AWA Corvette Z06 GT3.R Claims Lucky No. 13 Victory at Daytona 24
AWA's No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R claimed a historic victory in the GTD class at the Daytona 24 Hours, marking the first major endurance win for Chevrolet's new customer racing program.
Racing team celebrates podium victory
British driver Matt Bell delivered a masterful final stint, defending against multiple challengers including Heart of Racing's Aston Martin driven by Mattia Drudi. The victory came in a highly competitive 22-car GTD field representing nine different manufacturers.
The win represents significant progress for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R program, which faced mechanical challenges during its debut at last year's Daytona event. For AWA, the victory showcases their exceptional preparation and execution, particularly impressive for a private team competing against established factory-supported operations.
Team driver Orey Fidani, the 2024 IMSA Bob Akin Award winner, sees this success as a stepping stone for their upcoming Le Mans debut. "If we can win this one, I think Le Mans also is a possibility," Fidani remarked.
Bell credited the team's relentless preparation since Petit Le Mans for their success. "From the minute the checkered flag fell at Petit Le Mans, no one took a rest. It's been 24/7 since then to get a car capable of winning the Daytona 24 Hours," he explained.
The victory not only validates Corvette's customer racing program but also positions AWA as a serious contender in global GT3 competition. For Chevrolet, having a private team secure this prestigious win demonstrates the Z06 GT3.R's potential in customer hands, potentially attracting more teams to the program.