What Is 2016 24 Hours of Daytona

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 24 Hours of Daytona was a 24-hour endurance race held on January 30–31, 2016, at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The winning team, driven by Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, Max Angelelli, and Jeff Gordon, completed 689 laps to claim victory in the Prototype class.

Key Facts

Race held on January 30–31, 2016
Duration: 24 hours of continuous racing
Winning team completed 689 laps
Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, Max Angelelli, and Jeff Gordon were drivers
Race took place at Daytona International Speedway

Overview

The 2016 24 Hours of Daytona, officially known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, marked the opening round of the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, the race kicked off the season with a full 24 hours of non-stop endurance racing.

Competitors from around the world took part in multiple classes, including Prototype, GT Le Mans (GTLM), and GT Daytona (GTD). The event tested teams' mechanical reliability, driver stamina, and strategic planning under extreme conditions.

Start date: The race began at 2:40 PM Eastern Time on January 30, 2016, under sunny skies with temperatures around 70°F.
Track length: The Daytona International Speedway road course spans 3.56 miles, combining the oval turns with an infield section to challenge drivers.
Winning team: The No. 10 Corvette Daytona Prototype, fielded by Wayne Taylor Racing, secured the overall victory.
Lead drivers: Brothers Jordan and Ricky Taylor shared driving duties with Max Angelelli and four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon.
Distance covered: The winning car completed 689 laps, totaling approximately 2,452 miles of racing.

How It Works

The 24 Hours of Daytona is structured as a multi-class endurance race, where different vehicle types compete simultaneously under strict IMSA regulations. Each team relies on a rotation of drivers, pit strategy, and mechanical durability to finish the full 24 hours.

Endurance Format: The race runs continuously for 24 hours, requiring teams to manage fuel, tires, and driver fatigue through scheduled pit stops.
Driver Rotation: Each car is driven by a team of 3–4 drivers who alternate stints, typically lasting 1.5–2 hours each, to comply with safety limits.
Vehicle Classes: Prototypes (P), GT Le Mans (GTLM), and GT Daytona (GTD) race simultaneously but are scored separately based on class performance.
Pit Stops: Mandatory stops include refueling, tire changes, and driver swaps, with penalties issued for rule violations or unsafe conduct.
Scoring System: Finishing position is determined by the number of laps completed, with time-of-day conditions affecting strategy, especially during nighttime hours.
Safety Protocols: Full-course cautions, safety cars, and flag systems are used to manage incidents while maintaining race integrity.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the top five finishing teams in the 2016 race highlights performance differences across classes and teams.

Position	Team/Car	Class	Laps Completed	Notable Driver(s)
1st	Wayne Taylor Racing – No. 10 Corvette DP	Prototype	689	Jordan Taylor, Jeff Gordon
2nd	Starworks Motorsport – No. 8	Prototype	688	Ryan Dalziel, Mike Conway
3rd	Extreme Speed Motorsports – No. 31	Prototype	686	Scott Sharp, Johannes van Overbeek
4th	Corvette Racing – No. 3	GTLM	672	Antonio García, Jan Magnussen
5th	Scuderia Corsa – No. 63	GTD	668	Alessandro Balzan, Christina Nielsen

The table shows that while the winning Prototype class dominated lap count, GTLM and GTD entries demonstrated strong consistency. The close finish between first and second place—just one lap apart—illustrates the intense competition. Nighttime challenges, including reduced visibility and fatigue, played a major role in strategy, especially during hours 12–18.

Why It Matters

The 2016 24 Hours of Daytona had significant implications for motorsport, influencing team standings, manufacturer reputations, and driver careers. It also served as a proving ground for emerging technologies and racing strategies.

Manufacturer prestige: Chevrolet’s victory with the Corvette DP reinforced its dominance in American endurance racing during the 2010s.
Driver legacy: Jeff Gordon’s final professional race appearance added emotional weight and media attention to the event.
Team strategy: Wayne Taylor Racing’s flawless pit execution and driver management became a model for future endurance campaigns.
Global reach: The race attracted international teams and broadcasters, highlighting IMSA’s growing global footprint.
Technical innovation: Hybrid systems and aerodynamic designs were tested under real-world stress, influencing future race car development.
Fan engagement: Over 50,000 spectators attended in person, with millions more watching via live stream and TV broadcasts.

The 2016 race remains a benchmark for endurance racing excellence, combining speed, strategy, and human endurance in one of motorsport’s most grueling challenges.