Three new Cadillac Racing V-LMDh hybrid-electric racers took to the racetrack for their competition debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona, showing off not only their new liveries, but also their resilience as competitors on the endurance racing scene.
V-LMDh race car No. Dixon, who was driving at the time of the incident, braked to avoid hitting a spinning car and then was hit from behind, requiring repairs. Moments later, Dixon was arrested at Pit Road for exiting his pit box with the fuel hose still in place, and had to take a drive-through penalty, making Cadillac Racing’s No. 1 engine. Even so, the trio of drivers managed to rally back to third in the new GTP class.
“Obviously, we didn’t run a perfect race but it was as close as we could remember it was the first race in the race for the Cadillac V-LMDh,” said Bourdais of his team’s performance. “To be honest, I just didn’t think it was going to be a perfect race.”
Meanwhile, Cadillac Racing V-LMDh with number 31 is driven by Pipo Derani, Alexander Sims and Jack Aitken. Unfortunately, Caddy No. 31 was involved in an incident that critically damaged his suspension and required a 25-minute repair that left the team 12 laps down. However, his driver was able to race back to a fifth place result despite setbacks.
The only Caddy driver not involved in the incident was the No. 1 LMDh. 02 to Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook, who took home a quiet fourth place finish.
Overall, Cadillac Racing said they were happy with the performance of their new race car. All three vehicles crossed the finish line, and none of them exhibited any mechanical or hybrid unit issues.
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