Honda Civic Type R TCRs finish 1-2 in Daytona Debut

Tom O'Gorman, 2018 Pirelli World Challenge TCA champion, and Indy Lights veteran Shelby Blackstock combined to edge teammates Mike LaMarra and Mat Pombo by just 1.605 seconds on the challenging Daytona road course. Three teams brought a total of five Honda Civic Type R TCR entries to the opening round of the rebranded Michelin Pilot Challenge, with the Atlanta Speedwerks Honda of Brian Henderson claiming the TCR class pole

Starting fifth, Blackstock steadily worked his way through the other class front-runners to assume the lead at the end of the first hour of racing. Making his IMSA debut, O'Gorman continued to run with the leaders as multiple cautions repeatedly bunched the field. The third LA Honda World Racing entry of Max Faulkner and Colin Mullan also ran with the leaders during the second half of the race, but suffered a cut tyre soon after its final pit stop, forcing Mullan to stop the car on course.

The event came down to an 11-minute sprint following the ninth and final caution period. O'Gorman quickly moved ahead of the class-leading Audi, followed by teammate Pombo as the two Hondas pulled away in the battle to the checkered flag.