The 56th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, held from January 27th to 28th, 2018, etched itself into the annals of endurance racing history. The event, a grueling 24-hour test of man and machine, showcased exceptional driving talent, strategic team management, and breathtaking on-track battles across three classes: Prototype (DPi), GTLM (GT Le Mans), and GTD (GT Daytona). This article will delve into the highlights of the 2018 Rolex 24, examining the winning teams and drivers, key moments, and the overall significance of the race. We'll also briefly touch upon future iterations of the event, addressing some of the frequently searched terms like "Rolex 24 2025," "Rolex 24 2025 dates," and "Rolex 24 live stream."
The 2018 Rolex 24 Results: A Class-by-Class Breakdown
The 2018 Rolex 24 boasted a diverse and highly competitive field, with manufacturers vying for supremacy in each class. Let's examine the results individually:
Prototype (DPi): The top class saw intense competition between the Cadillac DPi-V.R and the Nissan Onroak DPi 01. Ultimately, the #5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R, driven by João Barbosa, Filipe Albuquerque, Christian Fittipaldi, and Sébastien Bourdais, emerged victorious. Their consistent pace and flawless pit stops proved decisive, securing a hard-fought win against a strong field. This victory marked a significant achievement for the team and solidified Cadillac's position as a major player in the DPi category. The race was marked by several lead changes and dramatic battles for position, highlighting the exceptional skill of the drivers and the reliability of the competing cars. The close competition underscored the parity within the DPi class, making the win even more impressive.
GTLM (GT Le Mans): The GTLM class provided its own share of drama. The #912 Porsche 911 RSR, driven by Earl Bamber, Laurens Vanthoor, and Patrick Pilet, claimed victory in a closely contested battle. The Porsche team demonstrated exceptional race craft and consistency, managing to overcome challenges and maintain a competitive edge throughout the grueling 24 hours. The intense battles between Porsche, BMW, and Ford GTs captivated the audience, with the lead changing hands several times throughout the race. The GTLM class represented the pinnacle of GT racing, showcasing the technological advancements and the intense competition that defines this category.
GTD (GT Daytona): The GTD class, often characterized by its diverse field of manufacturers and close racing, lived up to its reputation in 2018. The #86 Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3, piloted by Katherine Legge, Mario Farnbacher, Trent Hindman, and Justin Marks, secured a hard-fought victory. This win was particularly significant, showcasing the competitiveness of the Acura NSX GT3 and highlighting the growing presence of Acura in the GT racing landscape. The GTD class always offers unpredictable racing, and 2018 was no different, with numerous incidents and close battles for position that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
current url：https://loojsw.k177t.com/global/rolex-24-2018-54457