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.