CrowdStrike Racing Secures LMP2 Victory at 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona
Daytona Beach, FL – After narrowly missing victory in 2023, CrowdStrike Racing by APR claimed the LMP2 title at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking a significant milestone for driver George Kurtz. Alongside teammates Malthe Jakobsen, Toby Sowery, and Alex Quinn, Kurtz drove the #04 ORECA 07 – Gibson to a hard-fought win, overcoming early setbacks and fierce competition.
Kurtz remarked post-race, “We finally got the monkey off our back. It’s been something we’ve worked towards for the last couple of years. I couldn’t be prouder of the team and the drivers.”
The race began tumultuously for CrowdStrike Racing when Kurtz was involved in a multi-car incident at Turn 1. The team lost only one lap during repairs, a fortunate turn of events that set the stage for their recovery. Sowery reflected on the incident, stating, “The first thing you want to do is survive lap one. Fortunately, we didn’t get too much damage.”
Despite the rough start, strategic pit stops and timely cautions allowed the #04 car to regain competitive position. By the four-hour mark, the team had taken the lead for the first time. A pivotal moment came with a six-hour full-course caution, which allowed all contenders to complete their required Bronze driver time, setting up a critical all-Pro shootout for the final hours.
Quinn, who led the race after the restart, faced a drive-through penalty for blocking, but the team quickly recalibrated and fought back into contention. In the closing stages, Jakobsen executed a decisive pass on António Félix da Costa of Inter Europol Competition, bringing the team into the lead with just hours left to race. Quinn defended the position robustly, crossing the finish line 5.590 seconds ahead of Dillmann.
“This is a very special day,” Quinn stated, reflecting on his first Rolex 24 win and the significance it holds for his career. “I’m just so thankful to George and glad I could do the job for him and the team at the end.”
Kurtz’s victory at Daytona completes a personal best for the driver, adding to his wins at Sebring and Le Mans. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the win: “To actually see it go through and see to the finish was really special.”
The team’s success highlights a successful collaboration with Algarve Pro Racing, enhancing their competitive presence this year in global prototype racing. “It’s run like a family, and it shows in the car,” Kurtz appreciated, commending the team’s dedication and execution throughout the grueling event.
With now a complete set of major prototype victories, Kurtz and CrowdStrike Racing turn their attention to future challenges, particularly aiming for victory at the upcoming race in Sebring.
