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Despite Wheelhouse Motorsports showing race-winning pace and battling back from early setbacks, the team endured a challenging finish after mechanical issues cut short a promising run at Daytona International Raceway.
The weekend got off to a productive start, with Brian Smith leading the opening sessions and focusing on key setup changes, including evaluating multiple rear shock configurations.
By the afternoon PJ Jones, Ryan Roberson, and Dan McKeever all rotated through the car, putting together consistent runs and building confidence. The pace was immediately encouraging - among all the cars testing, we were within one-tenth of the fastest times despite not running new tires. It was a clear sign that the car had strong potential heading into the weekend.
Friday's focus shifted to qualifying preparation. McKeever used the opening session to scuff in two sets of tires, while Roberson and Jones continued gathering data in the sessions that followed.
The qualifying strategy was simple but precise: two tire sets, one flying lap each.
On the first lap, the car was exceptional laying down a 2:00.7 -- their quickest time of the weekend up to the that point. Still clear there was more time to be found. "On the second set of tires, I was a good bit better through most of the lap but caught a car in the bus stop and gave up a little time making sure I got a good run into NASCAR 3. Still a better lap at 2:00.2" McKeever said after giving the team a lap fast enough for pole.
The race began in dramatic fashion. A Toyota Supra starting second launched well and took the early lead into Turn 1, with the team tucked close behind.
Moments later, chaos unfolded entering the International Hairpin. Contact between the third and fourth-place cars sent one spinning up the inside. Anticipating the incident, McKeever left room but as the car spun across path, he was forced onto the grass to avoid contact and rejoining at the back of the class.
With a fast car underneath them, the focus shifted to recovery.
Putting their head down, they began slicing through the field. Corner by corner and lap by lap, positions fell our way. By lap nine, Wheelhouse Motorsports had completed the charge back to the front reclaiming the class lead in an impressive comeback drive.
Just as momentum swung fully in the teams favor, the race took an unexpected turn.
On lap 12, exciting NASCAR Turn 2 at over 120 mpg, the right-front tire delaminated. While the tire remarkably retained air--allowing up to avoid heavy contact with the wall--the issue forced the team to make an unscheduled stop.
After replacing the tire, they made their way back to the track but a severe vibration required a trip to the garage. The crew responded quickly, making repairs and getting the car back out, albeit eight laps down.
From there, the team refused to give up. Over the next five hours, all drivers contributed solid stints while the crew delivered flawless pit stops. Through consistency and determination, they climbed from 28th overall and 10th in class to an impressive 5th overall and 5th in class.
Late in the race, with Jones behind the wheel, further trouble emerged. Low oil pressure was reported, quickly followed by smoke from the car. Despite efforts to return safely to pit lane, the engine failed before completing the lap.
Post-race analysis revealed a failed oil pump belt as the cause - bringing an abrupt end to what had been a hard-fought recovery effort.
While the final result doesn't reflect the team's true performance, the weekend showcased undeniable speed and resilience.
Both Major setbacks were beyond the team's control. With a car capable of leading the race and crew delivering exceptional execution throughout, there's not doubt the team had the pace to fight for the win.
The focus now shifts forward. Building on the speed, the teamwork, and the determination shown throughout an event that, despite the outcome, proved what this team is capable of.
DNF
Wheelhouse Motorsports introduces its 2026 driver lineup for the IMSA Mustang Challenge and World Racing League seasons — the largest roster in team history.
January 6, 2025
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