What Is 2017 24 Hours of Daytona

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 24 Hours of Daytona was a 24-hour endurance sports car race held on January 28–29, 2017, at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, serving as the opening round of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The winning car was the #10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R, driven by Jordan Taylor, Renger van der Zande, and others.

Key Facts

The 2017 24 Hours of Daytona took place from January 28–29, 2017
It was the 55th running of the race and the first round of the 2017 IMSA season
The winning car was the #10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R
Drivers Jordan Taylor, Renger van der Zande, Kamui Kobayashi, and Scott Dixon shared the winning car
A total of 52 cars were entered across four classes: Prototype, GTLM, GTD, and PC

Overview

The 2017 24 Hours of Daytona was a premier endurance racing event that kicked off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, the race spanned 24 continuous hours, testing the durability of machines and endurance of drivers.

This 55th edition marked the debut of the new Daytona Prototype international (DPi) class, blending manufacturer technology with standardized chassis. The race featured intense competition across multiple classes, drawing top teams and drivers from around the world.

January 28–29, 2017 was the official race weekend, with green flag action starting Saturday and lasting into Sunday.
The #10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R claimed victory, marking Cadillac’s first overall Daytona win since 2007.
Drivers Jordan Taylor, Renger van der Zande, Kamui Kobayashi, and Scott Dixon shared driving duties in the winning car.
A total of 52 entries were fielded across four classes: Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), GT Le Mans (GTLM), and GT Daytona (GTD).
The race covered 3,810.6 kilometers (2,368 miles) over 782 laps, with the winning team averaging about 130 mph.

How It Works

The 24 Hours of Daytona is structured to test both speed and reliability, combining professional drivers, advanced engineering, and strategic team management over a full day of racing.

Endurance Format: The race lasts 24 consecutive hours, requiring teams to manage fuel, tires, and driver changes without stopping.
Multiple Classes: Cars compete in four distinct classes—Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), GT Le Mans (GTLM), and GT Daytona (GTD)—each with different performance levels.
Driver Rotations: Each car uses 3–4 drivers who rotate during pit stops to prevent fatigue and maintain performance.
Pit Strategy: Teams must balance fuel efficiency, tire wear, and mechanical reliability to minimize downtime and maximize track time.
Weather Impact: The race is known for unpredictable conditions, including rain, heat, and night driving, which add to the challenge.
Scoring System: Finishing distance determines the winner, not laps led, so consistency and reliability are more critical than outright speed.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top-finishing teams across classes in the 2017 24 Hours of Daytona:

Class	Winning Car	Team	Drivers	Laps Completed
Prototype (P)	#10 Cadillac DPi-V.R	Wayne Taylor Racing	Taylor, van der Zande, Kobayashi, Dixon	782
Prototype Challenge (PC)	#85 JDC-Miller Motorsports	JDC-Miller Motorsports	Field, Hedlund, Kent	765
GT Le Mans (GTLM)	#3 Corvette C7.R	Corvette Racing	Antonio García, Jan Magnussen, Mike Rockenfeller	734
GT Daytona (GTD)	#48 Paul Miller Racing Lamborghini	Paul Miller Racing	Bryan Sellers, Madison Snow, Corey Lewis, Andrea Caldarelli	722
Overall Distance	3,810.6 km (2,368 miles)

The table highlights how different classes compete simultaneously but are scored independently. The Prototype class dominated in speed and distance, while GTD teams focused on mechanical reliability and consistent lap times. The race’s multi-class format creates complex track dynamics, with faster prototypes lapping slower GT cars throughout the 24 hours.

Why It Matters

The 2017 24 Hours of Daytona was a pivotal moment in sports car racing, signaling the successful launch of the new DPi regulations and drawing global attention to IMSA’s renewed competitiveness.

Manufacturer Debut: The 2017 race marked the first appearance of factory-backed DPi cars from Cadillac, Nissan, and Mazda.
Global Appeal: The event attracted over 350,000 spectators and millions of viewers worldwide, boosting IMSA’s international profile.
Technical Innovation: DPi regulations allowed manufacturer-specific bodywork and engines on standardized chassis, promoting brand identity.
Driver Prestige: Winning Daytona is considered one of the most prestigious titles in motorsport, alongside Le Mans and Sebring.
Endurance Benchmark: The race serves as a proving ground for automotive durability under extreme conditions.
Season Kickoff: As the first race of the IMSA season, it set the tone for championship battles in multiple classes.

The 2017 event not only celebrated speed and strategy but also reinforced Daytona’s legacy as a cornerstone of American motorsport, blending tradition with modern innovation.