Bis repetita for Meyer Shank Racing at Daytona

©MarshallPruett/Twitter

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©MarshallPruett/Twitter

Meyer Shank Racing enjoyed a second consecutive win in the 61st Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday, the MSR crews beating Wayne Taylor Racing's fellow Acura ARX-06.

A diversity of new cars graced the top of the grid on Saturday as IMSA's new GTP class delivered a competitive group of never-raced-before LMDh cars.

But when the checkered flag was brandished after 24 hours, it was a familiar sight with Acura and Cadillac dominating proceedings while newcomers Porsche and BMW suffered teething problems.

On the podium, MSR's Tom Blomqvist, Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud and Colin Braun savoured the team's second consecutive win, with the first three already part of MSR's winning line-up in 2022.

"My life was made easier with the car that I had on under me today, and all week really," said Blomqvist.

"I can’t really thank everyone at HPD and Acura, ORECA and even WTR really, because this has kind of been a joint effort from the early days.

"The first time we hit the ground running with this car, it was, ‘Wow, I think we’ve got something here.’

"And every time we drove, we were quick and we obviously thought everyone was playing big huge games, because we’re always quick.

"I think it proves just how good our car is. And that’s just congratulations really to to everyone who’s been a part of this project."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.