In a thrilling LMP2 qualifying session for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Daniel Goldburg delivered a scintillating lap to secure pole position for United Autosports USA. Piloting the #22 Oreca 07-Gibson, Goldburg posted a time of 1:38.676, edging out Ben Keating in the #52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports entry by just over three-tenths of a second.
Goldburg Leads the Charge for United Autosports
Goldburg’s impressive lap capped off a session where tire warm-up was critical due to the cooler conditions. Despite trailing in the first two sectors of his pole lap, Goldburg found the speed to leap to the top of the charts, cementing United Autosports’ strong start to the endurance classic.
Teammate Nick Boulle, driving the second United Autosports car, placed third, more than half a second behind Goldburg. This strong showing underlines United Autosports’ potential for the 24-hour marathon.
Keating Keeps PR1 Mathiasen Close
Ben Keating, known for his LMP2 prowess, delivered a competitive lap in the #52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca to secure second on the grid. His time of 1:38.976 placed him well within striking distance of Goldburg, ensuring a tight battle heading into race day.
Cumming and AO Racing Encounter Drama
Chris Cumming, driving the #73 Pratt Miller Motorsports Oreca, slotted into fourth with a 1:39.217 lap. Sharing duties with notable names like Pietro Fittipaldi and Callum Ilott, the #73 car is expected to be a contender throughout the race.
AO Racing’s PJ Hyatt experienced mixed fortunes, as a promising lap that could have secured third was wiped out due to a red flag incident. Hyatt lost control at the exit of Turn 1, beaching his car and losing his two fastest laps in the process. Despite the setback, Hyatt managed a sixth-place finish.
Notable Performances Across the Grid
- Luis Perez Companc claimed seventh in the #88 AF Corse entry.
- Gar Robinson, partnered with former F1 driver Felipe Massa in the #74 Riley Motorsports car, clocked the eighth-fastest time.
- George Kurtz, driving the #04 Crowdstrike Racing machine alongside IndyCar star Colton Herta, initially led the session but finished ninth as others found pace in the closing minutes.
- Formula E leader Antonio Felix da Costa made his mark in the #43 Inter Europol Competition entry, which placed 10th.
Full LMP2 Qualifying Results
- Daniel Goldburg (#22 United Autosports) – 1:38.676
- Ben Keating (#52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports) – +0.300
- Nick Boulle (#2 United Autosports) – +0.567
- Chris Cumming (#73 Pratt Miller Motorsports) – +0.841
- Steven Thomas (#11 TDS Racing) – +1.054
- PJ Hyatt (#99 AO Racing) – +1.220 (red flag penalty)
- Luis Perez Companc (#88 AF Corse) – +1.542
- Gar Robinson (#74 Riley Motorsports) – +1.896
- George Kurtz (#04 Crowdstrike Racing) – +2.103
- Jon Field (#43 Inter Europol Competition) – +2.203
- Tobias Lutke (#18 Era Motorsport) – +2.408
- John Farrano (#8 Tower Motorsport) – +2.548
What’s Next?
The 61st Rolex 24 at Daytona kicks off Saturday with the LMP2 class poised for a fierce contest. United Autosports looks strong, but with experienced drivers like Ben Keating and dark horses like George Kurtz and Gar Robinson in the mix, anything can happen over the grueling 24-hour race.