The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, the prestigious endurance race’s 63rd edition, delivered an exhilarating blend of high-speed competition, unexpected drama, and remarkable recoveries. Held from January 25-26 at the Daytona International Speedway, this year’s event showcased the resilience and skill of teams and drivers, featuring a diverse lineup of 61 cars competing across multiple classes.
Key Highlights and Unexpected Twists
Starting at 1:40 PM local time on January 25, the race immediately set the stage for intense competition on the 3.56-mile circuit. Among the notable entrants, Porsche Penske Motorsport fielded two GTP class cars, with the #7 driven by Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, and Laurens Vanthoor ultimately claiming victory. This triumph marked a historic 20th overall win for Porsche at the Daytona 24 Hours and underscored their dominance in endurance racing.
However, the race was not without its surprises. A major multi-car crash just after 9 PM sent shockwaves through the event, involving several competitors, including Louis Deletraz in the #40 Cadillac. Such incidents kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially when the Iron Dames team (#83 Porsche) made a remarkable comeback from being three laps down to finish 8th in their class. Their tenacity showcased the unpredictable nature of endurance racing and the skill needed to endure a grueling 24-hour competition.
A Race for the Ages
Among the standout moments was BMW’s late-race drama. After securing pole position and leading for much of the race, the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 made contact during a fierce battle for second place, leading to a significant setback and a disappointing finish outside the podium spots. In contrast, the #60 Acura, initially struggling, mounted an impressive comeback, nearly clinching an overall lead within the race’s final hours—a testament to the ever-changing landscape of endurance racing.
Controversy also permeated the event; a contentious penalty, though details remain elusive, led to shifts in the standings, adding to the unpredictability that defines this iconic race. Meanwhile, Nick Tandy emerged as a notable figure, achieving a historic Grand Slam by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours, and now the Daytona 24 Hours—all outright, highlighting his exceptional talent and place in motorsport history.
The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be remembered not only for its fierce competition and stunning comebacks but also for the collective spirit of the teams, drivers, and fans that make this event one of the most celebrated in the world of motorsport. Each year, the race continues to push the limits of endurance and innovation, solidifying its legacy in the annals of racing history.
The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona concluded with the following results:
Overall and GTP Class
1. #7 Porsche 963 (Porsche Penske Motorsport) – Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, Laurens Vanthoor
2. #60 Acura ARX-6 (Meyer Shank Racing) – Tom Blomqvist and teammates
3. #6 Porsche 963 (Porsche Penske Motorsport) – Matt Campbell and teammates[
Other Classes
– LMP2: #8 Tower Motorsports – Job van Uitert, Sebastien Bourdais, Sebastian Alvarez, John Farano
– GTD Pro: #65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports – Dennis Olsen, Frederic Vervisch, Christopher Mie
– GTD: #13 AWA Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Marvin Kirchhofer, Lars Kern, Matthew Bell, Orey Fidan
Notable Achievements
– Porsche secured its 20th overall win at the Daytona 24 Hours
– Nick Tandy became the first driver to win all four major 24-hour endurance races (Daytona, Le Mans, Nürburgring, and Spa) outright
– Felipe Nasr won the race for the second consecutive year
The race featured a thrilling finish, with only 4.4 seconds separating the top three finishers in the final laps[4]. BMW, despite showing strong pace early on, finished fourth after a late-race incident.
