The car which led half of the race laps at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and was leading at the time it’s engine blew has retired. JUAN PABLO MONTOYA of Colombia was driving No.02 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Racing BMW Riley Daytona Prototype at the time. He pitted on Lap 250, never to return. The car is falling like a stone down the charts. So sad after the car led for 56 percent of the total laps at the time. All four of the drivers led.
At the tenth hour, six DP’s are on the lead lap. But by the time I wrote that it became five. Never mind. I figure that 13 of the 15 DP’s have led the race at one time or another. Amazing, considering the domination of Ganassi’s No.02.
Level 5 aka Crown Royal/NPN Racing BMW DP has the most trick tire carrier. The hybrid racing bicycle/tire carrier is outfitted with very bright flashing halogen lights, a Ferrari sticker and a carbon fiber wheel guard. It was designed by crew member, KEN CASTO.
Four other cars are not going anywhere: No.30 Racer’s Edge Motorsports Mazda RX-8 GT, as previously reported – 69 laps; No.51 Wi Mar Racing Ferrari 430 Challenge GT-65 laps; No.21 Matt Connolly Motorsports Pontiac GTO.R-63 laps; and Team Sahlen Mazda RX-8-27 laps.
However, there could be more cars in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No.16 which are retired. Time for a garage run to see who’s under wraps and who is thrashing.