The prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona is just around the corner, and Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs have been making waves during their three-day testing period at Daytona International Speedway. Teams are now fully focused on preparing for the twice-around-the-clock classic set to kick off next weekend. The event marks the beginning of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, building on the success of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R program in its second season.
The five Corvettes completed an impressive 980 laps, totaling nearly 3,500 miles—a testament to the valuable track time accumulated before the limited practice sessions and qualifying rounds. Performance gaps were tight across both GTD PRO and GTD classes, with all five Z06 GT3.Rs firmly positioned within the top-10. Notably, Antonio Garcia set the fourth-fastest time among GTD PRO Corvettes, clocking a speed of 118.401 mph. In the GTD category, Matt Bell achieved the quickest lap of the weekend, reaching 118.481 mph.
The presence of five production-based racing Corvettes signifies the largest contingent since 2007, highlighting the brand's rich history at Daytona. With four GT class victories and one overall win in 2001, Corvette Racing has consistently delivered exceptional results. The team's engineers have made significant strides in optimizing performance and enhancing reliability, as evidenced by the 12 pole positions secured across three series in 2024. This preparation ensures that the Corvettes are poised for another successful season.
The upcoming Rolex 24 not only promises thrilling competition but also underscores the importance of teamwork, preparation, and continuous improvement. Drivers and teams alike express confidence in their readiness, emphasizing the value of minimizing errors and maintaining consistency throughout the grueling race. As the green flag approaches, the spirit of camaraderie and dedication among the Corvette Racing teams exemplifies the pursuit of excellence and the relentless drive to succeed.