| rowspan=2 | 33
| rowspan=2 | 33
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Riley Technologies|Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Riley Technologies|Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|NLD}} [[Jeroen Bleekemolen]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Adam Christodoulou]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ben Keating]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Luca Stolz
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|NLD}} [[Jeroen Bleekemolen]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Adam Christodoulou]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ben Keating]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Luca Stolz]]
| [[Mercedes-AMG GT#Motorsport|Mercedes-AMG GT3]]
| [[Mercedes-AMG GT#Motorsport|Mercedes-AMG GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 877: Line 883:
| rowspan=2 | 64
| rowspan=2 | 64
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Scuderia Corsa]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Scuderia Corsa]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Townsend Bell]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Sam Bird]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Frankie Montecalvo <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Bill Sweedler
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Townsend Bell]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Sam Bird]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Frankie Montecalvo]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Bill Sweedler
| [[Ferrari 488#488 GT3|Ferrari 488 GT3]]
| [[Ferrari 488#488 GT3|Ferrari 488 GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 890: Line 896:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Magnus Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Magnus Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Andrew Davis <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Andy Lally]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[John Potter (racing driver)|John Potter]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Markus Winkelhock]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Andrew Davis <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Andy Lally]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[John Potter (racing driver)|John Potter]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Markus Winkelhock]]
| [[Audi R8#Second generation (2015–present)|Audi R8 LMS]]
| [[Audi R8#Second generation (2015–present: Type 4S)|Audi R8 LMS]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 750
| rowspan=2 | 750
Line 902: Line 908:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} Montaplast by Land-Motorsport
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} Montaplast by Land-Motorsport
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ZAF}} [[Sheldon van der Linde]]<br> {{flagicon|ZAF}} [[Kelvin van der Linde]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Christopher Mies]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} Jeffrey Schmidt
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ZAF}} [[Sheldon van der Linde]]<br> {{flagicon|ZAF}} [[Kelvin van der Linde]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Christopher Mies]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} Jeffrey Schmidt
| [[Audi R8#Second generation (2015–present)|Audi R8 LMS]]
| [[Audi R8#Second generation (2015–present: Type 4S)|Audi R8 LMS]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 749
| rowspan=2 | 749
Line 949: Line 955:
| rowspan=2 | 93
| rowspan=2 | 93
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] with [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb-Agajanian]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Shank|Michael Shank Racing]] with [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb-Agajanian]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Lawson Aschenbach]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Mario Farnbacher <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} Côme Ledogar <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Justin Marks]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Lawson Aschenbach]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Mario Farnbacher]] <br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Côme Ledogar]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Justin Marks]]
| [[Honda NSX (second generation)#Motorsport|Acura NSX GT3]]
| [[Honda NSX (second generation)#Motorsports|Acura NSX GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 741
| rowspan=2 | 741
Line 961: Line 967:
| rowspan=2 | 71
| rowspan=2 | 71
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} P1 Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} P1 Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Robby Foley <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Kenton Koch <br> {{flagicon|COL}} JC Perez <br> {{flagicon|ITA}} Loris Spinelli
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Robby Foley]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kenton Koch]] <br> {{flagicon|COL}} JC Perez <br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Loris Spinelli]]
| [[Mercedes-AMG GT#Motorsport|Mercedes-AMG GT3]]
| [[Mercedes-AMG GT#Motorsport|Mercedes-AMG GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 974: Line 980:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Grasser Racing Team|GRT Grasser Racing Team]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Christian Engelhart]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} Christoph Lenz <br> {{flagicon|BEL}} Louis Machiels <br> {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Ezequiel Pérez Companc]] <br> {{flagicon|NLD}} Max van Splunteren
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Christian Engelhart]] <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} Christoph Lenz <br> {{flagicon|BEL}} Louis Machiels <br> {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Ezequiel Pérez Companc]] <br> {{flagicon|NLD}} Max van Splunteren
| [[Lamborghini Huracán#Huracán GT3 (2015–present)|Lamborghini Huracán GT3]]
| [[Lamborghini Huracán#Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo EVO (2019–present)|Lamborghini Huracán GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 739
| rowspan=2 | 739
Line 1,009: Line 1,015:
| rowspan=2 | 14
| rowspan=2 | 14
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[3GT Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[3GT Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUT}} Dominik Baumann <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} Philipp Frommenwiler <br> {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Junqueira]] <br> {{flagicon|CAN}} Kyle Marcelli
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|AUT}} Dominik Baumann <br> {{flagicon|CHE}} Philipp Frommenwiler <br> {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Junqueira]] <br> {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Kyle Marcelli]]
| [[Lexus RC#IMSA|Lexus RC F GT3]]
| [[Lexus RC#IMSA|Lexus RC F GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 1,021: Line 1,027:
| rowspan=2 | 69
| rowspan=2 | 69
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[American Honda Motor Company|HART]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[American Honda Motor Company|HART]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ryan Eversley]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} John Falb <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Chad Gilsinger <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Sean Rayhall]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ryan Eversley]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[John Falb]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Chad Gilsinger <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Sean Rayhall]]
| [[Honda NSX (second generation)#Motorsport|Acura NSX GT3]]
| [[Honda NSX (second generation)#Motorsports|Acura NSX GT3]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 719
| rowspan=2 | 719
Line 1,033: Line 1,039:
| rowspan=2 | 23
| rowspan=2 | 23
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[United Autosports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[United Autosports]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Philip Hanson (racing driver)|Phil Hanson]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Phil Hanson (racing driver)|Phil Hanson]] <br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
| [[Ligier JS P217]]
| [[Ligier JS P217]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
Line 1,057: Line 1,063:
| rowspan=2 | 73
| rowspan=2 | 73
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Park Place Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Park Place Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Jörg Bergmeister]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} Patrick Lindsey <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tim Pappas]] <br> {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Norbert Siedler]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Jörg Bergmeister]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Patrick Lindsey]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tim Pappas]] <br> {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Norbert Siedler]]
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R|Porsche 911 GT3 R]]
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R (2016–2019)|Porsche 911 GT3 R]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 675
| rowspan=2 | 675
Line 1,070: Line 1,076:
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Wright Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|USA}} Wright Motorsports
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Mathieu Jaminet]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Patrick Long]] <br> {{flagicon|DNK}} [[Christina Nielsen]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Robert Renauer
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Mathieu Jaminet]] <br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Patrick Long]] <br> {{flagicon|DNK}} [[Christina Nielsen]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Robert Renauer
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R|Porsche 911 GT3 R]]
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R (2016–2019)|Porsche 911 GT3 R]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 666
| rowspan=2 | 666
Line 1,089: Line 1,095:
| [[Gibson Technology|Gibson]] GK428 4.2 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
| [[Gibson Technology|Gibson]] GK428 4.2 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 43
! rowspan=2 | 43<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | GTD
| rowspan=2 | GTD
| rowspan=2 | 59
| rowspan=2 | 59
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Olaf Manthey|Manthey Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Manthey Racing]]
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Matteo Cairoli]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Sven Müller (racing driver)|Sven Müller]] <br> {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Harald Proczyk]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Steve Smith <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Randy Walls
| rowspan=2 | {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Matteo Cairoli]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Sven Müller (racing driver)|Sven Müller]] <br> {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Harald Proczyk]] <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Steve Smith <br> {{flagicon|DEU}} Randy Walls
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R|Porsche 911 GT3 R]]
| [[Porsche 911 GT3#991 GT3 R (2016–2019)|Porsche 911 GT3 R]]
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 637
| rowspan=2 | 637
| rowspan=2 | mechanical
| rowspan=2 | Mechanical
|-
|-
| [[Porsche]] 4.0 L [[Flat-six engine|Flat-6]]
| [[Porsche]] 4.0 L [[Flat-six engine|Flat-6]]
Line 1,114: Line 1,119:
| [[Ferrari F154 engine|Ferrari F154CB]] 3.9 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V8 engine|V8]]
| [[Ferrari F154 engine|Ferrari F154CB]] 3.9 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V8 engine|V8]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 45
! rowspan=2 | 45<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 10
| rowspan=2 | 10
Line 1,123: Line 1,127:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 555
| rowspan=2 | 555
| rowspan=2 | withdrew
| rowspan=2 | Withdrew
|-
|-
| [[Cadillac]] 5.5 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
| [[Cadillac]] 5.5 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 46
! rowspan=2 | 46<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 55
| rowspan=2 | 55
Line 1,136: Line 1,139:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 541
| rowspan=2 | 541
| rowspan=2 | engine fire
| rowspan=2 | Engine fire
|-
|-
| [[Mazda]] MZ-2.0T 2.0 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]
| [[Mazda]] MZ-2.0T 2.0 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 47
! rowspan=2 | 47<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 77
| rowspan=2 | 77
Line 1,149: Line 1,151:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 530
| rowspan=2 | 530
| rowspan=2 | engine
| rowspan=2 | Engine
|-
|-
| [[Mazda]] MZ-2.0T 2.0 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]
| [[Mazda]] MZ-2.0T 2.0 L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 48
! rowspan=2 | 48<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 22
| rowspan=2 | 22
Line 1,162: Line 1,163:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 438
| rowspan=2 | 438
| rowspan=2 | engine
| rowspan=2 | Engine
|-
|-
| [[Nissan VR engine#VR38DETT|Nissan VR38DETT]] 3.8&nbsp;L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
| [[Nissan VR engine#VR38DETT|Nissan VR38DETT]] 3.8&nbsp;L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 49
! rowspan=2 | 49<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 2
| rowspan=2 | 2
Line 1,175: Line 1,175:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 338
| rowspan=2 | 338
| rowspan=2 | engine
| rowspan=2 | Engine
|-
|-
| [[Nissan VR engine#VR38DETT|Nissan VR38DETT]] 3.8&nbsp;L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
| [[Nissan VR engine#VR38DETT|Nissan VR38DETT]] 3.8&nbsp;L [[Turbocharger|Turbo]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | 50
! rowspan=2 | 50<br>{{Abbr|DNF|Did not finish}}
DNF
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | P
| rowspan=2 | 90
| rowspan=2 | 90
Line 1,188: Line 1,187:
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | {{Continental}}
| rowspan=2 | 291
| rowspan=2 | 291
| rowspan=2 | engine
| rowspan=2 | Engine
|-
|-
| [[Cadillac]] 5.5 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
| [[Cadillac]] 5.5 L [[V8 engine|V8]]
|-
|-
! colspan="9" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.imsa.com/Results/18_2018/03_Daytona%20International%20Speedway/01_IMSA%20WeatherTech%20SportsCar%20Championship/201801271440_Race/24_Hour%2024/03_Results%20-%20Official.pdf|title=Rolex 24 at Daytona 2018 official results|last=|first=|date=|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/2018_Rolex_24_at_Daytona/TU|title=01/27/2018 race: Rolex 24 at Daytona (WSCC) - Racing-Reference.info|website=www.racing-reference.info|access-date=2020-02-04}}</ref>
! colspan="9" |Sources:<ref name="RaceResults" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/2018_Rolex_24_at_Daytona/TU|title=01/27/2018 race: Rolex 24 at Daytona (WSCC) - Racing-Reference.info|website=www.racing-reference.info|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=February 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204005902/https://www.racing-reference.info/race/2018_Rolex_24_at_Daytona/TU|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|}
|
{| style="margin-right:0; font-size:90%" class="wikitable"
|+ Tyre manufacturers
! scope="col" colspan=2 | Key
|-
! scope="col"| Symbol !! scope="col" | Tyre manufacturer
|-
|{{Continental}} || [[Continental AG|Continental]]
|-
|{{Michelin}} || [[Michelin]]
|}
|}
|}


