BMW Shines in the Darkness as Daytona Prototype Prep Wraps Up
You can almost smell the burning rubber and hear the roar of the engines just reading about it. The recent IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway was more than just a practice run. It was a full-blown preview of the battles to come, and man, it did not disappoint.
When the sun went down and the lights came on, it was the BMW M Hybrid V8 that stole the show, lighting up the night and setting the pace. For two straight days, the hallowed grounds of Daytona were alive with the sound of high-performance machinery.
While the prototypes had their time in the sun on Friday, Saturday was an all-out blitz with the GT cars joining the fray. We’re talking 38 cars tearing up that 3.56-mile asphalt jungle, a beautiful chaos of speed and sound.
BMW Shines Under the Daytona Lights
When night fell on Saturday, the real monsters came out to play. The final session of the day, Practice 5, was a true test of man and machine against the darkness, and the No.25 BMW M Team WRT crew proved they had what it takes. The BMW M Hybrid V8 wasn’t just fast. It was a glowing beast, slicing through the night and topping the timesheets.
It was a statement. While other teams were wrapping up, the BMW team was just getting started, showing everyone they’re a force to be reckoned with under pressure. This performance wasn’t just about one fast lap; it was about sending a message to the entire grid for the upcoming Rolex 24.
New Blood and Old Rivals in the GT Paddock
Saturday was a feast for the eyes for any gearhead. The GT paddock was buzzing with fresh metal. We got our first look at the Lamborghini Temerario GT3 on North American soil, and what a sight it was. Stripped of Pfaff Motorsports’ signature plaid for now, the car ran in Lamborghini’s classic Verde Mantis, looking every bit as aggressive as it sounds.
Andrea Caldarelli, after turning the first laps, said it felt “special” and totally different from the Huracán. It’s a whole new animal, and they’re just starting to figure out how to tame it.It wasn’t just the Lambo turning heads. Porsche rolled out an updated 911 GT3 R, a ‘992.2’ in all but name.
With tweaks to the aero and suspension, drivers like Thomas Preining are already feeling the improvements, saying the team is “steering in the right direction.” When you hear that from a guy who lives and breathes this car, you know they’re onto something good. And you can’t forget about the American muscle.
Ford’s evolved Mustang GT3 was on track, looking meaner than ever with a new splitter. Seeing the brand-new Myers Riley Motorsports Mustang out there was a moment of history, a fresh chapter for a legendary name in racing. Jenson Altzman, who put the very first miles on that car, knew it was a special opportunity. You could feel the pride and the weight of that legacy.
Rising Stars and Shifting Allegiances
The prototype field was just as intense. It was a weekend of big moves and new beginnings. All eyes were on NASCAR’s rising star, Connor Zilisch, as he got his first taste of the No.31 Whelen Cadillac. The kid looked right at home. We also saw A.J. Allmendinger back with Meyer Shank Racing, a reunion four years in the making.
That’s a story with some heart, and we’ll be watching that one closely. The LMP2 class was a hotbed of drama and driver swaps. It’s like a high-speed game of musical chairs. Mikkel Jensen and Hunter McElrea made the jump from TDS Racing to United Autosports, a move that McElrea called coincidental but was happy for the continuity.
Meanwhile, TDS Racing didn’t miss a beat, setting the Friday pace with Charles Milesi behind the wheel. The driver market is just as competitive as the racing itself, and these early tests are where those new relationships are forged in fire.
Final Thoughts
As the weekend wrapped, with the GT cars getting their final runs on Sunday, one thing was crystal clear: the 2026 season is going to be an absolute dogfight. From the glowing BMW prototypes to the raw power of the new GTs, every team is pushing the limit. Daytona gave us a glimpse of the passion, the engineering, and the pure, raw emotion that makes this sport the greatest in the world. Buckle up, folks. It’s gonna be one heck of a ride.
