Historic Victory at Daytona: Mazda RX-7 GTO and Lola Corvette GTP Dominate First HSR IMSA Classic
A historic racing milestone was achieved at the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona as Tom Long's 1991 Mazda RX-7 GTO and Scooter Gabel's 1985 Lola Corvette GTP claimed victories in the inaugural HSR IMSA Classic.
Mazda race car at Daytona
Long, driving the Mazda Heritage Collection RX-7 GTO, secured both overall and GT class victories. Gabel, piloting the Alegra Motorsports' Chevy-powered Lola Corvette GTP, finished second overall while claiming first in the Prototype category. Jim Norman's 1980 Interscope Porsche 935 K3 completed the podium in third place.
All three podium finishers boast impressive Rolex 24 histories, with Gabel and Norman holding class wins from 2007 and 2013 respectively, while Long achieved a GT podium finish in 2011.
Red and white vintage racing car
The HSR IMSA Classic, announced in December, is an invitational race celebrating IMSA's 50-plus year legacy at the Rolex 24. This inaugural event featured cars from 1973-1993, with future editions set to showcase different significant IMSA eras.
The three-day event included practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and culminated in a 30-minute feature race immediately preceding the Rolex 24.
Black and red striped racecar
The HSR schedule continues with the Sebring Classic 12 Hour Presented by Mission Foods, March 7-9, marking the first event in the new HSR Classic Endurance Championship. This event will also include the HSR Sebring Historics, launching the 2025 championship season.
Related Articles
Corvette Racing Unveils Historic Sebring-Inspired Mobil 1 Livery for 12 Hours Race