Line 1,202: Line 1,213:
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
{{col-3}}
;Prototype Drivers' Championship standings<ref name=Standings/>
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
|-
|+Prototype Drivers' Championship standings<ref name=Standings/>
! scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Pos.|Position}}
! scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Pos.|Position}}
! scope="col" | Driver
! scope="col" | Driver
Line 1,218: Line 1,229:
|-
|-
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 3
| {{flagicon|USA}} Jon Bennett<br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Colin Braun]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Romain Dumas]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Loic Duval]]
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Jon Bennett (racing driver)|Jon Bennett]]<br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Colin Braun]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Romain Dumas]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Loic Duval]]
|align=right| 30 (−5)
|align=right| 30 (−5)
|-
|-
Line 1,226: Line 1,237:
|-
|-
|align=center| 5
|align=center| 5
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Alex Brundle]]<br>{{flagicon|POR}} [[António Félix da Costa]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Ferdinand Zvonimir von Habsburg|Ferdinand Habsburg]]<br>{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Ho-Pin Tung]]
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Alex Brundle]]<br>{{flagicon|POR}} [[António Félix da Costa]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Ferdinand Habsburg (racing driver)|Ferdinand Habsburg-Lothringen]]<br>{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Ho-Pin Tung]]
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| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Mirko Bortolotti]]<br>{{flagicon|NED}} Rik Breukers<br>{{flagicon|CHE}} Rolf Ineichen<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Franck Perera]]
| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Mirko Bortolotti]]<br>{{flagicon|NED}} Rik Breukers<br>{{flagicon|CHE}} [[Rolf Ineichen]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Franck Perera]]
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Latest revision as of 17:35, 19 June 2024

2018 24 Hours of Daytona
Previous: 2017 Next: 2019
Index: Races | Winners
The track layout of the Daytona International Speedway combined road course, where the race was held

The 2018 24 Hours of Daytona (formally the 56th Rolex 24 at Daytona) was an International Motor Sports Association (IMSA)-sanctioned 24-hour automobile endurance race for Daytona Prototype and Grand Touring sports cars held at the Daytona International Speedway combined road course in Daytona Beach, Florida, on January 27 to 28, 2018. It was the first of twelve 2018 IMSA SportsCar Championship races, the 56th 24 Hours of Daytona, and the first in the four-round North American Endurance Cup.

Renger van der Zande for Wayne Taylor Racing started from pole position and led for most of the opening hour. Filipe Albuquerque of Mustang Sampling Racing took the lead after the first round of pit stops and kept it for five hours before losing it to Team Penske's Hélio Castroneves. Whelen Engineering Racing (WER), Penske and Mustang Sampling traded the lead several times over the next 12 hours. Mustang Sampling's Albuquerque, Christian Fittipaldi and João Barbosa led the final third of the race to win in a record-breaking distance of 808 laps and 2,876.48 miles (4,629.25 km) and take the lead of the Prototype Drivers' and Teams' Championships. Mike Conway, Eric Curran, Stuart Middleton and Felipe Nasr were second in the sister WER car. Third were CORE Autosport's Jon Bennett, Colin Braun, Romain Dumas and Loïc Duval.

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) drivers Scott Dixon, Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook, won the Grand Touring Le Mans (GTLM) class, after passing the sister team of Sébastien Bourdais, Dirk Müller and Joey Hand at its final pit stop. The team led all bar nine laps in the category to claim CGR's 200th motor racing victory and the lead of the GTLM points lead. The pole-sitting Corvette Racing trio of Antonio García, Jan Magnussen and Mike Rockenfeller completed the class podium. Having led the last four and a half hours, Mirko Bortolotti, Rik Breukers, Rolf Ineichen and Franck Perera of GRT Grasser Racing Team won the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) category to claim Lamborghini's first 24-hour race victory and the lead of the class points standings, despite starting from the back of the grid for failing a mandatory post-qualifying stall test. Michael Shank Racing's A. J. Allmendinger, Trent Hindman, Katherine Legge and Álvaro Parente was second and Andrea Caldarelli, Bryce Miller, Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow placed Paul Miller Racing's car in third.

