DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Nick Tandy accomplished a feat in sports activities automotive racing that has by no means been completed earlier than following Sunday’s end of the 63rd Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Co-piloting the No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 alongside Felipe Nasr and Laruens Vanthoor, the 40-year-old British driver grew to become the primary driver to attain general victories in each main 24-hour sports activities automotive race.
That features the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Spa, Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Rolex 24.
It’s an accomplishment that even Tandy felt was “fairly unbelievable.”
“I believe to begin with, you’ve received to be proud that you just’ve been put ready to have the ability to compete in that kind of — these kind of races, after which be in a automotive that may compete for the win,” Tandy mentioned.
“However yeah, it by no means actually dawned on me about these kind of data and stuff like this till Laurens, once we gained at Spa and any individual mentioned, ‘Properly, you’ve received class wins in all of the 4 majors now.’
“And then you definately sort of look into it and also you see — there’s different individuals, legendary names on these lists who’ve gained numerous issues however by no means general in all 4. Class winners, sure.
“However yeah, it’s one thing that since that day in most likely 2020, it’s one thing that I’ve positively wished to test off the checklist.”
Tandy scored a GT Le Mans class victory in 2014, nonetheless, Sunday was his first general triumph.
Alongside Tandy’s monumental feat, it was workforce proprietor Roger Penske’s second straight victory on the famed twice-around-the-clock occasion, the place Nasr additionally anchored the ultimate stint en path to victory.
“Profitable Daytona is a large factor anyway as a standalone occasion,” Tandy mentioned. “Don’t get me unsuitable. I’m very proud to be sat right here once more. Clearly as an general winner is particular.
“However yeah, such as you say, to get the massive 4 24-hour wins — one can be simply an unbelievable profession, so to have the ability to get 4 and some Sebrings (12 Hours of Sebring) and some Petits (Petit Le Mans) is dream come true stuff.”
