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Turkish drivers delivered notable performances in the opening round of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, held at the Daytona International Speedway.
In the GTD Pro class, Ayhancan Guven competed with Manthey Racing alongside Swiss driver Ricardo Feller, Austrian Thomas Preining and Klaus Bachler. The team’s #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R completed the demanding 24-hour endurance race in fifth place. Preining took over driving duties in the final stint, securing a strong finish for the team in a highly competitive field.
Meanwhile, Salih Yoluc competed in the GTD class with DXDT Racing’s #36 entry. Alongside Irish driver Charlie Eastwood, American Mason Filippi and New Zealander Scott McLaughlin, Yoluc’s team led the class entering the final four hours. However, a gearbox malfunction forced the team out of contention and they finished in 17th place.
The victory in the 2026 Daytona 24 Hours went to Porsche Penske Motorsport’s #7 Porsche 963, driven by Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich. The trio narrowly held off intense competition to secure the team’s third consecutive Daytona win.
The Daytona 24 Hours is widely regarded as one of the premier tests of endurance racing, attracting top international teams and drivers. Competitors must navigate a mix of high-speed banking, tight infield sections, and changing conditions over 24 hours, demanding precision, strategy and teamwork.
The race also serves as the season opener for the IMSA SportsCar Championship, making it a crucial opportunity for teams to establish momentum and gather championship points.
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