Stock Car Stars Shine at Rolex 24 at Daytona: A Comprehensive Report
The Rolex 24 at Daytona welcomed a fresh influx of talent as NASCAR drivers Austin Cindric, Shane Van Gisbergen, Parker Kligerman, and young Connor Zilisch showcased their road-course abilities on the 3.5-mile track. Competing in the GTD category, their performances were nothing short of impressive, despite facing various challenges.
Austin Cindric Eclipses Hopes with Third Position
Austin Cindric emerged as the frontrunner among NASCAR drivers at the Rolex 24, securing third place for the Ford Mustang GTD. This was a significant achievement, marking a double podium for the standout brand, which also included a fifth-place finish by the #65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang.
Any day you come home from the race track smelling like champagne is a good one. Podium @Rolex24Hours for us on car #64!
Awesome to be there for such a big day for Ford Mustang, and watch some top-shelf driving by my teammates to close the race. Great way to start the year!
— Austin Cindric (@AustinCindric) January 26, 2025
Cindric’s Triumph: A Double Podium for Ford
Ford’s entry into the GTD class with the Mustang GTD was met with anticipation in 2024, but results were mixed, placing their Multimatic teams sixth and ninth in the championship. However, 2025 brought a fresh wave of success. Mike Rockenfeller secured the #64 pole position, and the trio of Cindric, Rockenfeller, and Seb Priaulx led the Mustang to a solid 19th overall finish, third in class, securing a historic first victory in the GTD Pro Class.
History for FORD!
The first win for the FORD Mustang GT3!!
Congratulations on the No. 65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang on winning the GTD PRO Class in the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona!!@Rolex24Hours | @FordPerformance | @Multimatic | @ROLEX pic.twitter.com/2ebnCbDknA— IMSA (@IMSA) January 26, 2025
Van Gisbergen and Zilisch’s Costly Misstep
The Trackhouse by TF Sport WeatherTech Corvette, driven by Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, finished ninth in class and 25th overall. A pivotal moment occurred in the final hour when Zilisch, under pressure to bring the car to the finish, collided with an ERA Motorsports car, earning a pass-through penalty. Despite this setback, both drivers remain optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming season.
Trackhouse driver Connor Zilisch was frustrated with a mistake in the final hour that resulted in a spin and a ninth-place finish at the Rolex. He said knowing his Cup debut will be in March at COTA didn’t impact his outlook for this weekend but obviously he looks forward to it. pic.twitter.com/GJlq6IwSsr
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 26, 2025
Parker Kligerman’s Tragic Early Exit
Parker Kligerman, making his debut at the Rolex 24 after a successful stint in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, led the GTD category mid-race. Kligerman, trading the reporter’s booth for the steering wheel, drove the Forte Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 with teammates Misha Goikhberg, Mario Farnbacher, and Franck Perera.
Kligerman’s dream-driven stint was cut short by a crash involving teammate Misha Goikhberg and an AF Corse Ferrari. The Lamborghini suffered severe damage, forcing an early exit from the competition. Despite the setback, Kligerman expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance up to that point.
That should do it for me, as I’ve done basically 6 hours ( two cup races?) and I’ve been up since 7am yesterday
We had a slight hiccup with a sensor (it stopped our energy replacement) and had to make an extra stop – but we are very much in contention 🙏
Bring it home boys! pic.twitter.com/tbjvmHrw1r
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) January 26, 2025
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
While the weekend brought both triumphs and setbacks, the NASCAR drivers who participated in the Rolex 24 gained invaluable experience. Cindric’s success highlights the potential of the Mustang GTD, while Van Gisbergen and Zilisch will be eager to avoid similar penalties in future races. Kligerman’s early role in the sport offers a promising glimpse into his future contributions.
These moments serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsports, where a single mistake can reshape a campaign. Nevertheless, the passion and commitment of these drivers remain unwavering, setting the stage for an exciting playoff in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series in 2025.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tackled the 24; NASCAR Drivers Who Won the Rolex 24
Join the Discussion!
We value your thoughts and insights. Share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on all things motorsports. Follow us on social media to stay connected.
