Rolex 24 At Daytona Race Report

“We weren’t able to show the true potential of the No. 55 Mazda RT24-P at the end of the race, which is unfortunate. Overnight, the car was really hooked up – the best car I’ve driven at Daytona. But on the positive side, both Mazdas completed the 24 hours and the No. 77 car finished a strong second place, which is great for the program and for the championship. We will keep working and come back stronger at Sebring.”

– Ryan Hunter-Reay

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 26, 2020) – Two Mazda RT24-Ps battled over 24 hours of racing at Daytona International Speedway to record the company’s best overall finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The No. 77 Mazda RT24-P driven by Olivier Jarvis, Tristan Nunez and Olivier Pla finished in second position, completing 833 laps over the 24-hour race. Jarvis qualified the car on pole position, and from the drop of the green flag it was a factor for the victory, leading 190 total laps in the race.

After having to serve a penalty just before the halfway point of the race, the team’s three drivers battled back into contention for the win and ran in second position throughout the final hours of the race, with Jarvis ultimately taking the checkered flag one minute and five second behind the overall winner. This result improves on Mazda’s previous best overall finishing position, which was fifth place in 1989 with a Mazda 767B.

The No. 55 Mazda RT24-P driven by Jonathan Bomarito, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Harry Tincknell overcame a challenging race to finish in sixth position. The drivers had to battle back from incidents in traffic and were slowed by damaged bodywork as well as a penalty, but remained in contention for the victory throughout the race. Although it was slowed by a mechanical problem in the final hours, the No. 55 Mazda RT24-P finished the race in sixth position and collected valuable championship points.

The next round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is the 12 Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway on March 21.

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