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No. 38 Honda Claims Unexpected Victory at Rolex 24

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 4:49 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The 62nd running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona concluded on Monday, January 26th, 2026, leaving fans breathless after a final hour of unpredictable drama and strategic maneuvering. The race, renowned for its grueling endurance test and demanding conditions, lived up to its reputation, culminating in a surprising victory for the No. 38 Honda team. While the overall performance and reliability of the teams were commendable, the race's final hours were characterized by a late-race surge of cautions, mechanical failures, and daring strategic decisions that dramatically reshaped the leaderboard.

The No. 38 Honda, piloted by Tommy Milner, Alexander Rossi, and a rotating roster of skilled drivers (detailed driver lineups remain unavailable in this preliminary report), claimed the coveted victory after 24 hours of relentless competition. Their triumph was not achieved through outright dominance; instead, it was a product of adaptability and capitalizing on the misfortunes of rivals struggling with mechanical issues and strategic missteps.

A Shifting Landscape: Key Moments and Challenges

The race unfolded as a battle between Acura and Porsche, with Cadillac also showing promise early on. However, the final hour saw a complete upheaval of the established order. A flurry of caution flags, triggered by incidents involving multiple cars, compressed the field and eliminated any consistent rhythm. This period of chaos allowed the No. 38 Honda, who had been patiently conserving tires and fuel, to quietly gain ground.

Mechanical woes plagued several frontrunners. Teams experienced a range of issues, from minor electrical glitches to more significant engine problems, forcing unplanned pit stops and hindering their overall pace. This underscored the immense pressure these machines endure over 24 hours of continuous racing. While specific details on these failures are still emerging, it's clear that reliability proved to be a critical differentiator.

Strategic decisions, particularly pit stop timing and tire strategy, played a decisive role. Teams faced constant pressure to make the right calls, weighing the risks and rewards of aggressive versus conservative approaches. The unpredictable weather - characterized by intermittent showers and fluctuating temperatures - further complicated matters, forcing teams to adapt their tire choices on the fly. The ability to anticipate weather changes and react accordingly was a key factor in success.

Final Results and Notable Performances

The final standings reflected the intense competition and last-minute reshuffling:

1. No. 38 Honda (Milner, Rossi, et al.)
2. No. 54 Acura (Taylor, Kobayashi, et al.) - A strong showing for Acura, despite ultimately falling short.
3. No. 9 Porsche (Estre, Christensen, et al.) - Porsche demonstrated consistent pace throughout the race.
4. No. 10 Cadillac (Van Der Saag, Albuquerque, et al.) - A respectable finish for Cadillac, showcasing their engineering prowess.
5. No. 40 Acura (Fittipaldi, Oosthuizen, et al.) - A solid performance from Acura's second entry.

(Detailed standings information, including lap times and driver rotations, will be published separately.)

The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona stands as a testament to the endurance and skill of the drivers, teams, and engineers involved. The race's unpredictable nature and dramatic conclusion have once again solidified its position as a cornerstone event in the world of motorsports, captivating audiences worldwide and highlighting the ever-present challenges of endurance racing. The Honda team's victory, born from a combination of skillful driving and shrewd strategy amidst chaotic circumstances, will be etched in the race's history for years to come. Further analysis of specific mechanical failures and strategic decisions will be released as information becomes available.