Tristan Vautier has labelled JDC-Miller Motorsports’ Daytona defeat as ‘bittersweet’ as the team narrowly lost out on victory but ultimately went on to finish third overall as the leading Cadillac team.
Vautier, along with Richard Westbrook, Loic Duval and Ben Keating, came close to an upset win after leading over 100 laps in the twice-around-the-clock enduro.
Westbrook even held a comfortable lead in the closing stages of the race, having taken over from Duval who captured the race lead with just under four hours left on the clock.
That was until a pair of late cautions brought their charge to a halt as the timing of their pitstops dropped them down the order behind the two Acuras that ultimately went on to secure a one-two, with the #5 Cadillac DPi-VR completing the podium.
“It makes it bittersweet, but what a great job by the team overall,” Vautier said. “We were in contention the whole way and probably the fastest car all the way to the end, so that’s what makes it feel bittersweet because we thought we could have gotten it.
“But, overall, my first podium in the Rolex 24. Big thanks to the team for the hard work over the winter to make us so competitive. We didn’t get a Rolex but we can still celebrate.”
Vautier’s frustration was shared by Duval, who was in the car for the final restart. He managed to move from fourth to third by passing Pipo Derani’s #31 Action Express Cadillac, but was unable to catch the two Acuras driven by Helio Castroneves and Ricky Taylor.
The Frenchman later said the team ‘had it’ until he was forced off the track by Derani on the restart.
“I think we were the only Cadillac able to win the race,” he said. I was able to catch up but I was way too far away. Frustration because I think we had something. The whole team tried everything we could.”
Despite the team’s dissatifaction, third place was a notable result for bronze-rated Ben Keating.
The Texas gentleman driver made his DPi debut and performed admirably, notably setting a fastest lap that was quicker than that of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.
“What an incredible race that was run by the team,” said Keating. “We were there at the end because of how consistent we were.”
“If we wouldn’t have had any of those yellow flags at the end, we would have won it. We had a 20-second lead because we were consistent without any mistakes.”
“The No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac was incredible to drive and I’m excited to be on the podium in the Rolex 24.”
“My time behind the wheel was the most fun I’ve ever had in a race car.”
