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Roger Penske Joins Elite Company With Rolex 24 Win at Daytona

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Carelli | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 4:35 PM ET

The Rolex 24, or the 24 Hours at Daytona, began at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday through Sunday afternoon, and featured an array of race cars and drivers. Among that group were two NASCAR racers, Connor Zilisch (Cadillac) and AJ Allmendinger (Acura).

The goal? Be the leading car after 24 hours of racing the circuit, testing both durability and speed. It was Roger Penske's No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsports team that emerged victorious during the 64th running on Sunday, its third consecutive year taking the checkered flag.

The win put Porsche Penske Motorsports into elite company, becoming only the third team in history to win the event three times, according to ESPN. The other two are Wayne Taylor Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing.

Roger Penske at the drivers meeting during Legends Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rolex 24 History

As to the history behind the event, it is very illustrious.

The event was founded back in 1963, initially running as a three-hour race. Come 1966, they turned it up to go a full 24 hours. In fact, the first ever winner? Ken Miles. If that name sounds familiar, Christian Bale plays him in Ford vs Ferrari.

Historically, the all-time wins honor is shared by two individuals — Hurley Haywood and Scott Pruett, both winning five times. As for a manufacturer, Porsche has won the most times (21).

THREE IN A ROW. ⌚️⌚️⌚️

The No.7 Porsche Penske Motorsport team win the 64th #Rolex24! pic.twitter.com/b5VA9tHwps
— Rolex 24 Hours (@Rolex24Hours) January 25, 2026

NASCAR's History at the Rolex 24

Many NASCAR drivers have taken part in the event. Mark Martin won it with his Ford team back in 1995. In 2001, Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in fourth in their G.M car. Tony Stewart has raced the event four times, despite never winning. Jimmie Johnson has run the event a multitude of times, with his best finish being in second place (2005, 2008, 2021).

Some NASCAR winners of the event include that of Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson, teaming up for victory in 2015. AJ Allmendinger, who participated this year, also won the event in 2012. Casey Mears won it in 2006, as did Jeff Gordon in 2007.

Though more of a part-time historical NASCAR Racer, Juan Pablo-Montoya has been prevalent, as he races right now, and he has won the event twice.

Connor Zilisch

Zilisch teamed up with Jake Aitken (GBR), Earl Bamber (AUS), and Frederik Vesti (DEN) for the Cadillac #31 team. This is one of two teams that Cadillac is fielding in the GTP class. This team being sponsored by Whelen.

AJ Allmendinger

Allmendinger, a past champion, returned to race the event for the Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb Agajanian No. 60 Team. He teams up with Tom Blomqvist (GBR), Colin Braun (USA), and IndyCar top man Scott Dixon (GBR).

Some fun news about Dixon — he is due to be knighted by King Charles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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