The 2021 season went green at the weekend for the 59th running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and with it, RWR Eurasia kick-started the year with a solid top ten finish overall and fourth position in the LMP2 class.
Fielding the #51 Ligier JS P217 for Cody Ware, Salih Yoluç, Austin Dillon and Sven Müller in a new collaboration between Rick Ware Racing and Eurasia, with an expanded role with BAM Motorsport Management, the new group faced numerous hurdles. These included shipping issues, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and that was even before the start of one of the toughest sports car races on the calendar.
The Roar Before the Rolex 24 saw the introduction of a new qualifying race, where Cody and Salih teamed up to finish eighth in class, setting the grid for the race. The latter took starting duties on Saturday afternoon in Daytona, making an aggressive start to move fifth.
Endurance racing always takes its toll and this year the LMP2 class saw a number of competitors fall by the wayside. Salih suffered a spin but rebounded to retain his position before handing over to Austin and then it was into the night-phase of the race, running eighth in class and cycling through the drivers with Cody running fifth as the skies started to lighten on Sunday morning.
With the Cetilar Racing faltering, RWR Eurasia ran in fourth position – despite overnight drama that saw the need to replace the engine cover with one last used at Le Mans. With the power steering failure in the final hours, it was an especially impressive effort from Cody over the final 80-laps to bring the Ligier home, retaining tenth position overall and fourth in class.
The programme had its difficulties, but all RWR Eurasia and its four drivers minimised errors and given the pace of the overall package, leave Daytona more than content with the overall result. As a group, RWR Eurasia now turns its attention to further rounds of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Championship, whilst exploring options in Europe.
