The 64th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona delivered unforgettable drama, strategy, and endurance racing excellence as Paul Miller Racing (PMR) pulled off a sensational back-to-front victory in the GTD PRO category, while Winward Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 captured a thrilling win in the GTD class after an intense late-race battle.
The iconic endurance race at Daytona International Speedway, Florida, once again showcased the resilience of teams and drivers competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Paul Miller Racing Overcomes Disqualification to Win GTD PRO
Paul Miller Racing faced early adversity when their No. 1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO was stripped of its front-row qualifying position after officials discovered excessive camber beyond the permitted limit. As a result, the team was forced to start 15th and last in the GTD PRO field.
Despite the setback, drivers Neil Verhagen, Connor De Phillippi, Max Hesse, and Dan Harper executed a near-flawless 24-hour strategy. Through consistent lap times, efficient pit stops, and disciplined driving, the BMW steadily climbed through the field.
Verhagen admitted the setback was discouraging initially but believed the long endurance format worked in their favor. With 24 hours available to recover positions, the team focused on maintaining rhythm and avoiding mistakes.
By the fifth hour of racing, the No. 1 BMW had already rejoined the leading pack. The race then encountered a major interruption when dense fog blanketed the circuit, forcing officials to place the event under caution for more than six hours. The extended safety period reset much of the field, compressing the competitive order once racing resumed.
Once green-flag action returned near the 18-hour mark, Verhagen and Hesse quickly reclaimed the lead through aggressive yet controlled stints.
Late-Race Drama Tests PMR’s Nerves
In the final hour, the PMR team faced another challenge when radio communication with Dan Harper was briefly lost during his closing stint. Without direct feedback from the pit wall, Harper relied on experience and situational awareness to protect the lead.
Despite the pressure, Harper brought the BMW home safely, securing victory by just 2.223 seconds over the No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 75 Express Motorsport.
This win marked Paul Miller Racing’s second Rolex 24 class victory and their second consecutive GTD PRO triumph in IMSA competition.
Mercedes-AMG Dominates Final Podium Positions
While several rivals encountered issues during late restarts, Mercedes-AMG capitalized on clean execution to secure second and third places in GTD PRO. The No. 75 entry finished runner-up, while Winward Racing’s No. 48 Mercedes-AMG secured third place in its GTD PRO debut season.
Strong consistency and race management allowed Mercedes-AMG teams to benefit from late-race attrition among competitors.
Winward Racing Claims Dramatic GTD Victory
In the GTD category, fans witnessed one of the most thrilling finishes in Rolex 24 history. Phillip Ellis in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 went head-to-head with Nicki Thiim driving the No. 44 Magnus Racing Aston Martin GT3 Evo.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, both drivers battled door-to-door through Daytona’s high-speed tri-oval. Light contact sent both cars into dramatic slides, but both drivers recovered control without incident.
Ellis defended aggressively into Turn 1 and gradually built a narrow gap, eventually crossing the finish line just 1.367 seconds ahead of Thiim.
Ellis shared the winning car with Russell Ward, Indy Dontje, and Lucas Auer, delivering Winward Racing’s third GTD class victory at Daytona within six years.
Podium Finishers and Team Success
The third-place position in GTD was claimed by the Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo driven by Tom Gamble, Zacharie Robichon, Mattia Drudi, and Dudu Barrichello.
Winward Racing also celebrated a strong weekend as their GTD PRO entry finished third in its championship debut, highlighting the team’s growing strength across multiple categories.
Team owner Bryce Ward praised the teamwork and consistency that led to the dual podium success.
Michelin Endurance Cup Honors
Both class-winning teams also topped the Michelin Endurance Cup standings, earning maximum points at the six-hour, 12-hour, 18-hour, and 24-hour scoring intervals. This achievement strengthens their championship momentum for the remainder of the IMSA season.
What’s Next in the IMSA Championship?
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship now shifts focus to the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, scheduled for March 18–21 at Sebring International Raceway. Teams will aim to carry their Daytona momentum into the next endurance challenge.
Final Takeaway
The 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona once again delivered unforgettable racing drama. Paul Miller Racing’s extraordinary recovery from last to first in GTD PRO showcased resilience, strategy, and execution under pressure. Meanwhile, Winward Racing’s nail-biting GTD victory demonstrated the raw competitiveness that defines endurance motorsport.
These performances set the tone for a thrilling IMSA season ahead, promising more intense battles, technical innovation, and endurance excellence.