SAVAGE, Minn. (January 26, 2026). The JDC-Miller Motorsports No.85 Porsche 963 finished the 64th Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in the seventh position of the 60-car field. The 85 was very competitive throughout both weekends of the event, usually very close to the top of the time charts. The trio of youthful drivers led the race on three occasions for a total of 46 laps. They consistently ran lap times right with the leaders for the entire race. Damage from debris to the floor of the car limited their ability to execute the planned late race charge and they finished in seventh on the lead lap. After 24 hours of racing, in which they completed 705 laps or 2507 miles, the JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche was just 70 seconds behind the winners.
This year’s running of “The Rolex” will long be remembered for two things, a massive fan turnout, and the six and a half hour safety car period due to heavy fog, a Rolex 24 record. The yellow came out at 12:45AM and the field went green again at 7:18AM. The 85 completed 119 laps or 421 miles under the extended caution period. The Daytona International Speedway reported a record crowd, as well.
Quotes:
Nico Pino, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963
“For us, it was a pretty straightforward race. We maintained a good pace throughout most of the race and didn’t encounter any incidents or mistakes. We did suffer some damage near the end, which prevented us from improving further. The crew did a great job with quick pit stops and no errors. I enjoyed my first race with JDC-Miller MotorSports and am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Tijmen van der Helm, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963
“We went with three drivers this year. Things were a bit more challenging mentally and physically, but I think I prefer it. It was easier to get on the same page on strategy and setup, which led to us having a really good setup to start the race.
We were very competitive for most of the 24 hours, but we got a bit unlucky in the race when we hit something with the floor of the car, which cost us some pace at the end. I am quite happy with that finish since we were in the hunt for a top position throughout.
I’m now looking forward to Sebring. It’s a completely different track, but we have a strong lineup of both drivers and team members in the pits.”
Kaylen Frederick, Driver, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963
“Lots of exciting firsts for me: my first IMSA race, first Daytona, first time racing with co-drivers, and competing with other classes of cars. Overall, it was a remarkable experience, and for most of the race, we had a very strong car. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the pace at the end to move up a few more spots. The JDC-Miller MotorSports team did a fantastic job; I don’t think they could have prepared much better. The team, along with Tijmen and Nico, got me comfortable in the 963 quite quickly. A lot to learn. They and Richard Westbrook were incredibly helpful, and it showed on the track.”
John Church, Managing Partner, No. 85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963
“This was a Rolex 24 that I really enjoyed. The entire team really came together nicely and that led to good pace right from the first session. All three drivers jelled right away and collaborated to make the car very good throughout the event. The technical guys did great work both in the off-season and at the track and it really showed in how we made changes to the car and were strong both at the Roar and in the race. We were strong at the November test and that has carried right through until now.
My sincere thanks to all the people who helped in getting us here.”
