The 64th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the season-opening endurance classic of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, delivered its usual blend of high drama, intense competition, and unfortunate incidents that remind everyone of the sport’s inherent risks. Among the most talked-about moments from the January 2026 event was a heavy collision in the GTD class that sidelined the No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R early in the race and sent driver Adam Adelson to the hospital for evaluation.
The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday, roughly in the third hour of the 24-hour marathon at Daytona International Speedway. Dylan Murry, driving the No. 83 AF Corse USA LMP2 entry, lost control in the challenging Kink section at Turn 5, spinning and kicking up a thick plume of dust and smoke that obscured visibility for approaching traffic. Adam Adelson, at the wheel of the Wright Motorsports Porsche and running competitively in the top 10 of the GTD class at the time, had little to no chance to react.
The Porsche plowed into the spun LMP2 car, sustaining severe damage that rendered it beyond repair on-site. The impact sent the Porsche bouncing into the tire barriers, ending its race after just 87 laps completed.
Both drivers were able to extract themselves from their vehicles following the incident, which triggered a full course yellow to allow for cleanup and medical response. Adelson was initially transported to the infield medical center for assessment before being taken to a local hospital for further precautionary checks, given the force of the collision. IMSA officials and team updates later confirmed that Adelson was awake, alert, and in stable condition throughout the evaluation process.
He was subsequently released from the hospital, with no serious injuries reported—a relief in what could have been a far more serious outcome considering the high-speed nature of the contact.
Callum Ilott, the British driver sharing duties in the No. 120 entry alongside Adelson, Elliott Skeer, and Tom Sargent, expressed his emotions publicly in the aftermath. Posting on social media platform X, Ilott wrote that he was “sad to be out but glad Adam is okay. We will rebuild and be ready for Sebring 💪.” The message captured a mix of disappointment over the team’s premature exit and genuine concern for his teammate, highlighting the camaraderie that exists even amid the competitive pressures of endurance racing.
Ilott, a former Formula 2 standout and IndyCar participant making his mark in sports car competition, had been part of a promising lineup for Wright Motorsports in the GTD class, with the team aiming to build on prior strong performances at Daytona.
The incident underscored the unpredictable dangers that lurk even in the early stages of such a long event. The Kink at Turn 5 has long been a notorious spot on the 3.56-mile road course-infield oval hybrid layout, where drivers carry significant speed through a high-commitment section that punishes any loss of control. Murry’s spin created zero-margin conditions for Adelson, who was unsighted by the debris cloud. Video footage circulated widely showed the dramatic impact, with the Porsche sustaining heavy front-end and structural damage that left little hope for repairs within the race window.
Wright Motorsports, a respected entrant in IMSA’s GTD ranks, saw their endurance hopes dashed early despite entering with a solid driver combination. Adelson, who doubles as a team owner and driver, had been building momentum in the series, including prior podium finishes at Daytona. The No. 120 car’s retirement marked one of several DNFs in the GTD field, though the class as a whole produced fierce battles throughout the night and into Sunday. Ultimately, the overall race victory went to Porsche Penske Motorsport’s No.
7 entry, securing a third consecutive Rolex 24 triumph for the manufacturer in the GTP class, with Felipe Nasr holding off challenges in the closing stages.
For Ilott and the team, the focus quickly shifted forward. The next round on the IMSA calendar, the 12 Hours of Sebring in March, offers a chance to regroup and demonstrate resilience. Ilott’s message of rebuilding reflected the mindset required in endurance racing, where setbacks are inevitable but recovery is part of the narrative. Adelson’s fortunate escape from serious harm allowed the team to emphasize gratitude over frustration, with updates indicating he was recovering well and expected to return to full activity soon.
The crash also sparked broader discussions within the paddock about visibility in multi-class racing, where LMP2 prototypes and GTD GT cars share the track at vastly different speeds. While incidents like this are rare, they serve as stark reminders of the need for constant vigilance. IMSA’s swift medical response and clear communication helped ease concerns among fans and competitors alike.
As the dust settled—both literally and figuratively—on the 2026 Rolex 24, the event once again proved why it remains one of motorsport’s premier spectacles. Triumphs like Porsche Penske’s dominant performance shared the spotlight with moments of adversity, such as the one that befell Wright Motorsports. Callum Ilott’s heartfelt expression of sadness, tempered by relief, captured the human element that endures beyond the results sheets. With Adelson cleared and the team already eyeing redemption at Sebring, the setback becomes another chapter in a season still full of promise.
