Jonny Adam adds to epic podium tally at Daytona

SCOTS endurance racing ace Jonny Adam helped Aston Martin record its best ever finish in the famous Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona last weekend.

The experienced Kirkcaldy driver and his Magnus Racing team-mates charged through the field to second place in the highly contested GTD class at the Florida circuit.

The race saw plenty of highs and lows for the Vantage GT3 crew, who had to deal with an unexpected pit stop in the fifth hour and being punted off the track in the 16th hour.

Aston Martin has been represented at Daytona sporadically since 1964 and, while it has frequently led its class, until 2022 misfortune had denied it podium glory.

Adam, an Aston Martin Racing works driver and double Le Mans class winner, said: “This was an amazing result for Magnus Racing in this big American season opener.

“It’s a tough race and it means a great deal to be one of the drivers who stands on the podium for Aston Martin for the first time at Daytona.

“The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 provided us with a strong package all weekend and was competitive throughout the race. I have to say a massive thank you to the whole team and my superstar fellow drivers John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly and Andy Lally.”

In contrast, there was heartbreak for Airdrie’s Ryan Dalziel and his Era Motorsport outfit in the LMP2 class – as they battled to defend their 2021 Daytona title.

The Oreca racers fought back from early setbacks but a mechanical issue with the gearbox ended the team’s quest just 30 minutes before the checkered flag.

Forfar 21-year-old Sandy Mitchell’s debut at America’s Blue Riband 24-hour race also ended in frustration.

He had set an early fastest lap in the GTD class and held the division lead in the Peregrine Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3