The five Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs, set to compete in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, completed their final preparations with three days of rigorous testing at Daytona International Speedway. The teams are now gearing up for the twice-around-the-clock classic scheduled for next weekend. This event marks the start of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the second season of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R program. With a strong performance in 2024, including 11 race wins and the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturers Championship in GTD PRO, expectations are high for this year's competition. The Corvettes accumulated nearly 3,500 miles over 980 laps during the testing phase, providing valuable track time before the limited practice sessions leading into the race.

The Corvette Racing brand has a storied history at Daytona, boasting four GT class victories, one of which was an overall win in 2001. This year's lineup represents the largest number of production-based racing Corvettes since 2007. Significant improvements were made to the Z06 GT3.R throughout its first season, focusing on enhancing performance and reliability. These enhancements have resulted in 12 pole positions across three series in 2024, demonstrating the car's outright pace and improved dependability.

During the testing, Antonio Garcia set the fourth-fastest time in the GTD PRO class with a lap of 1:48.242 (118.401 mph), while Matt Bell secured the fifth-fastest time in the GTD class with a lap of 1:48.169 (118.481 mph). The tight margins in both classes highlight the competitive nature of the field. Jessica Dane, Corvette Racing Program Manager, expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the Roar Before the 24, noting that all five Corvettes ran without significant issues under various conditions. The feedback from the teams has been positive, and the data collected will be crucial for optimizing setups and strategies ahead of the race.

Drivers echoed the optimism, emphasizing the importance of accumulating mileage and understanding the car's behavior under different conditions. Antonio Garcia highlighted the need to learn as much as possible about setup changes and track dynamics. Tommy Milner noted the opportunity to test new setup options and ensure all drivers are comfortable with the vehicle. Matt Bell praised the team's preparation, comparing it favorably to previous successful campaigns. Marvin Kirchhöfer, new to the team, expressed confidence in AWA's professionalism and the seamless integration within Corvette Racing. Charlie Eastwood and Pipo Derani discussed the strategic approach and the supportive environment provided by DXDT Racing. Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen emphasized the importance of preparation and teamwork in achieving a strong result.

As the teams prepare for the Rolex 24, the focus shifts to fine-tuning every aspect of the operation. The live coverage on NBC, USA, and Peacock, along with international viewership via IMSA.com, ensures that fans worldwide can follow the intense action. The upcoming race promises thrilling competition and showcases the continued excellence of Chevrolet and Corvette Racing at Daytona International Speedway. The collective effort and dedication displayed during the testing phase set the stage for an exciting and challenging endurance race.