AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Daytona drama: Valentino Catalano dominates, Kiko Porto shocks with last-lap GSX win, and Adam Adelson makes GTDX history

Publisher by Publisher
January 19, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Daytona drama: Valentino Catalano dominates, Kiko Porto shocks with last-lap GSX win, and Adam Adelson makes GTDX history

The 2025 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge opener delivered a mix of expected dominance and jaw-dropping surprises, setting the stage for a thrilling season. With three fiercely contested classes and standout performances, Daytona International Speedway roared to life with spectacular battles, unexpected twists, and history-making debuts.


Catalano conquers P3 after penalty drama for Pommer

In the Le Mans Prototype 3 (P3) class, Valentino Catalano showcased an impeccable drive in the No. 30 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08, claiming victory after a tight duel with teammate Markus Pommer. Starting from pole, Catalano led most of the race, only briefly relinquishing the lead before regaining control.

Pommer crossed the line second but was demoted to third after a 10-second penalty for a false start, paving the way for Brady Golan to secure second place in the No. 80 Toney Driver Development Ligier JS P320. Golan’s race was an impressive comeback story, climbing from the back of the grid after a pre-race penalty.

“It was all about managing the tires and staying smooth,” Catalano said. “Hearing about Markus’ penalty made it easier to focus on bringing it home safely.”

Mirco Schultis in the No. 70 Mishumotors Ligier JS P320 claimed the Bronze Cup win, rounding out a chaotic P3 race.


Adelson dominates GTDX’s inaugural race

Adam Adelson etched his name in the history books as the first-ever winner in the new Grand Touring Daytona X (GTDX) class. The No. 24 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) delivered a flawless performance, leading from start to finish and building an impressive 30-second margin over the competition.

“Getting the tires up to temperature quickly was key, especially early on,” Adelson said. “It’s an honor to win the debut race of GTDX. This is a fantastic start to the season.”

Behind Adelson, the battle for podium positions was intense. AJ Muss recovered from a disqualified qualifying session to finish second in the No. 66 Af Corse Ferrari 296 GT3, overtaking teammate Matias Perez Companc in the No. 50 Ferrari. Bronze Cup honors in GTDX went to Dave Musial in the No. 99 Conquest Racing Ferrari, narrowly edging Samantha Tan in the No. 38 ST Racing BMW M4 GT3 by 0.241 seconds.


Porto steals GSX victory in dramatic fashion

The Grand Sport X (GSX) class produced the most shocking moment of the weekend. After a grueling battle between two Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2s, Kiko Porto in the No. 8 RAFA Racing entry capitalized on leader Steven Clemons’ last-lap misfortune. Clemons’ No. 76 BSI Racing Toyota slowed unexpectedly entering the final turns, handing Porto a surprising victory.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw him slowing down,” Porto said. “It was just about survival for me, but I wasn’t lifting in those final corners.”

Gregory Liefooghe in the No. 43 Stephen Cameron Racing Ford Mustang GT4 took second, narrowly holding off Patrick Wilmot in the No. 12 Swish Motorsports BMW M4 GT4. Wilmot’s late deal with the team paid off with a podium finish, and he hopes to continue competing throughout the season.

Bronze Cup in GSX was also decided late, with Rob Walker emerging victorious in the No. 53 Kingpin Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 after race-long leader Ian Porter encountered issues.


What’s next?

The second 45-minute race of the weekend is set for 1:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, streaming live on Peacock in the U.S. and YouTube internationally. With the stakes already high, fans can expect even more action as teams refine their strategies and drivers push for glory.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Motorsports

Ben Rhodes confronts NASCAR’s $75,000 fine dilemma after dramatic wreck in Darlington

NASCAR Showdown: Two-Time Champion Ben Rhodes Stifles Rage to Avoid $75K Fine After Dramatic Wreck In the high-octane world of...

by Carl Smith
March 21, 2026
Motorsports

Liam Lawson exposes ‘sketchy’ dangers of new F1 cars: is safety at risk?

Title: Liam Lawson Sounds Alarm on 'Sketchy' Dangers of New F1 Cars In a gripping revelation that has sent shockwaves...

by Carl Smith
March 21, 2026
Motorsports

Denny Hamlin hints at future beyond 2027: will he continue racing after his contract?

Denny Hamlin's Future in NASCAR: Will the Racing Legend Continue Beyond 2027? Denny Hamlin, the celebrated driver of the No....

by Redação
March 21, 2026
Motorsports

Max Verstappen eyes dramatic return to Nurburgring races after F1 cancellations

Max Verstappen Sets Sights on Nurburgring Comeback Amid F1 Cancellations In a thrilling twist of events, F1 titan Max Verstappen...

by Publisher
March 21, 2026

Recent News

Ben Rhodes confronts NASCAR’s $75,000 fine dilemma after dramatic wreck in Darlington

March 21, 2026

Liam Lawson exposes ‘sketchy’ dangers of new F1 cars: is safety at risk?

March 21, 2026

Denny Hamlin hints at future beyond 2027: will he continue racing after his contract?

March 21, 2026

Max Verstappen eyes dramatic return to Nurburgring races after F1 cancellations

March 21, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.