Daytona Beach, Fla. — Colton Herta’s Rolex 24 dream came to an abrupt halt during the overnight hours at Daytona International Speedway. While piloting the No. 35 LMP2 entry on the road course, Herta lost control and slammed the rear of the car into the tire barrier, causing significant damage and effectively ending the team’s hopes for a class victory.
The Incident
The crash occurred as Herta approached a high-speed section of the road course, where tricky track conditions and relentless pressure from competitors pushed him to the limit. The car’s rear made heavy contact with the tire barrier, crumpling body panels and leaving the car limping back to the garage under its own power.
“It’s definitely not the outcome we were hoping for,” Herta said after returning to the paddock. “The car just snapped, and there wasn’t much I could do to save it. The team worked so hard to get us in contention, and it’s heartbreaking to let them down like this.”
Damage Assessment
Back in the garage, the team worked frantically to assess the damage. While the car’s engine and suspension components appeared largely intact, the rear bodywork and aerodynamic elements required significant repairs. Despite their best efforts, it was clear that the time lost in the garage would put them out of contention for the win in the highly competitive LMP2 class.
“We’ll get it back out there, but it’s a long shot now,” a team spokesperson said. “Our goal is to finish the race and see what we can salvage.”
LMP2 Battle Continues
Herta’s incident is a stark reminder of the razor-thin margin for error in endurance racing. The LMP2 class, known for its close battles and talented driver lineups, has seen multiple contenders falter under the grueling conditions of the Rolex 24.
As Herta’s team faces an uphill battle to rejoin the field, the fight for the class lead remains intense, with the No. 04 CrowdStrike by APR entry and the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports car trading positions at the front.
What’s Next
While Herta and his team may be out of the hunt for victory, their focus now shifts to gaining experience, supporting their co-drivers, and finishing the race strong.
For Herta, a seasoned racer in IndyCar and an emerging talent in sports cars, this setback is just another challenge in his journey to become a Rolex 24 champion.
As the race marches on, endurance racing’s unpredictable nature remains front and center—a testament to the sport’s ability to deliver both triumph and heartbreak over the course of 24 hours.
