Will Power set for Daytona 24 debut three years after unfortunate withdrawal

Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power is set to make his debut at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona with a Mercedes-AMG customer team. The Australian driver will compete in the GTD Pro class for 75 Express, which is owned by his friend and compatriot, Kenny Habul.

Power was set to make his Rolex 24 debut in 2023, but had to withdraw from the event 10 days before, as his wife, Liz, had "a couple of complications after surgery" that week. He prioritized being by her side during that tough phase.

In 2026, Will Power will make his much-awaited debut at the season-opening IMSA race, piloting the No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO alongside Kenny Habul, Maro Engel, and 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert. The IndyCar veteran drove for the team in the Intercontinental GT Challenge event for GT3 sports cars, the Indy 8-Hour, at the IMS in October.

That race marked his return to Sports Car racing after over two decades. The last endurance event Power participated in was the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour in a Porsche 996.

Will Power greets fans at the IndyCar Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250 - Source: Getty

75 Express' team effort at the Indy 8-Hour weekend led to a P6 result, which gave Habul his fifth Intercontinental GT Challenge Independent Cup crown. Will Power spoke about that special return to endurance racing, saying (via Speedcafe):

"I loved it. I wish I had more time in the car. If it wasn’t for the rain, I would have had a few more stints. I thought it was fantastic racing. It was really cool to learn a different discipline. It’s definitely a different way to drive, and these guys taught me a ton. I’m looking forward to coming back if Kenny would have me. I would definitely do more of this stuff."

Habul indeed had Power back with 75 Express in November during the three-day IMSA-sanctioned test at the Daytona International Speedway, which seemingly paved the way for the 2026 Rolex 24 decision.

Will Power's first impression of Daytona after IMSA test with 75 Express

The No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 of 75 Express at the IMSA Daytona Test - Source: Getty

Will Power tested the No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 during the three-day IMSA-sanctioned test at the Daytona International Speedway from November 14 to 16. For the two-time IndyCar champion, leaving Team Penske for Andretti Global after the 2025 season seemed to bring some flexibility to his offseason schedule.

Power, who in September had expressed fear about potential injury scares at Daytona, had to adapt his driving style to that of the GT car, which he found exciting. The test made him feel ready to make his Rolex 24 at Daytona debut next year.

"I like the GT car," the 2018 Indy 500 winner said. "It’s a new driving style. It’s not the most crazy track, as far as technicality, but it’s an epic race, it’s cool. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time… so that’s why I’m doing it. Yeah, I’m gonna do it. That’s the plan."

Will Power also spoke about his camaraderie with Kenny Habul, adding:

"Kenny and I have known each other for 25-plus years. "We raced against each other back in ’99 in Formula Ford. I think there’s a picture of us on the podium at the Gold Coast Indy race. We’ve been meaning to do this for a long time."

On the IndyCar front, Power ended a 17-year partnership with Team Penske this year over contractual disagreements. He will replace Colton Herta in the No. 26 Andretti Global Honda from 2026 on a multi-year contract.