Paul Miller Racing Triumphs at Rolex 24
Daytona Beach, FL – Paul Miller Racing claimed victory in the GTD Pro class of the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, showcasing the resilience of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The team, adeptly maneuvering through a challenging race, secured its second-class win at this prestigious endurance event.
Race Dynamics and Strategy
Following a challenging qualifying session marred by a post-qualifying penalty, Paul Miller Racing quickly displayed its competitiveness during the race. Connor De Phillippi, the sole driver from previous BMW wins at Daytona, shared the driving duties with emerging talents Neil Verhagen, Max Hesse, and Dan Harper. The team executed a strategic short stint leading into the final hours, allowing it to gain crucial track position while minimizing fuel and tire usage on its last stop.
Harper held off a late challenge from Mercedes-AMG veteran Maro Engel to clinch the class win, marking a significant achievement for the young BMW drivers. “This victory underscores our teamwork and strategy throughout the race,” Harper remarked post-race.
GTD Pro Standings
The podium was rounded out by Kenny Habul’s #75 Mercedes-AMG, which finished second. Habul’s team benefited from a long Full Course Yellow due to dense fog, enabling effective management of a 100-second penalty incurred for energy regulation violations earlier in the race.
Third place went to Winward Racing’s #48 entry, with the Corvettes from Pratt Miller Motorsports finishing fourth. The championship-defending #3 Corvette was sidelined by a suspension issue, while the #4 encountered aggressive racing incidents.
Notable Performances
The Manthey Racing #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R made a commendable comeback from a backmarker position to finish fifth, while Pfaff Motorsports’ #9 Lamborghini secured sixth place despite fading from the lead.
In the GTD category, Winward Racing’s #57 Mercedes-AMG triumphed, driven by Philip Ellis, Russell Ward, and Indy Dontje, marking Winward’s third victory at Daytona. A thrilling late-race duel with Magnus Racing’s Nicki Thiim highlighted the GTD battle, concluding with Ellis narrowly maintaining the lead after contentious exchanges.
Final Class Results
The Heart of Racing Team’s Vantage GT3 Evo finished third, sustaining its competitive streak in the class. Turner Motorsport’s aspirations for a Rolex win unraveled after multiple penalties, relegating them to a tenth-place finish despite leading significant portions of the race.
Conclusion
The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona delivered high drama, strategic maneuvers, and noteworthy performances across classes, reinforcing the competitive spirit of endurance racing. As teams digest the outcomes, attention shifts to upcoming events in the IMSA calendar, where strategies and performances will continue to evolve.
