The former Rolex 24 class-winning squad, which is also fielding a WeatherTech-sponsored Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, could be the favorites for the class win, just based on past experience and success in all of the major enduros.

APR Motorsport, the most experienced Audi R8 GRAND-AM customer, has a two-car effort for the Rolex 24. (Photo: John Dagys)

But that’s not to count out Rum Bum Racing, the third customer-supported team in this year’s race, which sees an equally strong lineup in five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela, Christopher Haase, Markus Winkelhock and Matt Plumb.

Plumb helped take the Joe Varde-owned team to the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge GS teams’ championship in 2012 and will be part of the effort in the squad’s Rolex Series debut.

“We’ve come a long way, very quickly,” said Plumb. “We went from a car that was brand new straight from Germany out of the factory and the car has run perfectly all weekend.

“I got the chance to drive the car and get comfortable with it, and I’m with a great group of drivers who are familiar with the car, and have a lot of very good information for this effort. 

“All three teams that are running the R8 are working together to get the best possible result for Audi.”

While the objective is clearly a Rolex 24 win in the eyes of Audi, the German manufacturer is also looking towards the long-term success of the R8 GRAND-AM in Rolex Series competition.

With APR the only team so far committed to a full-season program this year, Liebchen is hopeful both Alex Job and Rum Bum will commit to such efforts, which would see the purchase of the cars once the checkered flag falls on Sunday.

"We’ve got reliable race cars and a good strategy, but our drivers play the crucial role. That’s why we’re supporting our customer teams at Daytona this year with a high-caliber driver squad,” Liebchen said.

“Our aim is clear: Everyone who’s toying with the idea of getting involved in the GRAND-AM Series should put the Audi R8 GRAND-AM on their short list of choices."

John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at