Background[edit]

Preview[edit]

Daytona International Speedway in 2015

NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who built the Daytona International Speedway in 1959, conceived the 24 Hours of Daytona as a race to attract European sports car endurance racing to the United States and provide international exposure to Daytona.[1] It is informally considered part of the "Triple Crown of Endurance Racing" with the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.[2]

International Motor Sports Association's (IMSA) president Scott Atherton confirmed the race was part of the schedule for the 2018 IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA SCC) in August 2017.[3] It was the fifth consecutive year it was part of the IMSA SCC, and the 56th 24 Hours of Daytona.[3] The 24 Hours of Daytona was the first of twelve scheduled sports car endurance races of 2018 by IMSA, and the first of four races of the North American Endurance Cup (NAEC).[3] It took place at the 12-turn 3.56 mi (5.73 km) Daytona International Speedway combined road course in Daytona Beach, Florida, from January 27 to 28.[3][2]

Entry list[edit]

A total of 50 cars were officially entered for the 24 Hours of Daytona with most entries being in the Prototype and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) categories.[4] The 2017 race winner, Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR), returned to defend their title.[5] Three existing teams, Action Express Racing (AER), Spirit of Daytona Racing and Extreme Speed Motorsports (ESM), each fielded two Daytona Prototype International (DPi) Cadillac DPi-V.R and Nissan Onroak DPi cars. WTR sent one Cadillac DPi-V.R chassis to Daytona.[6] Penske Racing made their full-time sports car racing comeback for the first time since the 2009 Rolex Sports Car Series, fielding two Honda-powered Acura ARX-05 DPis for 2018.[7] Mazda returned to sports car racing after withdrawing with three races left in the 2017 season so their duo of RT24-Ps could be re-engineered by German outfit Team Joest.[8] They were joined by ten global-specification Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) cars, represented by three out of the four major chassis: six Oreca 07s entered by JDC-Miller MotorSports, Jackie Chan DCR JOTA (two each), Performance Tech Motorsports (PTR), CORE Autosport (one each). a trio of Ligier JS P217s utilised by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports (one) and United Autosports (two), and one Riley Mk. 30 from BAR1 Motorsports.[4][9]

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula One World Champion (pictured in 2016) made a one-off appearance for United Autosports for Daytona.

After the aging Prototype Challenge class was retired after 2017 due to declining interest from teams,[10] Grand Touring Le Mans (GTLM) was made the highest-ranking class below the Prototype category in the IMSA SCC Championship. Nine cars from five manufacturers were entered for Daytona.[5] The BMW M8 GTE made its racing competition debut at the track; Team RLL entered two chassis for 2018.[11] Porsche fielded two 911 RSRs for the second successive season, and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) entered their two Ford GTs for the third consecutive year.[12] Ferrari aligned with Risi Competizione for one 488 GTE.[12] Corvette Racing transported their two aging C7.Rs to Daytona.[10] GTD featured 21 cars amongst 8 GT3 manufacturers.[6] Ferrari was the most represented marque in GTD with four 488s: two by Scuderia Corsa and one each from Spirit of Race and Risi Competizione.[5][10] A mix of teams and automotive brands made up the rest of the GTD field, including two GRT Grasser Racing Team-entered Lamborghini Huracáns with a third by Paul Miller Racing (PSR), and a trio of Riley Motorsports-entered Mercedes-AMGs. Michael Shank Racing (MSR) and HART entered three Acura NSXs and a trio of Porsche 911 Rs with one each from Park Place Motorsports, Wright Motorsports and Manthey Racing. Other cars fielded were a duo of Audi R8 LMS from Magnus Racing and Land Motorsport, two Lexus RC Fs by 3GT Racing and a BMW M6 from Turner Motorsport.[9]

Each car was driven by two drivers who contested the entire IMSA SCC season. They were joined by one NAEC racer and one or two extra drivers.[13] These additional participants were recruited from a variety of racing categories, including the FIA World Endurance Championship (such as Gustavo Menezes for JDC-Miller MotorSports), the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (such as René Rast for Mazda Team Joest), and the IndyCar Series (such as Ryan Hunter-Reay for WTR) among others.[14] Some drivers competed at Daytona on a one-off basis, such as Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula One World Champion,[15] Williams driver Lance Stroll, Formula E racers Felix Rosenqvist and António Félix da Costa,[16] A. J. Allmendinger, Justin Marks, Brendan Gaughan and Austin Cindric from NASCAR,[17] and 2017 Formula Three European Champion Lando Norris.[18] Stuart Middleton won the Sunoco Whelen Challenge by taking the GT4 category title in his debut year in the British GT Championship, earning him a seat with AER.[19]

Pre-event balance of performance changes[edit]

The week before the official three-day test session at the circuit, IMSA altered the balance of performance in all three categories to create parity in the classes. 10 kg (22 lb) of weight was added to the Cadillac DPi-V.Rs compared to 2017 but the decrease of handling abilities was countered by having the car's top speed raised by having its air restrictor increased by 1.8 mm (0.071 in). The duo of Nissan Onroak DPis and the two Acura ARX-05s had their weight increased to 940 kg (2,070 lb) to lower their performance, 10 kg (22 lb) more than the LMP2 chassis and the pair of Mazda RT24-Ps. The Nissan and Mazda engines were not altered because IMSA was satisfied with their performances, but the series changed the aerodynamic packages on some Prototypes which affected their handing abilities. The debuting BMW M8 GTE's weight was established at 1,250 kg (2,760 lb) and its turbocharger boost curve was revised over its predecessor, the BMW M6 GTLM. The Mercedes-AMG GTD car had its top speed raised slightly with the enlargement of its air restrictor by 1 mm (0.039 in).[20]

Testing[edit]

Felipe Nasr (pictured in 2015) set the fastest overall lap in testing for Action Express Racing.

All 50 entries were involved in three days of testing divided into seven sessions held at the circuit from January 5 to 7.[21] João Barbosa set the fastest time early in the first day's running with a time of 1 minute, 37.266 seconds for the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Racing Cadillac.[22] Co-driver Filipe Albuquerque later improved in the second session to a 1-minute, 37.196 seconds lap.[23] The fastest LMP2 lap came from Colin Braun's No. 54 CORE Oreca in second, and the No. 10 WTR Cadillac of Renger van der Zande was third.[23] Tristan Vautier set the fourth-fastest lap for Spirit of Daytona in its No. 90 Cadillac. Ho-Pin Tung's No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca 07 was fifth.[24] Laurens Vanthoor led GTLM in the No. 912 Porsche 911 RSR with a 1-minute, 44.065 seconds lap in the second session, and teammate Nick Tandy's sister car was third. They were separated by Richard Westbrook's No. 67 CGR Ford.[25] GTD was led by Rolf Ineichen's and later Franck Perera's No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini from Matteo Cairoli's No. 59 Manthey Porsche.[23][24]

The second day's testing saw Felipe Nasr lead in the No. 31 AER Cadillac at 1 minute, 36.793 seconds. Jordan Taylor improved WTR's Cadillac best time to second. Albuquerue was slower than the day before and was third. Eddie Cheever III, driving the No. 90 Spirit Cadillac, was fourth-fastest by going faster than co-driver Vautier in the day's second session. The No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca was the highest-placed LMP2 car in fifth with Alex Brundle aboard. The No. 66 CGR Ford of Sébastien Bourdais moved to the top of GTLM with a lap of 1 minute, 43.795 seconds in the fourth session. Gianmaria Bruni was second-quickest in the No. 912 Porsche. Ryan Briscoe put the sister No. 67 CGR Ford third, and Alessandro Pier Guidi's No. 62 Risi Ferrari was fourth-fastest. GTD was still led by the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini courtesy of Ineichen's lap on the first day. Manthey's No. 59 Porsche remained second; driver Sven Müller improved its best lap time.[26][27]

The third and final day of testing featured a qualifying session to determine the locations of the team's pit stalls and garages for the race three weeks later.[28] Nasr's No. 31 AER Cadillac set the fastest overall time with a 1-minute, 35.806 seconds lap. The second-fastest car was the No. 90 Spirit Cadillac of Vautier and Albuquerque putting the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac in third position. WTR were fourth after a lap by Van der Zande and Dane Cameron took fifth in the No. 6 Penske Acura ARX-05. Joey Hand set the fastest overall GTLM time in the No. 66 CGR Ford with a 1-minute, 43.610 seconds lap. Oliver Gavin's No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R was second, followed by the sister No. 67 Ford GT driven by Briscoe. Ineichen's lap from the first day of testing was never bettered and the No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini remained the fastest GTD car. Cairoli's first session lap in the Manthey Porsche was fast enough to keep it second in class.[29]

After testing, IMSA adjusted the balance of performance for the second time in all categories after analysing data of the car's performances. The Cadillac DPi-V.Rs had their fuel capacity enlarged by 1 L (0.22 imp gal; 0.26 US gal) along with their refuelling restrictors by 0.5 L (0.11 imp gal; 0.13 US gal) but their air restrictors were 0.6 mm (0.024 in). The size of the fuel tanks in the Acura ARX-05 and the Nissan Onroak DPis were increased by 4 L (0.88 imp gal; 1.1 US gal) and 2 L (0.44 imp gal; 0.53 US gal) with the size of both car's fuel restrictors increased by 1.5 mm (0.059 in). Nissan Onroak DPis boost pressure was increased to peak at 7,100 rpm. The Mazda RT24-Ps were 15 kg (33 lb) lighter. Its rev limit was raised to 8,600 rpm and its air restrictor was lengthened by 0.5 mm (0.020 in). The Acura, Nissan and Mazda DPis gurney flaps were adjusted for aerodynamic purposes.[30]

