Eric Lux powered the #81 DragonSpeed Oreca 07 LMP2 to ninth in class at Daytona International Speedway this past weekend, rewarding teammates Kyffin Simpson, James Allen and Sebastian Alvarez with a top-ten start in a historic 62nd running of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
The ‘Roar Before The 24’ traditionally kicks off IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship proceedings at Daytona with several days of testing, support races, and qualifying to set the starting grid for Saturday 27th’s headlining event.
After a last-minute lifeline confirmed a reserve entry for DragonSpeed, the 2022 Rolex 24 LMP2 winners set about preparing in record time, but still lacked some vital equipment. Despite this, the team showed competitive pace across the week of the Roar, with Kyffin setting a pace strong enough for top-five in class by the second day’s running.
DragonSpeed’s bronze driver Eric Lux took the wheel for Saturday afternoon’s 15-minute qualifying session, where 13 LMP2 runners contended in arguably perfect track conditions; sunny, cold, with a tailwind down the main straight at Daytona.
A best lap of 1:40.380 placed #81 ninth in class, 18th overall on the starting grid for the 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
Reflecting on the Roar Before The 24, Kyffin said:
“DragonSpeed have done a great job, and I think we have a lot to be positive about ahead of the race. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car next week.”
With the Roar Before The 24 complete, track action resumes at Daytona for the build-up of the main event, the Rolex 24, on Wednesday 24th January with official practice. Live coverage for the race begins at 1:30pm ET on NBC, Saturday 27th January.
Fans can follow Kyffin’s progress via Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and Threads.
Kyffin Simpson is an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver for Chip Ganassi Racing. He is supported by Visit Cayman Islands, Boddens Legal, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Simpson Race Products and Kokoro Media.
