CrowdStrike Racing by APR has headed the LMP2 classification, establishing a foothold well inside the top six with contrasting strategies in play six hours into the 61st running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona (28-29 January).

Pre-season testing and the Roar Before the Rolex 24 ran faultlessly for CrowdStrike Racing, and the American-flagged team subsequently entered race week on a strong footing, featuring inside the top three during Practice 1 and 2, even though both sessions were heavily disrupted by red flags.

However, the squad shot to P1 on the LMP2 leaderboard while cycling through its drivers in night practice, and, as Ben Hanley’s best effort was bettered by ex-Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez (1m38.663), it ended the evening second in class.

From the third row of the grid, CrowdStrike Racing by APR marched forward to second in class during the opening exchanges of the 61st Rolex 24 at Daytona on Saturday (28 January) afternoon.

The leading #52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsport machine initially edged out a 13-second advantage as the #35 TDS Racing car emerged as a threat, snatching the runner-up spot moments before the first scheduled pit stops, when a mix of strategies were employed, the #04 receiving fuel and four new tyres.

Control of the CrowdStrike Racing prototype changed hands in the second bevy of LMP2 stops, McMurry stepping aboard and spending much of his stint trading places with both the #11 and #35 TDS entries, yoyoing between third and fifth before vacating the #04 just prior to the 100th lap.

CrowdStrike Racing conducted “cheap” stops during two Full Course Yellows (FCY), the second taking the team out of sequence with some class rivals and ensuring it headed LMP2 at the four-hour mark, on the approach to sunset.

McMurry returned to the fray once day had given way to night and the American Pro driver is lapping competitively to keep CrowdStrike Racing by APR well inside the top six as teams push on with their contrasting strategies.