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DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Chip Ganassi Racing Credit One Bank Chevrolet Camaro, during final practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 15: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Chip Ganassi Racing Credit One Bank Chevrolet Camaro, during final practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is popular for its congregation of several drivers around the world, all of whom have their unique driving styles. NASCAR has certainly been proud of its contribution to the event, which in the past has had some successful winners.
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One of the more significant victories for NASCAR drivers Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson came in the 2015 edition of the racing spectacle. The former joined an elite list of drivers to have won both the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24 titles.
Larson reminisced the win and stated, “To win that race and not only get the win for myself but then the watch, you know. Jamie and the motions he was going through with the Rolex and the Daytona 500, to be on that elite group of drivers, was very special.”
Super thankful for being part of the winning group, said McMurray
McMurray also contributed his thoughts, “I’m super thankful to get to be a part of winning it. I watched Jeff Gordon win, and I think he was the next guy with Mario and AJ Foyt to win the 500 and Rolex together. It’s super cool to get to be a part of that.”
Powered by the Ford EcoBoost engine, the Chip Ganassi Racing-backed team had an ultimate fight on their hands from Action Express Racing. Ultimately, the former triumphed when McMurray drove home to finish 1.3 seconds ahead of the latter.
Kyle Larson notched his maiden Rolex 24 win on his second attempt
Some facts courtesy of the NASCAR website stated, “It was the first win for McMurray and Larson. The victory made Ganassi the winningest team owner in the history of the race, and allowed McMurray to join A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti as the only drivers to have won the Rolex 24 and the Daytona 500.”
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BROOKLYN, MI – JUNE 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Mars 3/Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
At the time in 2015, Larson had concluded his first-ever full-time season in the Cup Series for Chip Ganassi Racing. He had had a good rookie season, but to secure a Rolex 24 win was definitely fantastic for him.
Larson and McMurray will thus reflect on this victory filled with joy and pride. At the end of their racing careers, one can safely assume this would stand out as a brilliant moment in their memoirs.
