Audi R8 GRAND-AM

The Audi R8 GRAND-AM represented Rum Bum Racing’s ambitious step up to the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, partnering with Audi Sport customer racing for a memorable debut.

The Rolex 24 Dream

Fresh off their 2012 Continental Tire championship, Rum Bum Racing set their sights higher—competing in the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GT class. The team partnered with Audi Sport customer racing and secured an incredible driver lineup.

All-Star Driver Lineup

The No. 13 Rum Bum Racing Audi R8 featured a world-class roster:

• Matt Plumb - Team Manager & Driver
• Frank Biela - Audi Sport legend, 5x Le Mans winner
• Christopher Haase - Audi Sport factory driver
• Markus Winkelhock - GT1 World Champion, ex-DTM driver

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 5.2-liter V10
• Power: 500+ horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed sequential
• Class: GT

Race Weekend

Markus Winkelhock qualified the car 16th. Throughout the 24-hour race, the Rum Bum Audi ran at the front of the GT field, participating in what became an Audi 1-2-3 battle during the evening hours.

Heartbreak at the Finish

In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Rolex 24 history, Audi held a 1-2-3 going into the final lap. Tragically, the Rum Bum Racing Audi ran out of fuel on the last lap—just “a coffee mug short” of a podium finish in their debut.

The team finished 15th overall and 7th in class, but the performance demonstrated Rum Bum Racing could compete at the highest level of sports car racing.

Legacy

While the result was heartbreaking, the 2013 Rolex 24 showed Rum Bum Racing’s ambition and capability. Competing alongside Audi Sport legends validated the team’s professionalism and opened doors for future opportunities.

“We proved we could run with the best in the world. The result didn’t show it, but we belonged there.” — Matt Plumb