Daytona disappoints for Porsche Motorsport

Best-placed RSR finishes in 6th position at east coast classic

The 2021 IMSA season did not get off to the best start for Porsche with a disappointing showing at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

The first race since Porsche Motorsport North America pulled out of Stateside competition as a factory outfit, culling its extensive works driver lineup in the meantime, meant the manufacturer was represented in the top GTLM category by customer outfits only. The onus was thus left to Weathertech Racing to do battle with the midengined 991 RSR, managing a 6th-place finish after a shunt from a BMW before the green flag had even come out. Repairs put the car 14 laps behind from the off, before a gallant battle back to 6th.

Porsche’s rear-engined 911 GT3 R fared better in the GTD class, where the best-placed customer team of Wright Motorsports – with works driver Patrick Long one of four drivers in the no.16 car – finished in 4th position. Meanwhile, ex-works driver Nick Tandy did manage to secure a spot on the GTLM podium, taking 2nd place on his first weekend racing for the Corvette factory team. “I was a bit gutted to finish 2nd after the strong run we had, but it’s good to settle into a new team with a 1-2,” he told Total 911.