The Long Drought Ends as Rebel Rock Conquers Daytona
A long winless stretch can wear down even the strongest teams in motorsport. It follows you from track to track, settles into the hauler, and becomes part of the routine in ways you don’t always notice until it’s gone. For Robin Liddell and Frank DePew, that stretch lasted nearly two years. Their last victory came at Sebring in March 2024. That changed on Friday.
Rebel Rock Racing worked its way from the back of the field to win the BMW M Endurance Challenge, finally breaking a streak that had hung over them at Daytona for far too long. It wasn’t just a result, but it was a reset for a team that has taken its share of hits at the World Center of Racing.
A Strategy Call That Shifted the Race
The day didn’t begin well. The Rebel Rock Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 Evo started 22nd, and by the end of the opening lap, Frank DePew had slipped to 33rd out of 35 cars. Normally, that kind of drop ends any realistic hope of a podium.
But Daytona’s four‑hour race rewards patience more than early pace. DePew and Andrew Davis put in steady work to climb back into contention. When it came time to close, the team handed the car to Robin Liddell, who has built a career on strong finishes.
The race hinged on a late pit stop. The leading No. 14 Aston Martin from Circle H Racing took only two tires, hoping track position would be enough. Rebel Rock chose four fresh Michelins, accepting the time loss for the long‑run advantage. Liddell rejoined with ground to make up, but with the tools to do it.
Liddell Finishes the Job
Fresh tires gradually brought the No. 71 back into the fight. Liddell closed the gap to Thomas Merrill in the No. 14, applying steady pressure until Merrill slipped entering Turn 1 with 17 minutes remaining. The opening was small, but it was enough. Liddell moved to the inside, took the lead, and controlled the race to the finish. He crossed the line 2.691 seconds ahead of the field.
For Liddell, the win carried extra meaning. Despite 18 Michelin Pilot Challenge victories, he had never won at Daytona in this series. His last win at the track came in the 2004 Rolex 24.“Daytona has been not the best event for us over the years,” Liddell said. “I was very fortunate to win the first time I was here in the Rolex 24. I thought I had it easy. Now it’s 22 years later,” he added.
Herta Autosport Controls TCR Again
In TCR, Bryan Herta Autosport continued its run of success. Denis Dupont and Preston Brown took the No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR to victory, repeating their win from last year’s season opener. The race was disrupted by cautions early, turning the final 90 minutes into a sprint. Penalties dropped the pole‑sitting Cupra out of contention, setting up a fight between Honda and Hyundai.
With 20 minutes left, three cars were in the mix. Bryson Morris led in the No. 33 Herta entry, but Dupont had the pace. With 16 minutes remaining, he used a strong run out of Turn 3 and the draft to complete a pass entering the kink. That move secured the win for Rebel Rock. Morris lost momentum and slipped to third, allowing Cameron Lawrence in the HART Honda to take second.
What the Win Means for Rebel Rock
This victory carries weight for Rebel Rock. Winning at Daytona to open the season does more than add points, and it confirms the strength of their new Aston Martin Evo and the execution of the entire program. Recovering from 33rd to 1st shows resilience.
The team didn’t overreact when things went wrong early. They didn’t second‑guess their strategy when the leader chose a different path. They trusted their preparation and their driver. That’s the kind of performance that can shape a season.
What’s Next
The 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season begins with Rebel Rock Racing back on top. Liddell and DePew ended a two‑year drought at one of the toughest tracks to win. They proved their new car is competitive and their team is capable of fighting for more. Next up is Sebring, and the site of their last victory before this long stretch. If Daytona is any indication, Rebel Rock won’t be waiting long for another. The No. 71 has returned to form.