All GTLM cars bar the Ferrari 488 GTE had the size of their fuel tanks adjusted. The Chevrolet Corvette's C7.R's top speed was lowered through rear wing angles alterations by two degrees, while the Ford GT's angles were increased by three degrees. The Porsche 911 RSRs performance was lowered as its fuel restrictors were reduced in size by 1 mm (0.039 in). In GTD, the Acura NSX GT3 lost 10 kg (22 lb) in weight and the Mercedes-AMG was made 15 kg (33 lb) heavier. Turbocharger adjustments were made to the Audi R8 LMS, Lamborghini Huracán, and the BMW M6 cars.[30]

Practice and qualifying[edit]

There were four practice sessions preceding the start of the race on Saturday, three on Thursday and one on Friday. The first two one-hour sessions were on Thursday morning and afternoon. The third held later that evening ran for 90 minutes; the fourth on Friday morning lasted an hour.[31]

Rast's No. 77 Mazda set the fastest lap of the first practice session at 1 minute, 37.428 seconds, 0.007 seconds faster than Vautier's Spirit's No. 90 Cadillac. Jordan Taylor put the No. 10 Wayne Taylo Cadillac in third overall. Albuquerue placed the No. 5 Mustang Sampling car fourth. The highest-placed LMP2 car was Brundle's No. 78 Jackie Chan entry in fifth place.[32] Early in the session, Phil Hanson made an error on cold tires that put the front of the United Autosports Ligier into the turn five tire barrier.[33] Practice was red-flagged for 8 minutes and 49 seconds so his car could be removed from the circuit.[32] In GTLM, the No. 66 CGR Ford of Hand led with a lap of 1 minute, 44.571 seconds. Alessandro Pier Guidi put the No. 62 Risi Ferrari second. Vanthoor in the No. 912 Porsche was third. Miguel Molina's No. 82 Risi car was fastest in GTD. Pedro Lamy set the second-fastest class lap in Spirit of Race's No. 51 entry.[32]

In the second practice session, Hélio Castroneves in the No. 6 Penske Acura ARX-05 recorded the fastest lap of the day with a 1-minute, 37.096 seconds effort, ahead of the No. 22 ESM Nissan of Nicolas Lapierre and Albquerque's No. 5 Mustang Sampling car. The leading LMP2 car was Colin Braun behind the wheel of the No. 54 CORE car in fourth. Jonathan Bomarito was fifth in Mazda's No. 55 car.[34] Patrick Pilet led GTLM in the No. 911 Porsche with a 1-minute, 43.902 seconds lap set late in the session. Jan Magnussen's No. 3 Corvette was second. Westbrook in the No. 66 CGR Ford was third in GTLM.[34] Álvaro Parente's No. 86 MSR Acura-NSX GT3 was fastest in GTD, while Molina was 0.242 seconds slower in the No. 82 Risi Ferrari.[35]

Renger van der Zande (pictured in 2016) took the overall pole position for Wayne Taylor Racing.

Thursday afternoon's 75-minute qualifying session was divided into three groups.[31] All three categories had 15-minute individual sessions, and regulations stipulated teams to nominate a single driver to qualify their cars. The competitors' fastest lap times determined the starting order with the grid arranged to put the Prototype and GTLM cars ahead of all GTD entries.[13] Van Der Zande for WTR took the third pole position of his career,[36] on his final lap with a time of 1 minute, 36.083 seconds; he ran deep at turn five through later braking.[37] This was WTR's first pole position at Daytona since Max Angelelli in the 2010 event.[36] He was joined on the grid's front row by Castroneves who had pole position for Penske in the closing minutes until Van der Zande's lap.[38]

On his final timed lap, Albuquerue qualified the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac third, and Patricio O'Ward took fourth in the No. 38 PTR Oreca to become the field's highest-placed LMP2 car.[38] Early pace setter Vautier in Spirit's No. 90 car was fifth, and Robin Frijns' No. 78 Jackie Chan car was sixth.[37] An electrical fault left Nasr seventh.[39] Braun's No. 54 CORE car, Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda, and Cameron's No. 6 Penske were eighth to tenth.[40] Lapierre set no lap time after he locked his brakes on his first timed lap and damaged the No. 22 ESM car's front-left suspension against the tyre barriers at the West Horseshoe.[37][41] ESM's No. 2 entry did not participate due to a precautionary engine switch.[38] Mazda's No. 77 car was absent because of a pre-qualifying data irregularity.[41]

Jan Magnussen (pictured in 2009) achieved pole position in the GTLM class for Corvette Racing.

In GTLM, Magnussen's No. 3 Corvette drafted his teammate Gavin to achieve his fourth class pole position, and bettered Hand's 2017 category lap track record with a time of 1 minute, 42.779 seconds. Magnussen was 0.019 seconds faster than Hand's second-placed No. 66 Ford. Following in third was Vanthoor's No. 912 Porsche, with the sister No. 911 car of Pilet fourth.[42] Westbrook was fifth in GTLM in the slower Ford.[38] Daniel Serra in the No. 51 Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GT3 was the first driver to record a GTD lap time in the 1 minute, 46-second range midway through,[38][43] securing his second career pole position, and his first in any class since the 2016 Monterey Grand Prix with a 1-minute, 46.407 seconds lap. Molina made it an all-Ferrari class front row in the No. 82 Risi car.[42] Mirko Bortolotti's No. 11 GRT Lamborghini was third-fastest, but the car was demoted to the rear of the GTD field for failing a mandatory stall test at a post-qualifying technical inspection. Hence, Jack Hawksworth's No. 15 3GT Racing Lexus RC F GT3 started third.[42] Alessandro Balzan's No. 63 Scuderia Ferrari started fourth, with Dominik Baumann's slower Lexus fifth.[38] Two GTD cars failed to record a lap time: The No. 73 Park Place Porsche's tire punctured on its out lap, and P1's No. 73 Mercedes-AMG GT3 had brake problems.[44]

The third practice session ran at night and saw Vautier's No. 90 Cadillac set the fastest overall lap of 1 minute, 37.210 seconds. Castroneves was almost two-tenths of a second behind in second, with the No. 22 ESM Nissan of Pipo Derani third. Harry Tincknell in the No. 55 Mazda was fourth and Norris' quicker United Autosports car was fifth.[45] Kyle Masson caused the session's first stoppage when his No. 38 PTR Oreca ran out of fuel on the track requiring recovery back to the pit lane. Later, Menezes' No. 99 JDC-Miller car right-rear tire failed entering turn six at high-speed. Though he controlled his car throughout and avoided hitting the wall, practice was stopped for 12 minutes.[46] Ford occupied first and second in GTLM with Bourdais faster than his teammate Westbrook by two-tenths of a second. Bortolotti's No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini Huracán led GTD, and Sam Bird, in the No. 64 Scuderia Ferrari, was second in class.[46]

Mike Conway led the last practice session in the No. 31 WER car with a lap of 1 minute, 36.865 seconds. Stroll's No. 37 Jackie Chan car was second-fastest. The No. 90 Cadillac of Vautier set the third-quickest lap. Rast's No. 77 Mazda, along with Albuquerque's No. 5 Mustang Sampling car were fourth and fifth.[47] Though the session passed relatively peacefully, the right-rear tire on the No. 32 United Autosports vehicle of Bruno Senna blew on the track.[47][48] In GTLM, Hand was again fastest in the class with a lap of 1 minute, 44.602 seconds. Bruni was second-fastest in the No. 912 Porsche, and his teammate Pilet took third in the sister No. 911 car. Cairoli set the fastest time in GTD, followed by Jeroen Bleekemolen's No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 car.[49]

Pre-race[edit]

Tomy Drissi withdrew from the race due to business commitments, leaving the No. 20 BAR1 Riley Mk. 30 to operate as a four-person entry.[50] The No. 2 ESM Motorsports, the No. 71 P1 Mercedes-AMG, and the No. 77 Mazda entries were sent to the rear of their respective class fields because their teams changed their respective starting drivers. Although PSR and Mazda changed engines in their respective cars (the No. 48 Lamborghini and the No. 77 RT24-P), they were not demoted any grid places since the race lasted more than six hours.[51]

Qualifying results[edit]

