Back to back, like I’m on the cover of Lethal Weapon
Back to back, like I’m Jordan ’96, ’97
Wayne Taylor Racing went Back to back in DOMINATING fashion once again at the Daytona 24 leading 493 of 833 laps in the twice around the clock endurance. It is the team’s third win in the last four seasons, Kamui Kobayashi is now two for two in Daytona 24 starts and Scott Dixon captured his third overall victory.
Mazda Survived, Just No Trophy
Going into the start on Saturday the Team Joest Mazda’s were considered the favorites. After finally winning their first races in 2019 it appeared the 2020 Daytona 24 was going to be their time to shine. Through the Roar, practice, and qualifying it was Mazda, Mazda, Mazda. They were the fastest each time and somehow skirted a BoP adjustment.
The common joke amongst sports car fans was “when will the Mazda burst into flames?” And for once they didn’t! Both cars were running at the end and not being used to roast marshmallows at the international horseshoe. In October of 2019 the team rented out Daytona to run a 30 straight hour test, they lasted only 18. Just the fact they finished, a second-place finish at that is an accomplishment.
Cadillac Remains King In DPi ERA At Daytona
Since the introduction of the DPi class, Cadillac has gone undefeated at the Daytona 24. Between WTR’s three wins and Action Express’ win, there appears to be no stopping GM’s “luxury” brand on the famed high banks of Daytona International Speedway.
The 2021 race could see some BoP tweaks for the Cadillac’s as other manufacturers have to be growing tired of watching one manufacturer capture the famed race year after year.
Kyle Busch, Actually Good?
Kyle Busch and his AVS Lexus team were well aware of the fact they would not be racing for the GTD class victory following the Roar test. That didn’t stop Kyle Busch from getting in the car Saturday night and performing so well they pulled him to save the 2-time Cup Champ for later in the race.
The team pulled Busch after one stint Saturday night. Why? Because he got them back on the lead lap and was just as quick as Jack Hawksworth. So in order to save Busch, they decided to use up their Silver-rated driver’s hours.
Busch got back in later in the race impressing everyone from sports car die-hards to NASCAR fans who apparently weren’t aware Busch could driver? A rather perplexing thought considering the guy has won in nearly every car he’s been in. Minus that year KBM ran and Xfinity team but we don’t talk about that.
Kyle Busch is damn good, that’s why people are clamoring for him to make a run at the Indy 500. And potentially a run at the Daytona 24 overall in 2022 if Toyota brings their hypercar stateside.
IMSA is back in action March 21st for the 12 hours of Sebring.
