Video: The finish of the 2016 Daytona 24 was nuts

25th January 2024

Simon Ostler

With 30 minutes to go in the 2016 Daytona 24 Hours, the battle for victory in the GTLM class was still very much in the balance. As one of the bright yellow C7.R Corvettes exits the pits, the fight looked to be between the sister Corvette and one of the Porsches.

But as the clock ticks down, and we rejoin the action with just 15 minutes to go, those Corvettes ended up absolutely together in the closing laps. After 24 hours of measured, sensible and painstakingly prepared racing, it all came down to who was willing to risk it all most between the leading Corvette duo.

They remained nose to tail for the remainder of the race, Oli Gavin held the lead ahead of Antonio Garcia, and the second-placed man was showing a nose up the inside at every opportunity. Surely this couldn’t all end in tears?

If that wasn’t enough excitement for you, that duel was all playing while the fight for GTD glory was also raging. Question marks over fuel levels meant the leading pack were all in doubt to make it to the finish, with mere seconds between as the minutes counted down. Let’s hope for more action like this when the 2024 edition of the Daytona 24 Hours gets underway this weekend.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Testing the new Ford Mustang GT3 ahead of its Daytona debut