The 2026 Daytona 24 Hours is set to be a thrilling race, and the qualifying session has already delivered some surprises! Jack Aitken's impressive performance has secured the pole position for Cadillac and Whelen Engineering, but the real drama unfolded across the various classes.
GTP Class:
The GTP class, the ultimate battleground for overall victory, saw Aitken dominate with a time of 1:33.93, leading a competitive field. Meyer Shank Racing's Acura, driven by R. van der Zande, came close with a time of 1:34.0, just 0.10s behind. Aitken's teammate, L. Deletraz, secured third, while F. Nasr and T. Blomqvist rounded out the top five. But here's where it gets controversial—Nasr's performance raised questions, as he consistently lost time in the final sector, leaving fans wondering if he had more to give.
LMP2 Class:
In the LMP2 class, J. Clarke of InterEuropol Competition claimed pole with a time of 1:39.95, in a session filled with drama. P.J. Hyett, in the AO Racing car, pushed Clarke to the limit, finishing just 0.008s behind. Daniel Goldburg, recovering from an early mistake, secured third, while B. Keating and T. Lütke completed the top five. The session was a true test of skill, with several drivers experiencing near-spins, highlighting the challenging conditions.
GTD Pro Class:
The GTD Pro class witnessed a fierce battle for pole, with A. Sims in the Pratt Miller Corvette securing the top spot with a time of 1:45.10. N. Verhagen, in the Paul Miller BMW, pushed hard but settled for second, just 0.17s behind. D. MacDonald, M. Engel, and A. Rovera filled out the top five. This class showcased the raw power of GT3 cars, with drivers pushing the limits to gain every fraction of a second.
GTD Class:
Z. Robichon in the Heart of Racing Aston Martin emerged victorious in the GTD class, with a time of 1:45.11, in a session that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. P. Ellis, in the Winward Mercedes, came agonizingly close, finishing 0.07s behind. R. Foley, C. Eastwood, and V. Hasse Clot completed the top five. The GTD class demonstrated the importance of strategy, with Eastwood's early pace-setting strategy almost paying off.
The qualifying session for the 2026 IMSA Sportscar season opener has set the stage for an exciting race. With Aitken's dominant performance in the GTP class and the close battles in the other classes, the 24 Hours of Daytona promises to be a thrilling endurance challenge. But the real question is, will Aitken and Cadillac be able to convert their pole position into a race victory? And will the GTD and GTD Pro classes provide more surprises as they battle it out on the track? The stage is set for a weekend of high-octane drama and strategic racing. Stay tuned as we bring you all the action from the iconic Daytona International Speedway!
