Corvette Racing’s Historic 2001 Rolex 24 Win

Ron Fellows was just trying to rest when history unfolded on a small motorhome television. It was the early hours of the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the race leader had just limped off the track. Moments later, program manager Doug Fehan told Fellows to suit up because they had a shot at the overall win. That scramble to the finish line did not just earn a trophy. It sparked a dominance that would define Corvette Racing for decades.

Building A Factory Foundation

The journey started two years prior, in 1999. General Motors finally put factory support behind the Corvette to prove its engineering against global rivals. They took the C5, with its stiff chassis and aluminum LS1 V8, and partnered with Pratt & Miller to build the C5-R. The team faced a harsh lesson in 2000 after losing a 24-hour battle by only 30 seconds. That heartbreak fueled a winter of obsessive preparation to ensure the cars were bulletproof for the next season.

Star Power At The 2001 Rolex 24

The team arrived at Daytona with a secret weapon in the No. 3 car. NASCAR icons Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the roster for their only race as teammates. While the media focused on the Earnhardts, the weather focused on making the race miserable. Rain poured down so heavily that water flooded the cockpits. Crew chief Bill DeLong actually had to use a hand drill to bore holes in the floorboards during pit stops just to drain the footwells.

Seizing The Moment

Despite the wet chaos, the Corvette C5-Rs remained fast and consistent. When the race leader failed mechanically, the No. 2 car, driven by Fellows, Johnny O’Connell, Chris Kneifel, and Franck Freon, took control. They held onto the lead to secure the first overall victory for Corvette Racing. The No. 3 car finished fourth overall, proving the result was no fluke. This win validated the program instantly, showing the world that American sports cars could outpace the European elite.

A Dynasty Born In Daytona

That victory triggered a chain reaction of success, leading to wins at Le Mans and multiple championships. It also solidified the link between the track and the street, where racing data directly improved production models. Today, the massive global fanbase for Corvette Racing can trace its roots back to that rainy morning at the 2001 Rolex 24.