Rolex 24: After three hours, Ganassi still in control

We've already had a number of cars go to the garage, three hours into the race.

Daytona Beach, Fla - The No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche was handed a three minute and 34 second time penalty for an improper pass around.

Attrition was high in the second hour with the No. 31 DP going into the garage with engine issues, later followed by the No. 97 Turner BMW, which is suffering from a gearbox problem. The BMW returned to the track, only to be sent back into the garage soon after.

Second full-course caution

As the second full-course caution flew, a lot happened at once. The No. 52 PC Oreca dropped fluid and pulled off the track. The No. 81 GTD Porsche then spun, damaging the left rear and taking out some signage. As the field slowed, the DeltaWing pulled up alongside the stopped PC car and joined it with gearbox gremlins once again biting that team after a strong start.

The DeltaWing is now out of the race and more on its issues can be seen HERE.

While running tenth, the No. 2 ESM slowed and limped back to the pits, retiring from the race. The Corvettes surprised as they started battling for the lead, making slight contact in the first corner, costing them their 1-2 running order. Later, the No. 911 Porsche of Tandy blew the backstretch chicane while battling with the Corvettes.

Into the third hour

In the third hour, there were a number of minor spins and incidents. Among the casualties was the AMR No. 98, which spun and suffered a failure in the driveline as he tried to get the Aston back going. The once-leading No. 16 'Spongebob' PC spun, but received no damage.

The No. 07 Mazda prototype was smoking with an apparent fuel line issue, which has since been resolved. The No. 93 GTD Viper and No. 25 GTLM BMW suffered rear tire failures, and Bill Auberlen was furious with Nick Tandy, who caused the puncture. You can see what he had to say HERE.

Wayne Taylor Racing was forced to reset the electronics, which now has the Corvette DP running full song once again. The pole-sitting Michael Shank Racing Ligier has fallen back, which Ozz Negri says are due to refueling issues causing slow pit stops. As the hour ended, a GTD Porsche was trying to rejoin after a spin and forced the class leading Viper off the track.

So far, the No.2 ESM entry and the DeltaWing are the only retirements.