Pole positions in each class are indicated in bold. P stands for Daytona Prototype International, GTLM (Grand Touring Le Mans) and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).[40]

Final qualifying classification
Pos. Class No. Team Driver Time Gap Grid
1 P 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Renger van der Zande 1:36.083 1
2 P 7 Acura Team Penske Hélio Castroneves 1:36.090 +0.007 2
3 P 5 Mustang Sampling Racing Filipe Albuquerque 1:36.194 +0.111 3
4 P 38 Performance Tech Motorsports Patricio O'Ward 1:36.318 +0.235 4
5 P 90 Spirit of Daytona Racing Tristan Vautier 1:36.472 +0.389 5
6 P 37 Jackie Chan DCR JOTA Robin Frijns 1:36.492 +0.409 6
7 P 31 Whelen Engineering Racing Felipe Nasr 1:36.508 +0.425 7
8 P 54 CORE Autosport Colin Braun 1:36.567 +0.484 8
9 P 55 Mazda Team Joest Jonathan Bomarito 1:36.633 +0.550 9
10 P 6 Acura Team Penske Dane Cameron 1:36.931 +0.848 10
11 P 78 Jackie Chan DCR JOTA Alex Brundle 1:36.982 +0.899 11
12 P 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Simon Trummer 1:37.005 +0.922 12
13 P 23 United Autosports Fernando Alonso 1:37.008 +0.925 13
14 P 99 JDC-Miller MotorSports Stephen Simpson 1:37.124 +1.041 14
15 P 32 United Autosports Bruno Senna 1:38.186 +2.103 15
16 P 52 AFS/PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports Gustavo Yacamán 1:38.773 +2.690 16
17 P 20 BAR1 Motorsports Alex Popow 1:41.778 +5.695 17
18 GTLM 3 Corvette Racing Jan Magnussen 1:42.779 +6.696 21
19 GTLM 66 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Joey Hand 1:42.798 +6.715 22
20 GTLM 912 Porsche GT Team Laurens Vanthoor 1:42.927 +6.844 23
21 GTLM 911 Porsche GT Team Patrick Pilet 1:43.062 +6.979 24
22 GTLM 67 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Richard Westbrook 1:43.091 +7.008 25
23 GTLM 4 Corvette Racing Oliver Gavin 1:43.453 +7.370 26
24 GTLM 62 Risi Competizione Toni Vilander 1:43.601 +7.518 27
25 GTLM 25 BMW Team RLL Alexander Sims 1:43.948 +7.865 28
26 GTLM 24 BMW Team RLL John Edwards 1:44.413 +8.330 29
27 GTD 51 Spirit of Race Daniel Serra 1:46.049 +9.966 30
28 P 22 Tequila Patrón ESM Nicolas Lapierre 1:46.129 +10.046 18
29 GTD 82 Risi Competizione Miguel Molina 1:46.502 +10.419 31
30 GTD 11 GRT Grasser Racing Team Mirko Bortolotti 1:46.658 +10.575 501
31 GTD 15 3GT Racing Jack Hawksworth 1:46.714 +10.631 32
32 GTD 63 Scuderia Corsa Alessandro Balzan 1:47.055 +10.972 33
33 GTD 14 3GT Racing Dominik Baumann 1:47.186 +11.103 34
34 GTD 86 Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Álvaro Parente 1:47.251 +11.168 35
35 GTD 29 Montaplast by Land-Motorsport Sheldon van der Linde 1:47.273 +11.190 36
36 GTD 58 Wright Motorsports Robert Renauer 1:47.291 +11.208 37
37 GTD 96 Turner Motorsport Cameron Lawrence 1:47.348 +11.265 38
38 GTD 44 Magnus Racing Andy Lally 1:47.442 +11.359 39
39 GTD 59 Manthey Racing Sven Müller 1:47.587 +11.504 40
40 GTD 33 Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports Ben Keating 1:47.796 +11.713 41
41 GTD 64 Scuderia Corsa Sam Bird 1:47.839 +11.756 42
42 GTD 69 HART Ryan Eversley 1:47.862 +11.779 43
43 GTD 48 Paul Miller Racing Bryce Miller 1:48.181 +12.098 44
44 GTD 93 Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Côme Ledogar 1:48.239 +12.156 45
45 GTD 75 SunEnergy1 Racing Kenny Habul 1:48.326 +12.243 46
46 GTD 19 GRT Grasser Racing Team Christoph Lenz 1:51.531 +15.448 47
P 77 Mazda Team Joest Did not participate 192
P 2 Tequila Patrón ESM Did not participate 202
GTD 73 Park Place Motorsports Did not participate 48
GTD 71 P1 Motorsports Did not participate 492

Notes:

  • ^1  – The No. 11 GRT Grasser Team Racing Lamborghini Huracán was sent to the rear of the GTD field for failing a post-qualifying stall test.[42]
  • ^2  – The No. 2 Extreme Speed Motorsports, the No. 71 P1 Motorsports Mercedes-AMG, and the No. 77 Mazda entries were sent to the rear of their respective class fields because their teams had changed their respective starting drivers.[51]

Race[edit]

Start[edit]

Weather conditions at the start of the race were dry but cloudy. The air temperature throughout was between 64 and 77 °F (18 and 25 °C) and the track temperature ranged from 62 to 80 °F (17 to 27 °C);[52] conditions were expected to remain consistent throughout the race, but a 70 per cent chance of rain was forecast for Sunday.[31] CGR founder and owner Chip Ganassi waved the green flag at 14:40 Eastern Standard Time (UTC−05:00) to start the proceedings.[31][53] Fifty cars were due to take the start, but Robert Renauer spun on cold tyres and heavily damaged the left-hand quarter of the No. 58 Wright Motorsports car when he hit the turn five inside wall during the first formation lap.[54][55][56] Extensive repairs to the car were carried out for the next two hours and eight minutes.[57] Van Der Zande led from the start with Castroneves close behind. Nasr moved to third by the third lap and overtook Castroneves around the outside for second at turn seven. He lost third to Albuquerque two corners later. The first round of green flag pit stops for fuel began on lap 17, with Van der Zande stopping two laps later. He lost first to Albuquerque after all pit stops were carried out.[54] Hand took the GTLM lead from Magnussen in the opening minutes. Westbrook was also an early mover but fell to third after a slow pit stop to rectify brake issues. Jeffrey Schmidt's No. 29 Land Motorsport car moved to the front of GTD by passing Serra and having a faster pit stop than Molina who overtook Serra.[58]

Early in the second hour, problems during the second pit stop phase affected several cars. The right-front wheel on Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda detached and rested on the Armco barriers lining the circuit. Bomarito slowed to 45 mph (72 km/h) on his way to the pit lane, putting him three laps behind the overall leader; Tincknell relieved him at his pit box. Oliver Jarvis' sister No. 77 car was then transported into its garage for a downshifting problem that put him behind the GTLM leaders and five laps behind the overall pace setters.[59][60][56] Santiago Creel relieved Molina in the No. 82 Risi Ferrari, but a flash fire affected the car when fuel ignited at its pit stop after the nozzle was disconnected. The entry dropped 24 laps as it was tended to.[59][56] Ricky Taylor's No. 7 Penske car was delayed by its left-hand door loosening due to a broken latch; he remained on the same lap as the overall leader.[56] During this period, Vautier, Alonso and Barbosa all led outright.[59][60] ESM gained the most positions: the No. 22 car of Derani had gained 15 places from starting 18th, while Olivier Pla's sister No. 22 entry overcame an earlier cut tire that necessitated an unscheduled pit stop to run in seventh.[61]

Derani was gaining on Barbosa when the first full course caution period of the race was activated for 14 minutes. James French in the No. 38 PTR Oreca had stopped on the oval banking at turn seven halfway through the third hour because of no fuel.[56][62] Barbosa kept first from Derani at the restart. Two Jackie Chan cars separated the pair allowing Barbosa to draw clear and re-establish his advantage upfront, which grew to seven seconds.[63][64] Derani fell out of contention in the battle for the lead soon after his right-rear tire burst, shredding the right-rear quarter of his car and sending him to pit road for repairs. Matt McMurry in the No. 90 Spirit of Race car was demoted to third when Hunter-Reay's No. 10 WTR entry, Simon Pagenaud's No. 6 Penske, and Middleton's No. 31 WER car got past him the lap after the restart. Middleton came into contact with Pagenaud at turn five; in spite of both remaining on the lead lap, Middleton earned a drive-through penalty. As night fell, James Calado's No. 62 Risi car, and Nunez' No. 77 Mazda, picked up punctures at the rear of their cars within 28 minutes of each other.[62][63]

