Ford Mustang GT3 Claims Historic First Victory at Daytona Rolex 24
Ford's Mustang GT3 secured its first global victory at the Daytona 24 Hours, marking a remarkable turnaround from its challenging debut in 2024. The No. 65 car, driven by Dennis Olsen, claimed the win in GTD PRO class, while the sister No. 64 finished third, completing a double podium for Ford.
Race car at IMSA Rolex event
The victory came after intense battles in the closing stages, with seven cars finishing on the lead lap. Olsen masterfully defended against strong competition from Corvette, BMW, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
Key improvements over the past year included resolving the rear deck lid issues caused by side drafting and enhanced team preparation. Christopher Mies highlighted these developments as crucial to their success, noting that while there's still room for improvement, the progress has been significant.
The race featured dramatic moments, particularly between Corvette Racing and Paul Miller Racing, with controversial contact between Augusto Farfus, Connor Di Phillippi, and Tommy Milner while fighting for the lead. This battle ultimately worked in Ford's favor, allowing Olsen to build a gap and secure the victory.
Ford's success was particularly sweet given CEO Jim Farley's directive to beat Chevrolet. Driver Frederic Vervisch noted that despite Corvette's strong pace, Ford's strategy proved superior, resulting in a historic win for the Mustang GT3 program.