Mercedes-AMG Ready For Daytona

Mercedes-AMG's Title Defence in Prestigious Endurance Race

Affalterbach's finest are revving up for a thrilling defence at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona, the gem in the crown of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The revered endurance event, set to ignite motorsports passion on the 27th and 28th of January in Florida, sees a quartet of Mercedes-AMG GT3s vying for supremacy in both the GTD and GTD PRO classes.

2023 saw the WeatherTech Racing team, spearheaded by Maro Engel and Luca Stolz, claim a triumphant victory in the GTD PRO category. This year, they aim to replicate this success, emboldened as the current Michelin Endurance Cup champions. Facing the formidable challenge at Daytona are SunEnergy1 Racing in GTD PRO, Team Korthoff/Preston Motorsports, WINWARD RACING, and Lone Star Racing in the GTD class.

The Roar Before the Rolex 24, a prelude to the main event, set the stage last weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. The 5.729-kilometre track, known for its 31-degree banked corners, played host to six practice sessions and qualifying rounds. Maro Engel, representing SunEnergy1 Racing, secured a tenth-place starting position in the GTD PRO class. Philip Ellis, Mikaël Grenier, and Adam Christodoulou, representing the other three Mercedes-AMG teams, secured 17th, 18th, and 20th positions respectively on the GTD grid.

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, commented, “Our teams had a very productive test, with a flawless programme run. We’re focusing on optimising our package for the race.”

Maro Engel expressed a mix of determination and optimism, stating, "Tenth place isn't our ambition. The race will be a huge challenge, but racing as the title defender is a nice feeling, and our team is highly motivated."

Jules Gounon, sharing cockpit duties in the #75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, reflected on the team's progress and his eagerness for the race, "The feeling this weekend was even better than last year. I'm really happy to be racing with Maro and Luca again, and with Kenny, with whom I've won the Bathurst 12 Hour twice."

Philip Ellis of WINWARD RACING emphasised the team's experience, "Our line-up is very experienced and we know what matters in an endurance race. The Daytona 24 Hours are extremely demanding, and our experience is an advantage."

Adam Christodoulou, returning to Daytona after a hiatus, shared his enthusiasm, "I'm really happy to be back. Daytona is always a great event to start the season. We focused on the set-up as that's what matters at the end of the day."

Alongside the main event, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge also kicks off, with two Mercedes-AMG GT4s taking part in the GS class. Daniel Morad and Bryce Ward will represent WINWARD RACING, while Michai Stephens and Jesse Webb will debut for JMF Motorsport.

With a strong line-up and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mercedes-AMG looks poised to make a formidable showing at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona. The race, steeped in history and prestige, is not just about speed but strategy, endurance, and teamwork, qualities that Mercedes-AMG's teams have in abundance. As the engines roar to life this weekend, all eyes will be on these powerful machines and their skilled drivers, ready to etch their names in the annals of Daytona's illustrious history.