The long-anticipated debut of the fresh Ferrari 296 GT3 has arrived, with the Grand Touring Car making its first appearance at the 61st annual 24 Hours of Daytona. Among the 296 GT3 entrants, a mix of professional and gentleman drivers piloted the fabled Prancing Horse models around the track. The official team that led the charge was made up of drivers Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Davide Rigon, and Daniel Serra. In our guide below, you’ll have the opportunity to study the history of 24 Hours of Daytona, the capabilities of the Ferrari 296 GT3, and the 2023 results.
What is 24 Hours of Daytona?
The 24 Hours of Daytona is an annual endurance race that takes place each year at the Daytona International Speedway. The 2023 rendition marks the 61st anniversary of the competition, and the first year to feature the Ferrari 296 GT3. The trial takes place on the 3.56-mile combined road course at Daytona that winds around the track and through the infield. This event has the honor of being one of the most prestigious on the calendar and sets the stage as the first race for the IMSA SportsCar Championship season.
24 Hours of Daytona is a multi-class format, meaning a variety of competitions take place at the same time on the same circuit. Add that to the grueling nature of a 24-hour endurance race, and the high drama begins to write itself. The race involves near-prototype models and ones embracing street car aesthetics in the GT3 class jockeying side-by-side for supremacy.
Ferrari 296 GT3 Performance Capabilities
When the Ferrari 296 GT3 hits the track, the output is akin to a fighter jet in motion – appearing smooth, effortless, and dazzlingly quick. This is no surprise, as the impressive 296 GT3 picks up the legacy left by the 296 GTB with a flourish. While the 296 GT3 offers a bit more than what you might need for trips from Chicago to Indianapolis, this fine-tuned machine provides a calculated jab when asked by the accelerator:
- Power Delivery: GDI Turbocharged V6
- Layout: 120°, Four Valves per Cylinder
- Bore/Stroke: 88 x 82 mm
- Output: 600 hp
- Torque: 525 lb-ft
- Gearbox: Transversal Sequential 6-Speed
- Clutch: E-Clutch Actuator with Steering Wheel Paddles
Ferrari 296 GT3 Results in Daytona
Making a debut at a taxing event like 24 Hours of Daytona is a challenge the Prancing Horse team never shied away from. That said, the results were mixed. Completing the race was a triumph in and of itself, not only from a standpoint of pride but for the invaluable data collected by the Ferrari team. Untimely contacts on the track led to early retirements, but the team of Alessio Rovera, Andrea Bertolini, Onofrio Triarsi, and Charlie Scardina crossed the finish line in 10th place.
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