The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the most challenging and demanding races in the world, and in 2024, Conquest Racing With Ferrari and Corsa Horizon proved they belong among endurance racing’s elite. As they made their debut in the GTD class, they scored a hard-fought third-place finish in the opening event of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In doing so, they firmly cemented their status as fierce competitors. Now, as the 2025 edition approaches, they have their sights set even higher, aiming for nothing short of victory.

Reflecting on 2024: A Podium Finish Built on Perseverance

Achieving success at Daytona is never a straightforward process, but that wasn’t going to stand in the team’s way. Last year’s Rolex 24 was a story of grit, teamwork, and a touch of brilliance.

A strong qualifying performance in the GTD field put the team in a promising position heading into the race itself, but the work had only just begun. When the green flag waved, it was Manny Franco who took on the pressure of the opening stint, and he delivered a strong performance as he navigated the packed field in his first-ever IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event.

Over the course of the endurance race, Conquest Racing faced a series of challenges, but the team’s resilience shone through as they steadily remained in contention as the final hours elapsed, setting the stage for a dramatic final push.

The team’s #34 Corsa Horizon Ferrari 296 GT3 went on to cross the finish line in third, fending off attacks and threats from other competitors that were looming just behind.

For Team Principal Eric Bachelart, the 2024 result was more than just a podium; it was validation of the team’s long-term strategy. “We had a two-year plan coming into IMSA; a year to learn and another to win,” Bachelart explained. “To secure a podium in our first attempt at Daytona was beyond our expectations.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 Rolex 24

As Conquest Racing prepares for the upcoming Rolex 24, taking place across January 25th and 26th, their focus is clear; building on last year’s success and vying for the top step of the podium. Armed with a highly valuable year of IMSA experience, and further refinement of their Ferrari 296 GT3, they will be entering this year’s race with increased confidence, renewed ambitions, and fully equipped for the task at hand.

The driver lineup remains a key strength for Conquest Racing, with Manny Franco eager to continue his rapid development. With the seasoned Ferrari factory driver Daniel Serra co-driving alongside him as a full-season teammate, this pairing will certainly be the one to watch. The Brazilian was a winner at Daytona in 2024 in the GTD PRO category, and his skillset and experience will serve as a phenomenal asset. 

“I’m confident we’ll achieve great things together,” expressed Daniel Serra. “Starting the year at Daytona is special—it’s one of my favorite races and holds a unique place in my heart, especially after my incredible win in 2024. I can’t wait to build on that momentum and take on the challenges of a full season.”

With Cédric Sbirrazzuoli and Giacomo Altoè completing the driver lineup for the first round, both possessing race-winning experience and vital knowledge, the team is well poised to fight at the front as they seek out the grand prize.