Sadly, the second Daytona 24 hour race was as soon as once more not form to the BMW M Workforce RLL. After a stable begin with a superb tempo, unhealthy luck stroke first when each BMW M Hybrid V8 automobiles encountered technical points. Automotive #24 was compelled to cease on the monitor on account of digital issues, necessitating a steering wheel substitute. Additional problems arose when a mishap with the restoration crew whereas towing the automobile again to the pit resulted in a lack of 13 laps. The tow strap unexpectedly ripped and there was no fast substitute readily available.

Good Tempo, Dangerous Luck

The sister automobile, #25, confronted its personal challenges. After briefly main the race, the automobile suffered a leak within the gearbox cooler and later required a brake change on the rear axle, placing them 15 laps behind. Later within the race, the automobile was additionally hit from behind and spun on monitor, but it surely had no impression on the ultimate standings.

Within the first 10 hours of the race, automobile #24, pushed by a world crew of Philipp Eng (AUT), Jesse Krohn (FIN), Augusto Farfus (BRA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL), alongside their sister automobile with Connor De Phillippi (USA), Nick Yelloly (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL), and René Rast (GER), had been on the prime of the pack with Porsche and Cadillac.

Nonetheless, the staff’s fortunes took a flip when each automobiles encountered technical points. Automotive #24 was compelled to cease on the monitor on account of digital issues, necessitating a steering wheel substitute. Additional problems arose when a mishap with the restoration crew whereas towing the automobile again to the pit resulted in a lack of 13 laps. The sister automobile, #25, confronted its personal challenges. After briefly main the race, the automobile suffered a leak within the gearbox cooler and later required a brake change on the rear axle, placing them 15 laps behind.

Porsche First, Cadillac Second

Ultimately, it was the Penske-Porsche 963 that crossed the end line 2.112 seconds forward of the No. 31 No. 31 Whelen Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-Collection.R pushed by former BMW Motorsport manufacturing unit driver Tom Blomqvist.

After all, disappointment was the general feeling within the BMW paddock contemplating the staff had excessive expectations for his or her second Daytona 24 hours entry. The race was additionally an vital take a look at earlier than the 24 hours of Le Mans, arguably a extra demanding race with much more opponents on the grid.

We spoke with a number of BMW drivers earlier than the race who had been happy with the progress made since final 12 months, regardless of no main adjustments within the automobile. Nick Yelloly advised us that familiarity with the automobile and its settings will play an vital position within the race and that was apparent within the {qualifications}. Ranging from the fourth place on the grid was automobile No. 25, with the sister automobile No. 24 qualifying within the eighth spot.

Publish-race, Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, expressed disappointment however remained optimistic. “Luck was not with the diligent,” he acknowledged. “We had been effectively ready and began with a superb feeling. Now, we concentrate on the upcoming races in Qatar and Sebring, the place we intention to attain what we couldn’t right here in Daytona.”

BMW M4 GT3 Will get Third Place

On a extra optimistic observe, Paul Miller Racing, representing the North American BMW M Motorsport staff, had a purpose to rejoice. Ranging from twelfth within the GTD PRO class, the staff, with drivers Madison Snow, Bryan Sellers, Neil Verhagen (all USA), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), showcased a powerful comeback of their #1 BMW M4 GT3. They led the race for important stretches and, regardless of a pit cease drawback within the last hours, secured a commendable third place on the rostrum.