Rolex 24 at Daytona: LMP2 Preview and Insights
The upcoming 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona promises another thrilling chapter in LMP2 racing, following previous editions characterized by narrow margins and dramatic last-minute outcomes. The 2025 race exemplified this, where Tower Motorsports initially celebrated a victory only to have it rescinded due to post-race scrutiny, ultimately passing the accolade to United Autosports USA.
LMP2 Class Overview
With 13 Gibson V8-powered ORECA 07 entries, IMSA’s LMP2 class stands out as a tightly contested field filled with a mix of established WEC drivers and promising talents. This year’s lineup features renowned teams, each accompanied by drivers both experienced and fledgling in endurance racing. The Pro/Am format adds another layer of complexity, as every driver contributes significantly to their team’s success.
Key Team Profiles
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United Autosports USA
- Vehicles: #2, #22
- Notable Drivers: Phil Fayer, Ben Hanley, Paul di Resta, Grégoire Saucy
- Overview: United Autosports aims for back-to-back victories. Their 2025 win came amidst a lesser number of errors compared to competitors. The #22 unit is upheld as a strong contender thanks to established synergy and skillful driving. The newcomer Saucy seeks to impress during his IMSA debut.
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CrowdStrike Racing by APR
- Vehicle: #04
- Notable Drivers: George Kurtz, Alex Quinn, Toby Sowery, Malthe Jakobsen
- Overview: After multiple near-victories, CrowdStrike is eager to capture their first Daytona win. The focus is on a talented roster of young drivers alongside Kurtz, a capable Bronze driver seeking redemption for past disappointments.
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Tower Motorsports
- Vehicle: #8
- Notable Drivers: John Farano, Sébastien Bourdais, Sebastián Álvarez, Kyffin Simpson
- Overview: Following last year’s heartache, Tower Motorsports seeks to rectify their previous disqualification. A strong driver lineup, including two-time Rolex winner Bourdais, positions them as a viable threat to the podium.
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TDS Racing
- Vehicle: #11
- Notable Drivers: Tobias Lütke, Mathias Beche, Charles Milesi
- Overview: TDS Racing has undergone significant changes, with a focus on overcoming past issues at Daytona. They return with fresh talent and a recent record of success, building momentum from impressive preliminary testing times.
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Era Motorsport
- Vehicle: #18
- Notable Drivers: Naveen Rao, Ferdinand Habsburg, Jacob Abel, Logan Sargeant
- Overview: With a newly restructured lineup that includes F1 alumni Sargeant, Era Motorsport aims to leverage experience and fresh talent to challenge for a third Rolex 24 win.
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Intersport Racing
- Vehicle: #37
- Notable Drivers: Jon Field, Oliver Jarvis, Job van Uitert
- Overview: Having returned to LMP2, Intersport Racing could leverage its veteran drivers, particularly Jarvis, to seek strong results against seasoned competitors.
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Inter Europol Competition
- Vehicles: #43, #343
- Overview: As a powerful contender with two cars in the race, Inter Europol aims to add to its victories in LMP2. The experienced lineup across both entries promises a formidable challenge for the front-runners.
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Bryan Herta Autosport with PR1/Mathiasen
- Vehicle: #52
- Overview: The combination of seasoned and emerging talent in their team positions BHA as a contender, with experience to navigate the complexities of the 24-hour race format.
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Pratt Miller Motorsports
- Vehicle: #73
- Overview: The brother pair of Pietro and Enzo Fittipaldi bring a compelling narrative to this year’s race, as the team seeks a breakthrough performance after a challenging 2025 season.
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AF Corse USA
- Vehicle: #83
- Overview: Having shown strong potential in the previous year, AF Corse’s well-rounded lineup stands ready to capitalize on opportunities.
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AO Racing
- Vehicle: #99
- Overview: As last year’s standout within LMP2, AO Racing returns with a strong lineup and high expectations, seeking to solidify their dominance in the series.
Each team brings a mix of experience and fresh talent to the grid, setting the stage for an exhilarating race at Daytona that will test endurance, strategy, and teamwork. As the Rolex 24 approaches, its legacy of unpredictability continues to captivate teams and fans alike.
