Felix Rosenqvist ultimately turned zero laps in the 2024 edition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, after his #22 United Autosports team were forced into early retirement in the Florida sportscar classic.
Entered in the 13-strong LMP2 category of the famed 24-hour race, the #22 crew featured Rosenqvist, Paul di Resta, Bijoy Garg and Dan Goldburg. However, the squad ran into trouble in the opening hours when the car suffered crash damage in two separate incidents.
First, an off at the 90-minute mark caused a lengthy delay for repairs, although the car was able to resume and continue into the evening stints. Subsequent contact with a GTD car in a second incident, however, would bring down the curtain for good at roughly quarter distance.
Goldburg, who was driving at the time, importantly sustained no injuries.
The car retired before Rosenqvist had slotted in for his first scheduled stint.
“Well, that was a short one unfortunately,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “It’s tough for everyone. We were obviously hoping to get to the finish and score a good result, but that’s racing sometimes and part of what makes Daytona so challenging. It can all unravel in a second. I didn’t get to drive in the race, but I have still enjoyed my time immensely with United Autosports, with Dan, Paul and Bijoy. We’re a team and we race and fail as a team. Maybe we’ll be back and give it another go in the future.”
Victory in the LMP2 category ultimately landed with the #18 Era Motorsport entry driven by Dwight Merriman/Ryan Dalziel/Connor Zilisch/Christian Rasmussen.
The overall win was clinched by Porsche Penske Motorsport #7 with Josef Newgarden/Felipe Nasr/Matt Campbell/Dane Cameron.
Felix Rosenqvist now moves into intensified preparations for the up-coming NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign; his first with new team Meyer Shank Racing. The opening round of the championship takes place in St. Petersburg, Florida, on March 10.
RESULTS
Rolex 24 At Daytona
Daytona International Speedway (USA)
