IndyCar had eight drivers in the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona this past weekend. The open-wheel racers tackled the race with mixed results, Here is IndyCar’s Rolex 24 Report Card.
IndyCar takes Daytona: IndyCar’s Rolex 24 Report Card
The 2025 Rolex 24 is done and dusted and the eight IndyCar drivers did their part on their respective teams. Like in every 24-hour race, some teams had high highs while others had low lows. Here’s IndyCar’s 2025 Rolex 24 Report Card
Acura’s Triumph and Failure
The two Acura MSR ARX-06 in the GTP class which featured 3 full-time 2025 IndyCar drivers had polar opposite races. The No. 60 which featured Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, Scott Dixon, and Felix Rosenqvist saw themselves finish on the podium in second. They were able to put themselves in contention for the majority of the race after starting sixth.
And with two hours to go the podium hopes became reality.
After a late caution, Blomqvist, behind the wheel, wasted no time advancing to third and wasn’t done there. With less than five minutes remaining, Blomqvist made a crucial pass to snatch second place, finishing a mere 1.335 seconds behind the leader as he crossed the finish line.
The No. 93, featuring 2024 Champion Alex Palou on the other hand had a frustrating time.
It seemed to be a promising event, they managed to qualify second and start the race pretty much a staple to a podium place finish.
This all changed when car issues arose during Alex Palou‘s stint.
The car experienced left-rear suspension failure and although they were able to get back on track, they were already 40 laps down and out of contention. It was pretty seamless after eventually finishing eighth in GTP and 15th overall.
“Sad day for the 93 car having a mechanical failure so early on, especially with it not being our fault. Palou said in a press release from Meyer Shank Racing. “It’s unfortunate, but happy at the same time we got running again.”
READ MORE: How Alex Palou became 2024 IndyCar Champion
Costly Mistakes Means Out of Contention
CrowdStrike Racing by APR aimed to be a strong competitor in this year’s LMP2 class, but their aspirations ended with five hours remaining at Daytona.
With Colton Herta at the wheel, the car spun and crashed at the West Horseshoe. Whether it was a broken suspension was the cause or the effect, either way, the incident pulled them out of contention. The No. 04 Car finished 7th in their class and 14th overall
Scott McLaughlin was in the#91 Corvette with Trackhouse Racing and ZF Sport.
The team was running in the top five with just over an hour to go and with teammate Connor Zilisch, behind the wheel. They had hoped to stay with the pack but the teen spun out at the first corner and collided with his 2023 LMP2 team, ERA Motorsports.
Zilisch received a drive-through penalty due to the contact. By the time the chequered flag waved, he managed to pull the car into ninth in the GTD Pro class and 25th overall.
Double duties for Kirkwood
Kyle Kirkwood had a unique Rolex 24 compared to his fellow IndyCar drivers, running in both Lexus RC F GT3s over the twice-around-the-clock event.
Kirkwood kicked off the endurance race in the No. 14 Lexus part of the GTD PRO class. Starting in 15th Kirkwood ran the first three stints before handing driving duties over to Aaron Telitz just over two hours into the race. They were able to find themselves in the top 10 during the next two driver swaps but once night fell it took a turn.
Telitz experienced contact with a competitor, causing damage to the left front. They were able to get back on track 30 minutes later and were able to bring the car home to the checkered flag on Sunday in 11th.
Kirkwood also made an appearance in the No. 12 Lexus of the GTD class. The team started fourth in their class but fell away in the first hour but still ran in the top 10.The driver before Kirkwood’s late-night stints brought the car back into contention, the Florida native kept pushing to keep them towards the front of the class field.
The No. 12 also encountered mechanical issues which saw them fall a few laps down as they tried to fix it. Once back on track, they tried to fight for a solid finishing position once Sunday afternoon rolled around. Unfortunately, with around four-and-a-half hours remaining in the race, the No. 12 experienced an engine issue and retired from the race, finishing 15th.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: NASCAR’s Rolex 24 Report Card
Featured Image Credits: IMAGO / PsnewZ
