Aitken Secures Pole for Rolex 24 At Daytona
Daytona, FL – Jack Aitken showcased impressive skill during qualifying for the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona, earning the pole position in the #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R. Aitken’s daring performance resulted in a fast lap in challenging conditions, marking Cadillac and Action Express Racing’s second pole in three years at this prestigious event.
Aitken described qualifying as “a little bit going into the unknown,” given the team’s limited focus on qualifying simulations during practice. This experience was further complicated by his first run on Michelin’s new GTP tire compound. “The car was a bit loose… but clearly, that’s fast,” Aitken reflected.
Aitken outran Renger van der Zande’s Acura, with his best time clocking in just shy of the Daytona International Speedway’s course record set in 2024.
Corvette Racing’s Sims Clinches GTD PRO Pole
Alexander Sims secured the GTD PRO pole in the #3 Corvette Racing Z06 GT3.R, a significant achievement for the team as they aim for a fifth victory at Daytona amidst a notable anniversary celebration for Corvette. Sims highlighted the car’s well-balanced performance during his qualifying run, benefiting from a clear track and optimal tire conditions.
“It’s really something special to be able to do a low fuel qualifying run with new tyres,” Sims stated. He expressed confidence heading into the race, emphasizing the need for a clean outing over 24 hours.
Valkyrie’s Struggles Forge Long-Term Benefits
The Aston Martin Valkyrie faced early technical challenges, suffering from electronic issues during its initial outings at Daytona. Roman De Angelis, driving for the Aston Martin THOR Team, acknowledged previous setbacks but focused on future improvements derived from these experiences. He noted a significant uptick in performance during a recent practice session, where the car completed 39 laps—second-most in the GTP category.
Siegel’s Return to Sports Cars
Nolan Siegel made a triumphant return to sports car racing, competing in the #343 ORECA for Inter Europol Competition. Reflecting on his early experiences, Siegel stated, “IMSA has always held a special place in my heart… I’m really excited to be back.” His goal is to leverage this racing opportunity ahead of what he describes as a potentially career-defining season in IndyCar.
Michelin Pilot Challenge Qualifying
In the Michelin Pilot Challenge, Nate Cicero led the field in the #13 McCumbee McAleer Racing Ford Mustang GT4 with a blistering lap of 1:52.955, marking him as the only driver under 1:53. The team will head into the race confident, while several contenders face obstacles, including last year’s Daytona winner, Moisey Uretsky, who qualified 25th.
In TCR qualifying, Celso Neto emerged on pole after penalties reshuffled the starting order, setting the stage for a thrilling start in tomorrow’s race.
Conclusion
As the Rolex 24 approaches, teams continue to fine-tune their strategies and prepare for the grueling test ahead. With key performances in qualifying, both Aitken and Sims have set high expectations for their respective classes, while teams like the Valkyrie look to capitalize on their learning experiences. The race promises to deliver intense competition and showcases the depth of talent within the field.