Night[edit]

Before the fourth hour's end, Jordan Taylor's right-rear tire burst on the banking entering turn 12. Damage was minimal since he was near the pit lane and repairs took 29 seconds.[62][65] Light rain began falling just as the fifth hour began and several cars in all categories were caught out by the change of conditions.[66] Soon after, the rain intensified enough for most of the field to make pit stops for rain tyres. Marcel Fässler stayed on the circuit but was ten seconds slower than teammate Magnussen and was overtaken by Bourdais and Scott Dixon's Fords. The rain later tapered off, but the disparity of drying of the banking and the infield sections was problematic for rain tyre equipped cars. The first major incident in GTLM came 4 hours and 42 minutes in when Bill Auberlen's No. 25 BMW M8's right-front tyre was cut 10 mm (1.0 cm) from debris on the banking leaving turn six. He stayed off the wall and returned to his garage to repair front-right bodywork damage. Pilet remained on dry tyres and took the GTLM lead but dropped to fourth by the end of hour six. In the meantime, Fittipaldi lost the overall lead to Castroneves before Conway took it after he made a pit stop two laps later than both drivers.[62][67][68]

Norris was the best-placed LMP2 car and was sometimes the fastest overall and gained positions through superior fuel economy before Hanson took over the No. 23 vehicle.[69] Despite a front nose change at his pit stop, Castroneves retook the lead after Curran took over from Conway when the No. 5 car stopped. Castroneves was soon being gained on by Albuquerque who relieved Fittipaldi. The two drew level when Albuquerque used his car's extra torque to get a better exit out of the turn three hairpin. Albuquerque overtook Castroneves because the latter elected not to risk driving beside him entering the kink. Albuquerque opened up a five-second gap before handing the lead back to Castroneves ten minutes before the eighth hour ended on pit stop rotation.[69] Don Yount lost control of the No. 96 Turner BMW M6's rear at the Bus Stop chicane and hit the tyre wall heavily. No caution was needed.[70] Soon after, Hanson's right-rear tyre blew turning into the Bus Stop chicane, significantly damaging his car's bodywork. Hanson required an engine cover and rear wing replacement and Alonso took over from him. Castroneves again lost the lead to Albuquerque when he overshot his pit box and was half a minute adrift into hour nine. Third-placed Van der Zande picked up another right-rear puncture on the No. 10 WTR car at the Bus Stop chicane; the carcass delaminated and deranged its bodywork and radiator line, forcing it into the garage for repairs. It dropped ten laps to the overall leader.[62][70]

McMurry brought the No. 90 Spirit of Racing car into his garage with a misfiring engine and later retired. Nick Tandy got past Antonio García's No. 3 Corvette but clipped the curb at the Bus Stop chicane too hard and speared into the tyre barrier after losing control of his vehicle's rear leaving the turn. He returned to the pit lane with heavy car damage. As it turned January 28, Nasr's right-rear tire failed but had minimal car damage and went to the pit lane for a replacement wheel.[62][70] The lead of GTD went to Adam Christodoulou's No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG because IMSA deemed that Jeffrey Schmidt's No. 29 Land Audi had exceeded the maximum rate of permitted fuel flow (a balance of performance transgression) at the car's pit stops. IMSA ordered the team to serve a five-minute stop-and-hold penalty.[71] The race's second full course yellow was activated for 18 minutes when Roberto González was on his out-lap on cold tyres and went straight into the tyre barrier at the third corner.[62][70][71] Mustang Sampling Racing changed the brake discs on the No. 5 car during the caution, allowing Ricky Taylor and Pagenaud into first and second overall.[70][71]

In GTD, Katherine Legge took over the class lead in the No. 86 MSR Acura NSX when the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG served a stop-and-hold penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Legge lost it soon after to Perera's No. 48 PSR Lamborghini and Brekers took second place in the class for Grasser. Meanwhile, the top four overall cars were separated by six seconds and three cars were contesting the battle for second place.[70] Barbosa sidedrafted Pagenaud with fourth-placed Nasr slipstreaming both cars on the approach to the Bus Stop chicane. Nasr out-braked both vehicles and passed them for second overall. Graham Rahal was now in the No.7 Penske Acura but was overtaken by Barbosa and Nasr. Ten hours and 30 minutes in, Alonso drove No. 23 United Autosports car into the garage with a master brake cylinder failure and fell out of contention for a top ten finish. One second separated Barbosa, Nasr and Rahal with Pagenaud drawing slightly closer in fourth. Nasr lost second to Rahal in the 11th hour. Pagenaud took the lead for a short time during the pit stops for fuel. Rahal extended his lead as Barbosa and Nasr lost time on cold tyres, but Pagenaud gained first when Rahal spun and stalled at turn one.[62][70][72]

Morning[edit]

Mike Conway (pictured in 2016) of Whelen Engineering Racing was called to pit road for cooling issues in the 18th hour.

Conway regained first place through the next pit stop cycle. Tung slid the No. 78 Jackie Chan Oreca at the Bus Stop chicane and rear-ended the inside tire barrier. He made a pit stop for a replacement rear wing assembly and repairs to the car's front-left bodywork. The two Nissan DPis of ESM driven by Ryan Dalziel and Derani retired by hour 14 because of respective terminal gearbox and engine failures.[62] Cameron led for three laps before his mechanics called him to pit road to inspect the No. 6 Penske car thoroughly for a suspected alternator problem that drained its battery.[62][73] Cameron lost 24 laps to the leaders while the alternator was changed, and just three entries in the Prototype category remained on the lead lap.[62][74] Curran led at the beginning of the 15th hour but lost it to teammate Albuquerque when his rear brake light failed to work. A rear wing replacement was mandated at his unscheduled pit stop as he fell off the lead lap.[75] In the 16th hour's opening minutes, the third full course yellow flags were waved for 20 minutes. Jörg Bergmeister in the No. 73 Park Place Porsche had lightly hit the tire wall alongside the circuit and continued to the pit lane. Several cars in GTD took the opportunity to change brake discs during the caution.[62][76][77]

14 minutes after racing resumed, Castroneves and Nasr made contact at the first infield hairpin,[74] resulting in significant damage to the No. 7 Penske's left-hand side intercooler, radiator and bodywork, necessitating its return to the garage. It returned 25 laps adrift of the leader and out of contention for the overall win.[62][76] Van der Zande's No. 10 WTR Cadillac sustained another right-rear puncture, this time at high speed. WTR owner Wayne Taylor retired the car for driver safety reasons, uncertain of the cause of the problem, and he wanted to stop using spare bodywork parts.[62][78] Soon after, Bomarito's No. 55 Mazda retired at the West Horseshoe due to an exhaust problem that caused an car fire.[79] The fourth (and final) full course yellow was activated for 22 minutes when Kyle Masson put Legge off the track; he ploughed through an advertising billboard and Styrofoam blocks, littering debris on the circuit. Legge narrowly avoided impacting Masson's side. Under caution, Fittipaldi brought the No. 5 vehicle onto pit road to rectify an overnight cooling issue by removing the engine cover and adding water. This allowed Conway back on the lead lap.[62][80] Mustang Sampling also switched off their car's engine during pit stops to limit rising temperatures while the sister WER team had a less severe temperature issue.[74]

Conway stayed close by Fittipaldi as Braun got the No. 54 CORE car past the latter to regain one of its laps. Conway could not pass his teammate to regain first overall. Midway through the 19th hour, Conway was called to pit road for a similar cooling issue that hindered the sister No. 5 car; he kept second because Paul di Resta's No. 32 United Autosports car had a clutch pressure problem that temporarily prevented him from leaving pit road. He lost three laps to Fittipaldi.[62][81] The No. 11 Grasser Lamborghini took the lead in GTD after trading the position with the No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG for the past few hours. Meanwhile, teams scheduled their final pit stops and prepared their fastest drivers for their last stints. The leaders of two of the three categories were close by each other without over risking.[62] Overheating concerns slowed Nasr and fell to third behind Loïc Duval's No. 54 CORE car. Nasr retook second when Duval made a scheduled pit stop by the end of hour 22.[82]

Finish[edit]

