The recent Daytona Roar Before the 24 test session saw impressive lap times being recorded by some of the top teams and drivers in the world of endurance racing. The one-hour session took place on the 3.56-mile road course in perfect track conditions, allowing drivers to push their cars to the limit. In this article, we will take a closer look at the fastest lap times set by the teams and analyze their performances.
British driver Philip Hanson from JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963 showcased his exceptional skills by setting the fastest lap time of the session. With a remarkable time of 1m35.216s, Hanson proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the track. His ability to navigate the course with precision and speed allowed him to outshine his competitors.
The session began with Brendon Hartley of Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-06 taking an early lead with a lap time of 1m36.197s. However, he was quickly surpassed by Connor De Phillippi in the #25 RLL-run BMW M Hybrid V8, who recorded a lap time of 1m35.468s. Close behind was Tom Blomqvist of Action Express Racing’s Cadillac V-Series.R with a time of 1m35.468s. The top spot continued to change hands as Neel Jani from Proton Competition’s Porsche 963 set an impressive time of 1m35.329s during a qualifying simulation.
While several drivers delivered strong performances throughout the session, it was Philip Hanson who ultimately stole the spotlight. With just 20 minutes remaining, Hanson unleashed an incredible lap time of 1m35.216s, surpassing Pipo Derani’s previous record by a mere 0.001s. His consistent speed and precise driving skills secured his position as the driver to beat in the test session.
The top five fastest lap times were achieved by some of the biggest names in endurance racing. Sebastien Bourdais of Chip Ganassi Racing’s Cadillac V-Series.R finished fourth, showcasing his vast experience and skill on the track. Tom Blomqvist, a rising star in the motorsport world, secured the fifth position with his impressive performance in Action Express Racing’s Cadillac V-Series.R.
The LMP2 class witnessed an intense battle for the top position, with Joao Barbosa initially leading the way in his Ligier from Sean Creech Motorsport. However, Ben Keating from United Autosports improved his lap time, securing the top spot with a time of 1m39.047s. Paul di Resta from United’s #22 entry followed closely with a time just 0.047s slower.
The GTLM class was dominated by Porsche, with Frederic Makowiecki of Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R setting the early pace. However, Klaus Bachler in the #86 MDK Motorsports 911 soon took the lead with a lap time of 1m46.229s. Trent Hindman from Kellymoss with Riley impressed in the closing minutes, securing second place and completing a Porsche 1-2-3 in the class.
Mario Farnbacher from Aston Martin’s #23 Heart of Racing-run Vantage emerged as the top performer in the GTD Pro category. His consistent lap times and skillful driving put him ahead of the competition. Dennis Olsen from Proton-run Ford Mustang GT3 showcased the capabilities of US muscle cars, finishing fifth in the class.
Former IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe faced an unfortunate setback when he suffered an issue with his Pfaff Motorsports McLaren 720S. Despite the setback, Hinchcliffe managed to rejoin the session and completed a total of eight laps, finishing 42nd overall.
The Daytona Roar Before the 24 test session provided a thrilling glimpse into the upcoming endurance racing season. Philip Hanson’s dominant performance showcased his exceptional skill and marked him as a strong contender for future races. The test session also highlighted the impressive performances of teams and drivers across various classes, setting the stage for a highly competitive season ahead.
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