The Rolex 24 at Daytona is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, and this year’s 62nd running of the event included the likes of numerous top talents from SRO Motorsports America’s past and present. Among them, George Kurtz, Colin Braun, Manny Franco, Alessandro Balzan, Matt Campbell, and Daniel Morad emerged as standout performers, leaving an unforgettable mark on the racing landscape.
George Kurtz and Colin Braun
George Kurtz and Colin Braun each possess highly impressive racing resumes individually, and as teammates they have been nearly untouchable on track. In 2023 alone, they achieved a monumental six wins and three podiums in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship, claiming the Pro-Am championship title in dominant fashion. They have also competed together in the CrowdStrike 24 hours of Spa on numerous occasions.
Additionally, Kurtz was the GT America powered by AWS SRO3 Driver’s Championship, scoring three wins and seven podiums to place third overall in the 2023 standings.
At Daytona International Speedway they were on board the No. 04 Crowdstrike Racing by APR ORECA 07 LMP2 car, a machine they are well acquainted with, having previously won the LMP2 Pro-Am class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans together in 2023. This year’s edition of the Rolex 24 saw them finish in second place in the highly competitive LMP2 class.
Ryan Dalziel
Ryan Dalziel co-drove the No. 18 Era Motorsport ORECA LMP2 to victory at Daytona International Speedway, which marks his second time winning the prestigious event with the team since 2021.
He has a longstanding history within the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship, previously competing in the Pro-Am class in 2023 with Triarsi Competizione, including a second-place finish at Sebring International Raceway in the No. 33 Ferrari 296 GT3 last year. He has been a key component of the Triarsi Competizione team for many years, previously driving the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo, in which he achieved nearly a dozen podium finishes.
Manny Franco and Alessandro Balzan with Conquest Racing
Conquest Racing’s Manny Franco and Alessandro Balzan saw a great deal of success in the 2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship, accumulating two wins and two podium finishes, including the first-ever pair of wins for the Ferrari 296 GT3 on North American soil. The moment was made even sweeter given the victories took place at Road America, Franco’s home track.
This time around, the pairing reunited once again to co-drive their prancing horse in the 24 hour race, accompanied by Pirelli GT4 America alumnus Cédric Sbirrazzuoli and Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS competitor Albert Costa Balboa. The team displayed an impressive performance across the board and went on to finish in third place in the GTD Class.
Bryan Sellers
The No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 also secured a podium result with a third place finish in the GTD PRO class with the likes of Bryan Sellers. The American driver is a household name in the sportscar racing world, accumulating a great deal of wins and championship titles to his resume across various series.
He is no stranger to the SRO Motorsports America paddocks, previously competing with DXDT Racing in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship in the Pro-Am class in both 2022 and 2023, standing on the podium twice.
Matt Campbell and Dane Cameron
This year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona champions Matt Campbell and Dane Cameron have both seen prior success in various SRO Motorsports championships.
Campbell’s introduction dates back to 2019 when he competed in the Blancpain GT World Challenge America championship with Wright Motorsports, before setting his sights overseas in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with GPX Racing for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Finally, he made a one-race appearance in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in 2022 and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia in 2023 with EMA Motorsport.
Cameron previously competed with RealTime Racing in 2019 in the Blancpain GT World Challenge America championship, accumulating 7 wins and 9 podiums over the course of the season. He also went on to compete in the coveted CrowdStrike 24 hours of Spa the following year with Team Honda Racing.
The duo piloted the No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963, claiming both the GTP Class and Overall win.
Daniel Morad
Last, but certainly not least, Daniel Morad's performance at the Rolex 24 was nothing short of exceptional. Driving the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes AMG GT3, the Canadian completed the final stint for the team in the 24 Hours of Daytona, taking the checkered flag and crossing the finish line to secure the GTD Class win.
Morad, who appeared with TR3 Racing in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship last year, is no stranger to victory lane, having won both races he competed in in the Pro Class, and secured an additional podium in the Pro-Am category.
A Rich Racing Legacy
In conclusion, the Rolex 24 at Daytona witnessed a display of exemplary racing from SRO drivers across multiple classes. These drivers, each in their own right, demonstrated their outstanding abilities and top-notch racing caliber. As we congratulate them on their remarkable results at one of the most challenging endurance events in the world, we also greatly look forward to seeing them showcase their racing brilliance in future competitions.