OTHER CONTENDERS:

8Star Motorsports (Corvette DP): A new team but certainly not a newcomer to the series, former Starworks Motorsport driver Enzo Potolicchio has assembled an all-star cast that resembles a full-on Peugeot factory lineup from years’ past.

8Star Motorsports is among the newcomers to the Daytona Prototype ranks for 2013. (Photo: John Dagys)

With Stephane Sarrazin, Anthony Davidson, Nic Minassian and Pedro Lamy supporting the accomplished Venezuelan owner/driver in the orange No. 3 Corvette DP, 8Star heads in with one of the strongest lineups in the field, but lacking the level of experience at Daytona that many other veteran lineups have.

But with encouraging pace at the Roar, and a strong team, led by former Starworks crew chief Gary Neal and ex-F1 and DTM engineer Laurent Coppee, 8Star could still be in prime position for victory come 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Spirit of Daytona (Corvette DP): With an all-GM driver lineup, the No. 90 Corvette DP will be another contender for the win. Richard Westbrook and Ricky Taylor are joined by reigning ALMS GT champion Oliver Gavin and fellow Corvette factory driver Antonio Garcia.

While always one of the quickest cars, the Troy Flis-led squad has also been one of the unluckiest. And with Daytona not only being a test on man but also machine, it’s unclear if SDR will have the luck to go 24 trouble-free hours. If they do, look for the metallic blue Corvette to be in victory lane, or its drivers at least on the podium.

Action Express Racing (Corvette DP): The 2010 Rolex 24 winners return with its two-car Corvette attack for the second consecutive year, featuring a mix of youth and experience. Burt and Brian Frisselle join the North Carolina-based team full-time this year, and are split between the two entries this weekend.

With star driver Joao Barbosa being joined by Audi factory driver Mike Rockenfeller and Burt Frisselle in the No. 9, and Fittipaldi down to drive the No. 5 with Brian Frisselle, Felipe Nasr and Nelson Piquet Jr., both cars look mighty strong. A return to victory lane could be in the cards for team owner Bob Johnson.

GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing (Corvette DP): Always one of the quickest DPs in the field, the “Red Dragon” could also be in contention for the win. Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney are joined by Memo Gidley and AXR refugee Darren Law this weekend, making for a potent, all-American lineup.

The only question with this effort, though, comes with reliability. Bitten by freak mechanical failures last year, including a Rolex 24 to forget, could GAINSCO/BSR’s luck turn around in 2013, at the most important race?