Race and classic pictures

Penske Porsche does it again in Rolex 24

Porsche’s reign at the 24 Hours of Daytona hit a milestone last weekend, as the manufacturer clinched its 20th overall victory in the classic endurance event in electrifying fashion.

The Penske Porsche 963 claimed glory in the Rolex 24 for the second consecutive year, with Felipe Nasr of Brazil, Nick Tandy of the UK, and Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor piloting the #7 car to a triumphant finish.

From midnight onward, Porsche Penske put on a masterclass of endurance racing, with their two 963s controlling the pace and leading an incredible 517 of the 781 laps completed.

Ar times, it seemed the only question was which of the two Penske cars would hold the edge – but the race was anything but predictable, especially in its nail-biting final moments.

A dream 1-2 finish for Porsche Penske looked within reach until a late charge from Meyer Shank Racing’s Tom Blomqvist added a dramatic twist.

With just five minutes to go, Blomqvist edged past Matt Campbell in the #6 Penske car, snatching second place and denying the team a perfect finish.

‟This victory feels even better than 2024,” commented back-to-back winner and former Sauber F1 driver Felipe Nasr. “Winning here twice in a row is a very special point in my career.

“Thanks to everyone in the team. The work they did was simply fantastic. I don't know how to put my emotions into words. There's a feeling of happiness inside me that I can't describe right now. Simply unbelievable!”

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.

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