Photo credit: Porsche
Nick Tandy, a factory driver for Porsche, achieved a significant milestone in endurance racing on January 26 of this year by winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona. This victory allowed him to complete what is referred to as the “Grand Slam” of endurance racing, a unique accomplishment that includes overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the GT3 endurance classic at Spa-Francorchamps, in addition to Daytona. Tandy’s career has been marked by these notable victories, making him the first driver to achieve this particular set of wins.
Following his success at Daytona, Tandy reflected on the emotional impact of this accomplishment, stating, “To be the first human being ever to achieve something like this in the world – it’s absolutely incredible, almost incomprehensible.” He expressed a mixture of joy and relief after the race, emphasizing the hard work of his team in preparing for the event. Tandy has previously won at Le Mans in 2015, followed by victories at the Nürburgring and Spa in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
Tandy’s motivation to pursue a win at Daytona was evident when he joined the new Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 program. He noted, “When Porsche Penske Motorsport set up the new 963 program, I immediately raised my hand and said: ‘I want to race in North America!’” His goal to achieve the “Grand Slam” has been a driving force since 2020, and although he did not publicly discuss this ambition, it remained a focus for him.
Photo credit: Porsche
A notable aspect of Tandy’s journey is his competitive relationship with fellow driver Earl Bamber. Both drivers needed a win at Daytona to complete their own set of endurance victories, leading to a friendly rivalry between them.
Tandy’s history in endurance racing includes significant events such as the 2015 Le Mans victory alongside Bamber and Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg. The team entered the race with high expectations and ultimately delivered a strong performance. Tandy has also faced challenges in other races, such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where he acknowledged the difficulty of winning due to the number of competitive cars on the track.
His victory at Spa in 2020 presented its own set of challenges, with Tandy and his team navigating adverse weather conditions and strategic decisions to secure their win. Tandy’s experiences highlight the complexities and demands of endurance racing, showcasing his resilience and determination as a driver.