Six Kiwi racing drivers are set to wave the New Zealand flag in the upcoming 24 Hours of Daytona, including British born but NZ-based Tom Blomqvist, Le Mans winners Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber, IndyCar drivers Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin, and World Endurance Championship star Jaxon Evans.
Competing in the newly-formed GTP class, Hartley will start this weekend’s race in third behind the wheel of the #10 Acura ARX-06 alongside teammates Ricky Taylor, Felipe Albuquerque, and Louis Deletraz.
The team set a fastest time of 1:34.198 around the Daytona International Speedway road course during the Roar Before The 24 qualifying event last weekend but missed out on the top spot by just under two tenths.
However, Blomqvist will be the one to beat when it comes race day after himself and co-drivers Colin Braun, Helio Castroneves, and Simon Pagenaud qualified on pole in the #60 Acura ARX-06.
Hartley will have to keep a close eye on six-time IndyCar champion Dixon who’s #01 Cadillac V-LMDh starts fourth on the grid. Dixon will co-drive with Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande.
Completing the top five grid positions in fifth is Earl Bamber in the #02 Cadillac who will share a car with Brits Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook.
McLaughlin will make his endurance racing debut at Daytona in the LMP2 class. Unfortunately, his qualifying session wasn’t quite as successful as his fellow countrymen after teammate John Farano spun off the track and hit the wall, landing the team 56th on the starting grid.
Nevertheless, the New Zealander will be looking to make up ground in the race itself alongside co-drivers Kyffin Simpson and Team Penske IndyCar teammate Josef Newgarden in the #8 Oreca LMP2 07.
Jaxon Evans will also be competing in the GTD class behind the wheel of a the #91 Kelly Moss and Riley Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R. He starts 54th on the grid alongside co-drivers Alan Metni, Kay van Berlo, and Julien Andlauer.
Catch the Kiwi conglomerate take on the 24 Hours of Daytona this Saturday 28 January, 2023.
Main image: Wayne Taylor Racing