Unhindered after relieving Fittipaldi in the final two hours by nursing the overheating car, Albuquerque took the chequered flag for Mustang Sampling Racing in a record-breaking distance of 808 laps and 2,876.48 miles (4,629.25 km), overtaking the record set by John Paul Jr., John Paul Sr. and Rolf Stommelen in a Porsche 935 at the 1982 race.[74][83] It was Barbosa and Fittipaldi's third outright victory at Daytona and Albuquerque's first.[83] Middleton's No. 31 WER car followed 1 minute and 10.544 seconds later in second, and Braun's No. 54 CORE Oreca was the highest-placed LMP2 vehicle in third following the high rate of attrition.[74][84] In GTLM, the No. 67 Ford of Briscoe, Dixon and Westbrook passed the sister No. 66 Ford of Hand, Dirk Müller and Bourdais in its final pit stop since it required less fuel by running an alternate strategy earlier than its sister entry, achieving CGR's 200th motor racing victory and their second consecutive win, by 11.180 seconds after Ford led all but nine of 783 laps.[74][83] It was Dixon's third Daytona victory, Briscoe's second, and Hand's first.[85] The No. 3 Corvette of Garcia, Magnussen and Mike Rockenfeller completed the class podium two laps behind the Fords in third.[74][83] Bleekemolen's No. 33 Riley Mercedes-AMG closed to within a second of Bortolotti's No. 11 GRT Lamborghini in the final half-hour. A pit stop for fuel for Bleekemolen with 15 minutes left allowed Bortolotti to claim victory in GTD and Lamborghini's maiden 24-hour race win.[86] Parente got the No. 86 MSR Acura NSX to second and PSR's No. 23 Lamborghini took third with Andrea Caldarelli driving the final stint.[83]

Post-race[edit]

Continental Tire, one of IMSA's two tire suppliers, suggested the increased competition in the Prototype category, teams double stinting their tires (the same sets brought by the company to Daytona for the past five years), and running them outside of their recommended air pressures and camber settings, were factors in several cars sustaining right-rear punctures during practice and the race.[87][88] Warm track temperatures, the highest in five years, led teams to lower tire air pressures to stop them from over-inflating once they reached their optimum running temperatures.[88] Furthermore, according to Continental Tire, they cautioned three teams over not receiving more sets of tires because they had not brought their limits in line with the company's recommendations. One team reported to Continental Tire that their tyre failures occurred after increasing their tyre pressures to the company's prescribed limits.[89] Regardless, at the 12 Hours of Sebring, Continental Tire debuted a more durable slick tyre which allowed for more aggressive setups and enhanced the likelihood that incidents such as the multiple punctures seen at Daytona would not reoccur in the future.[88][89]

The No. 29 Land Audi was impounded at technical inspection for three hours after the race. The team's refuelling equipment was deemed to comply with IMSA regulations, but a discrepancy in the fuel data provided to the series and the team was discovered.[90] Starting at Sebring, IMSA established minimum refuelling times for all classes, overriding all refuelling restrictor starting sizes issued to teams. This was listed in the category-wide balance of performance tables to counter the controversy.[91] Jarvis expressed his surprise that the race had just four caution periods compared to 21 in 2017, "We always talk about Daytona as [being about] staying out of trouble, staying on the lead lap – and if you do have a problem, don't worry, because you get laps back. But it just hasn't happened. I've never seen a Daytona 24 with such big gaps [between the leading cars]. It's a shame really because in the prototype class there hasn't been much of a race on, it's just survival to the finish."[92] Duval said the low number of cautions lessened his team's chances of the overall victory, because the day before it began they anticipated more than 20, adding: "We tried to put some pressure on the guys [ahead] but it was a bit too late, they were a bit too far ahead."[92]

Since it was the season's first race, Albuquerue, Barbosa and Fittipaldi led the Prototype Drivers' Championship with 35 points each. Conway, Curran, Middleton and Nasr were in second with 32 points. Jon Bennett, Braun, Dumas and Duval were third with 30 points. Westbrook, Dixon and Briscoe took the GTLM points standings lead with their teammates Bourdais, Hand and Müller placing second. Garcia, Magnussen and Rockenfeller rounded out the top three. Bortolotti, Perera, Rik Breukers and Inechen led the GTD Drivers' Championship, followed by the second-placed Allmendinger, Parente, Legge and Hindman. Caldarelli, Sellers, Miller and Snow were third.[93] Mustang Sampling Racing, CGR and GRT Grasser Racing Team became the leaders of their respective class Teams' Championships. Cadillac, Ford and Lamborghini assumed the lead of their respective Manufacturers' Championships with 11 races left in the season.[93]

Results[edit]

Class winners are denoted in bold. P stands for Daytona Prototype International, GTLM (Grand Touring Le Mans) and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).[94]

