Newgarden, who won America’s biggest open-wheel oval race at his 12th attempt in 2023, will aim for overall victory at Daytona next month in his first bid for overall class honours – having made his sportscar debut in the LMP2 class in the Floridian classic in 2023.
Driving alongside Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr and Frederic Makowiecki in Porsche Penske Motorsport’s #7 963, Newgarden tested at Daytona last week – having joined the squad for the season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, where he finished fourth.
“I know the team is very eager to add to what they did in the inaugural season,” Newgarden told Autosport.
“Winning Daytona would be a big deal for everybody. The challenge of being successful over 24 hours is one I’m not used to, so I’d love to succeed at that.
“Winning any of the endurance events – including [the 12 Hours of] Sebring or Petit [Le Mans 10 hours at Road Atlanta] – the championship overall and then obviously Le Mans and everything on the WEC side would be huge for the team.
“The potential that the team’s had all year is encouraging. For me, stepping into the programme to do my part, do a great job to help them, I’m really encouraged.
“There’s a lot of opportunities in front of all of us. I’m excited and honoured to be a part of it.”
Source: Autosport