Rolex 24 At Daytona 2026

The 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona – kicking off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season at Daytona International Speedway – delivered one of the most intense battles at the front in recent memory. For the Action Express Racing No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R and its driver lineup of Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti and Connor Zilisch, the 24-hour classic was a showcase of resilience, pace and strategic prowess across shifting conditions.

The No. 31 Cadillac set early headlines by posting the fastest lap in GTP qualifying – a remarkable statement of speed – although a technical infraction meant the team started from the rear of the GTP grid. Undeterred, the crew charged forward through the field with consistent stints, smooth traffic navigation and sharply executed pit stops, steadily moving into contention as night gave way to a fog-affected early morning.

As the final hours unfolded, the No. 31 was locked in a thrilling duel for the lead with the eventual race winners from Porsche Penske Motorsport. In the closing stages, with just minutes to go, Jack Aitken brought the Cadillac wheel-to-wheel with the No. 7 Porsche, keeping pressure high and keeping fans on edge. Although the No. 31 ultimately crossed the line second overall – just mere seconds behind the winning Porsche – the performance underscored the team’s determination and competitive grit.

Finishing runner-up in one of the world’s most demanding endurance races – especially starting from the back of the field – speaks volumes about the caliber of the No. 31 team and validates the effort put in by crew, engineers and drivers alike. Their pace throughout, tenacity in mixed conditions, and ability to challenge for the win until the final laps set a powerful tone for the season.

As the 2026 IMSA campaign progresses, Action Express Racing will look to build on this momentum and convert front-running speed into victories on tracks around North America.