Final race classification
Pos Class No. Team Drivers Chassis Tire Laps Time/Retired
Engine
1 P 5 United States Mustang Sampling Racing Portugal Filipe Albuquerque
Portugal João Barbosa
Brazil Christian Fittipaldi
Cadillac DPi-V.R C 808 24:01:32.128
Cadillac 5.5 L V8
2 P 31 United States Whelen Engineering Racing United Kingdom Mike Conway
United States Eric Curran
United Kingdom Stuart Middleton
Brazil Felipe Nasr
Cadillac DPi-V.R C 808 +1:10.544
Cadillac 5.5 L V8
3 P 54 United States CORE Autosport United States Jon Bennett
United States Colin Braun
France Romain Dumas
France Loïc Duval
Oreca 07 C 808 +1:31.982
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
4 P 32 United States United Autosports United States Will Owen
United Kingdom Paul di Resta
Switzerland Hugo de Sadeleer
Brazil Bruno Senna
Ligier JS P217 C 804 +4 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
5 P 78 China Jackie Chan DCR JOTA United Kingdom Alex Brundle
Portugal António Félix da Costa
Austria Ferdinand Habsburg-Lothringen
China Ho-Pin Tung
Oreca 07 C 804 +4 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
6 P 85 United States JDC-Miller MotorSports United States Robert Alon
United States Austin Cindric
Canada Devlin DeFrancesco
Switzerland Simon Trummer
Oreca 07 C 798 +10 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
7 P 99 United States JDC-Miller MotorSports Canada Misha Goikhberg
United States Gustavo Menezes
United States Chris Miller
South Africa Stephen Simpson
Oreca 07 C 798 +10 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
8 P 38 United States Performance Tech Motorsports United States James French
United States Kyle Masson
United States Joel Miller
Mexico Patricio O'Ward
Oreca 07 C 796 +12 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
9 P 7 United States Acura Team Penske Brazil Hélio Castroneves
United States Graham Rahal
United States Ricky Taylor
Acura ARX-05 C 793 +15 Laps
Acura AR35TT 3.5 L Turbo V6
10 P 6 United States Acura Team Penske United States Dane Cameron
Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya
France Simon Pagenaud
Acura ARX-05 C 793 +15 Laps
Acura AR35TT 3.5 L Turbo V6
11 GTLM 67 United States Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Australia Ryan Briscoe
New Zealand Scott Dixon
United Kingdom Richard Westbrook
Ford GT M 783 +25 Laps
Ford EcoBoost 3.5 L Turbo V6
12 GTLM 66 United States Ford Chip Ganassi Racing France Sébastien Bourdais
United States Joey Hand
Germany Dirk Müller
Ford GT M 783 +25 Laps
Ford EcoBoost 3.5 L Turbo V6
13 GTLM 3 United States Corvette Racing Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
Chevrolet Corvette C7.R M 781 +27 Laps
Chevrolet LT5.5 5.5 L V8
14 GTLM 4 United States Corvette Racing Switzerland Marcel Fässler
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Chevrolet Corvette C7.R M 780 +28 Laps
Chevrolet LT5.5 5.5 L V8
15 P 37 China Jackie Chan DCR JOTA Netherlands Robin Frijns
Spain Daniel Juncadella
Sweden Felix Rosenqvist
Canada Lance Stroll
Oreca 07 C 777 +31 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
16 GTLM 62 United States Risi Competizione United Kingdom James Calado
Italy Alessandro Pier Guidi
Italy Davide Rigon
Finland Toni Vilander
Ferrari 488 GTE M 774 +34 Laps
Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8
17 GTLM 912 United States Porsche GT Team New Zealand Earl Bamber
Italy Gianmaria Bruni
Belgium Laurens Vanthoor
Porsche 911 RSR M 774 +34 Laps
Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6
18 GTLM 24 United States BMW Team RLL Netherlands Nick Catsburg
United States John Edwards
Brazil Augusto Farfus
Finland Jesse Krohn
BMW M8 GTE M 773 +35 Laps
BMW S63 4.0 L Twin-turbo V8
19 P 52 United States AFS/PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports United States Nick Boulle
Mexico Roberto González
Colombia Sebastián Saavedra
Colombia Gustavo Yacamán
Ligier JS P217 C 771 +37 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
20 GTLM 911 United States Porsche GT Team France Frédéric Makowiecki
France Patrick Pilet
United Kingdom Nick Tandy
Porsche 911 RSR M 753 +55 Laps
Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6
21 GTD 11 Austria GRT Grasser Racing Team Italy Mirko Bortolotti
Netherlands Rik Breukers
Switzerland Rolf Ineichen
France Franck Perera
Lamborghini Huracán GT3 C 752 +56 Laps
Lamborghini 5.2 L V10
22 GTD 86 United States Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian United States A. J. Allmendinger
United States Trent Hindman
United Kingdom Katherine Legge
Portugal Álvaro Parente
Acura NSX GT3 C 751 +57 Laps
Acura 3.5 L Turbo V6
23 GTD 48 United States Paul Miller Racing Italy Andrea Caldarelli
United States Bryce Miller
United States Bryan Sellers
United States Madison Snow
Lamborghini Huracán GT3 C 751 +57 Laps
Lamborghini 5.2 L V10
24 GTD 33 United States Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports Netherlands Jeroen Bleekemolen
United Kingdom Adam Christodoulou
United States Ben Keating
Germany Luca Stolz
Mercedes-AMG GT3 C 751 +57 Laps
Mercedes-AMG M159 6.2 L V8
25 GTD 64 United States Scuderia Corsa United States Townsend Bell
United Kingdom Sam Bird
United States Frankie Montecalvo
United States Bill Sweedler
Ferrari 488 GT3 C 751 +57 Laps
Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8
26 GTD 44 United States Magnus Racing United States Andrew Davis
United States Andy Lally
United States John Potter
Germany Markus Winkelhock
Audi R8 LMS C 750 +58 Laps
Audi 5.2 L V10
27 GTD 29 Germany Montaplast by Land-Motorsport South Africa Sheldon van der Linde
South Africa Kelvin van der Linde
Germany Christopher Mies
Switzerland Jeffrey Schmidt
Audi R8 LMS C 749 +59 Laps
Audi 5.2 L V10
28 GTD 75 United States SunEnergy1 Racing Canada Mikaël Grenier
Australia Kenny Habul
Germany Thomas Jäger
Germany Maro Engel
Mercedes-AMG GT3 C 745 +63 Laps
Mercedes-AMG M159 6.2 L V8
29 GTD 15 United States 3GT Racing Germany Dominik Farnbacher
United Kingdom Jack Hawksworth
Denmark David Heinemeier Hansson
United States Scott Pruett
Lexus RC F GT3 C 744 +64 Laps
Lexus 5.0 L V8
30 GTD 63 United States Scuderia Corsa Italy Alessandro Balzan
United States Gunnar Jeannette
United States Cooper MacNeil
United States Jeff Segal
Ferrari 488 GT3 C 744 +64 Laps
Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8
31 GTD 93 United States Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian United States Lawson Aschenbach
Germany Mario Farnbacher
France Côme Ledogar
United States Justin Marks
Acura NSX GT3 C 741 +67 Laps
Acura 3.5 L Turbo V6
32 GTD 71 United States P1 Motorsports United States Robby Foley
United States Kenton Koch
Colombia JC Perez
Italy Loris Spinelli
Mercedes-AMG GT3 C 741 +67 Laps
Mercedes-AMG M159 6.2 L V8
33 GTD 19 Austria GRT Grasser Racing Team Germany Christian Engelhart
Switzerland Christoph Lenz
Belgium Louis Machiels
Argentina Ezequiel Pérez Companc
Netherlands Max van Splunteren
Lamborghini Huracán GT3 C 739 +69 Laps
Lamborghini 5.2 L V10
34 GTD 96 United States Turner Motorsport Germany Jens Klingmann
United States Mark Kvamme
United States Cameron Lawrence
Germany Martin Tomczyk
United States Don Yount
BMW M6 GT3 C 733 +75 Laps
BMW 4.4 L Turbo V8
35 GTLM 25 United States BMW Team RLL United States Bill Auberlen
United States Connor De Phillippi
Austria Philipp Eng
United Kingdom Alexander Sims
BMW M8 GTE M 731 +77 Laps
BMW S63 4.0 L Twin-turbo V8
36 GTD 14 United States 3GT Racing Austria Dominik Baumann
Switzerland Philipp Frommenwiler
Brazil Bruno Junqueira
Canada Kyle Marcelli
Lexus RC F GT3 C 719 +89 Laps
Lexus 5.0 L V8
37 GTD 69 United States HART United States Ryan Eversley
United States John Falb
United States Chad Gilsinger
United States Sean Rayhall
Acura NSX GT3 C 719 +89 Laps
Acura 3.5 L Turbo V6
38 P 23 United States United Autosports Spain Fernando Alonso
United Kingdom Phil Hanson
United Kingdom Lando Norris
Ligier JS P217 C 718 +90 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
39 GTD 82 United States Risi Competizione Mexico Santiago Creel
Mexico Martin Fuentes
Republic of Ireland Matt Griffin
Spain Miguel Molina
Mexico Ricardo Pérez de Lara
Ferrari 488 GT3 C 715 +93 Laps
Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8
40 GTD 73 United States Park Place Motorsports Germany Jörg Bergmeister
United States Patrick Lindsey
United States Tim Pappas
Austria Norbert Siedler
Porsche 911 GT3 R C 675 +133 Laps
Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6
41 GTD 58 United States Wright Motorsports France Mathieu Jaminet
United States Patrick Long
Denmark Christina Nielsen
Germany Robert Renauer
Porsche 911 GT3 R C 666 +142 Laps
Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6
42 P 20 United States BAR1 Motorsports[N 1] United States Marc Drumwright
United States Brendan Gaughan
United States Eric Lux
Venezuela Alex Popow
Riley Mk. 30 C 642 +166 Laps
Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8
43
DNF
GTD 59 Germany Manthey Racing Italy Matteo Cairoli
Germany Sven Müller
Austria Harald Proczyk
Germany Steve Smith
Germany Randy Walls
Porsche 911 GT3 R C 637 Mechanical
Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6
44 GTD 51 Switzerland Spirit of Race Canada Paul Dalla Lana
Portugal Pedro Lamy
Austria Mathias Lauda
Brazil Daniel Serra
Ferrari 488 GT3 C 571 +237 Laps
Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8
45
DNF
P 10 United States Wayne Taylor Racing United States Ryan Hunter-Reay
United States Jordan Taylor
Netherlands Renger van der Zande
Cadillac DPi-V.R C 555 Withdrew
Cadillac 5.5 L V8
46
DNF
P 55 Germany Mazda Team Joest United States Jonathan Bomarito
United States Spencer Pigot
United Kingdom Harry Tincknell
Mazda RT24-P C 541 Engine fire
Mazda MZ-2.0T 2.0 L Turbo I4
47
DNF
P 77 Germany Mazda Team Joest United Kingdom Oliver Jarvis
United States Tristan Nunez
Germany René Rast
Mazda RT24-P C 530 Engine
Mazda MZ-2.0T 2.0 L Turbo I4
48
DNF
P 22 United States Tequila Patrón ESM Brazil Pipo Derani
France Nicolas Lapierre
United States Johannes van Overbeek
Nissan Onroak DPi C 438 Engine
Nissan VR38DETT 3.8 L Turbo V6
49
DNF
P 2 United States Tequila Patrón ESM United Kingdom Ryan Dalziel
France Olivier Pla
United States Scott Sharp
Nissan Onroak DPi C 338 Engine
Nissan VR38DETT 3.8 L Turbo V6
50
DNF
P 90 United States Spirit of Daytona Racing Italy Eddie Cheever III
United States Matt McMurry
France Tristan Vautier
Cadillac DPi-V.R C 291 Engine
Cadillac 5.5 L V8
Sources:[94][95]
Tyre manufacturers
Key
Symbol Tyre manufacturer
C Continental
M Michelin

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Tomy Drissi was listed at the beginning before he withdrew for business commitments.[50]

Standings after the race[edit]

  • Note: Only the top five positions are included for all sets of standings.
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included for all sets of standings.
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included for all sets of standings.

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