Photo: Eric Moore / FMN
The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona delivered high-stakes drama, not just on the track but also in post-race inspections. In a stunning decision, IMSA disqualified the #8 Tower Motorsports ORECA 07-Gibson, which had initially taken victory in the LMP2 class.
The disqualification came after IMSA determined that the car exceeded the maximum allowable wear on the regulated area of the skid block, a key technical violation. As a result, the #22 United Autosports ORECA 07-Gibson was awarded the LMP2 class win.
The Technical Violation: Skid Block Wear
After the race, IMSA conducted its routine post-race technical inspection, where it found that the #8 Tower Motorsports car’s skid block was excessively worn beyond the legal limit.
FIA Technical Regulation 3.5.6 on Skid Blocks:
- “The thickness of the skid block measured at any point must not be less than 5mm after the race.”
IMSA found that the wear on the skid block of the #8 car exceeded this limit, leading to the immediate disqualification.
Why Skid Block Regulations Matter
The skid block, located on the underside of the car, is designed to:
- Ensure compliance with ride height rules, preventing cars from running too low for an aerodynamic advantage.
- Regulate underfloor wear to maintain a level playing field among competitors.
Excessive wear could suggest that a car ran lower than regulations allow, which might offer an advantage in terms of reduced drag and increased downforce.
Revised LMP2 Results After Disqualification
With the #8 Tower Motorsports car disqualified, the official LMP2 class victory was handed to:
🏆 New LMP2 Winner – #22 United Autosports ORECA 07-Gibson
(Drivers: Ben Keating, Nico Pino, Filipe Albuquerque, Ben Hanley)
This reclassification significantly impacted IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship standings, as the Rolex 24 offers valuable championship points for the season.
Photo: Eric Moore / FMN
Reactions from the Racing Community
Tower Motorsports’ Response
The team expressed frustration and disappointment over the ruling, but as of now, they have not announced any plans to appeal the disqualification.
Sebastien Bourdais Speaks Out
Veteran endurance racer Sebastien Bourdais, who competed in the race in the GTP class for Chip Ganassi Racing, criticized IMSA’s decision, arguing that the rule might be too strict, given the unpredictable conditions of endurance racing.
Bourdais took to social media to share his thoughts:
“A skid block that’s too worn… Seriously? 24 hours of racing and fighting, sometimes going off track to avoid chaos, and then you lose a win because of that? I get enforcing rules, but this feels excessive.”
His comments highlight a growing debate about whether IMSA’s technical regulations should allow for more flexibility, especially in endurance racing, where factors like track conditions, curb usage, and incidents can contribute to natural wear.
IMSA’s Justification
IMSA defended its decision, stating that strict enforcement of technical regulations is essential to maintain fair competition. Skid block wear limits have been rigorously enforced in previous endurance races, and IMSA has made it clear that technical infractions—no matter how small—will be penalized.
What’s Next for Tower Motorsports?
The disqualification is a significant setback for Tower Motorsports, especially in terms of championship points. However, the team will now focus on bouncing back in the upcoming IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship rounds, starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring in March.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be remembered not just for its incredible racing, but also for the controversy surrounding Tower Motorsports’ disqualification. IMSA’s decision has ignited debate: Was this ruling too harsh for an endurance race, or was it a necessary enforcement of the rulebook?
Do you think IMSA made the right decision? Should there be more flexibility in endurance racing regulations, especially regarding natural wear over 24 hours of racing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Photo: Eric Moore / FMN
