Australian racer Matt Campbell took dwelling one of many high prizes in motorsport on Monday.
The Queenslander secured victory within the Rolex Daytona 24 Hour for Porsche Penske Motorsport in a automobile shared with ex-Components 1 racer Felipe Nasr, reigning Indy 500 Champion Josef Newgarden and sports activities automobile specialist Dane Cameron.
The quartet completed about two seconds forward of a quicker Cadillac prototype crewed by Tom Blomqvist, Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken.
Campbell performed a starring function within the race by snatching the lead from Cadillac and Acura rivals early within the race.
His ultimate stint within the automobile set the workforce up for victory by handing Nasr a Porsche 963 primed for victory.
Nasr held his nerve in a high-pressure defence of the lead, holding off the pole-sitting Cadillac to take a well-known victory in entrance of a report crowd.
Many producers contested the race, together with Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Mercedes.
The successful drivers took dwelling coveted trophies – specifically customised Rolex Daytona watches price a fortune to collectors.
The final to be bought at public sale, received by Porsche GTLM class winner Michael Christensen, modified arms for €88,000 ($145,000) at a charity occasion supporting youngsters in Ukraine.
Campbell and Nasr received the decrease GTD class in a Porsche 911 shared with Mathieu Jaminet in 2022 in preparation for an outright assault on the occasion within the multimillion-dollar Porsche 963 Prototype.
With the general end result secured in 2024, Campbell’s mechanics carried him on their shoulders after the automobile took the chequered flag, whereas co-driver Dane Cameron was overcome with emotion following the “superb” end result.
“The workforce as a complete was merely good,” Campbell stated.
“We had a fully loopy battle with the Cadillac. It was forwards and backwards over the whole distance. It was intense, thrilling and exhausting. Now, it’s time to have fun our success.”
The Daytona 24 Hour is taken into account to be a part of the “triple crown” of motorsport, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Staff proprietor Roger Penske stated in the present day’s end result was a major achievement following underwhelming showings at Daytona and Le Mans in 2023.
“To return again right here and have each automobiles run for twenty-four hours and win the race, it’s exhausting for me to imagine it,” he advised IMSA Radio.
“This goes down as one of many largest wins we’ve had.
“Now we have now to go for the massive one at Le Mans.”
Campbell might be a cornerstone of the Porsche Penske Motorsport assault at Le Mans this 12 months.
The younger racer will change from racing in America’s IMSA collection to the World Endurance Championship this 12 months, representing Porsche at world class circuits together with Monza, Spa Francorchamps and the Circuit de la Sarthe.