Rolex 24 red-flagged due to rain, Alonso leads
The Rolex 24 at Daytona has been red-flagged with seven hours remaining due to poor track conditions after heavy rain hit the track in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Several hours of rain made for difficult on-track conditions before a heavier front of weather hit the Daytona International Speedway, prompting race officials to throw a red flag and postpone the race.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona has been red-flagged with seven hours remaining due to poor track conditions after heavy rain hit the track in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Several hours of rain made for difficult on-track conditions before a heavier front of weather hit the Daytona International Speedway, prompting race officials to throw a red flag and postpone the race.
The race had been running behind the Safety Car under a full course caution for over an hour after the #4 Corvette spun out at the first corner after aquaplaning.
The red flag was called with seven hours and 13 minutes remaining, with the clock set to continue to count down until the race resumes. The cars are parked up on pit road.
It is the first time the race has been red flagged since 2014, and the first time due to rain since 2004.
Fernando Alonso leads the race for Wayne Taylor Racing in the #10 Cadillac DPi ahead of the pair of Acura Team Penske entries, with Dane Cameron running ahead of teammate Ricky Taylor.
Pipo Derani is the fourth and final driver on the lead lap in the #31 Cadillac for Action Express Racing.
DragonSpeed sits one-two in LMP2, with James Allen leading in the #81 Oreca 07 Gibson, three laps clear of teammate Pastor Maldonado.
Risi Competizione continues to lead GTLM through Alessandro Pier Guidi in the #62 Ferrari 488 GTE, while AJ Allmendinger heads GTD for Meyer Shank Racing behind the wheel of the #86 Acura NSX GT3.
IMSA Race Director Beaux Barfield explains decision to red flag #Rolex24. We’re hoping to go back racing as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/kzD7qgZCC0
— IMSA (@IMSA) January 27, 2019
UPDATE: 1335 GMT / 0835 ET - RACE TO RESUME AT 9AM ET
IMSA officials have confirmed they have asked teams to take the necessary steps for a restart, which will be attempted at 9am ET (2pm GMT).
