DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Max Angelelli’s final stint Sunday morning, as the 55th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona began to wind down, was like a look back to the early days for the 50-year-old Italian.
And he fully lived up to his nickname, Max ‘The Axe’, as he chopped seconds out of his competition’s advantage and ultimately headed the field one final time at the track that he says “helped to make” his career.
In one of the most impressive stints of his career, Angelelli handed off the No. 10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R to co-driver Jordan Taylor with just over four hours remaining, after a mammoth drive that saw him charge past Joao Barbosa and into the overall lead, then survive a spin before ducking down pit road and climbing out of the driver’s seat for the last time.
Angelelli also holds the fastest lap of the race for the Wayne Taylor Racing squad, with a time of 1:36.394, set on the 164th trip around the 3.564-mile road course — just before the end of the race’s first quarter.
Though time still remains on the clock, Angelelli is looking for his 28th career North American sports car victory and second overall Rolex 24 title, following a win in the twice-around-the-clock event in 2005 en route to his first championship.
“This is it,”Angelelli said to FOX Sports’ Jamie Little after climbing from the car. “I’m done. I’m finished. I enjoyed (my career). I’ve had many, many wins. I’ve had a great time with Wayne (Taylor), all the way from 1999 until today … and the kids (Jordan and Ricky). What (more) can I ask for? I’m accomplished. I’m happy.”
With a handful of hours to go, Angelelli said Sunday morning that above all else, he just doesn’t want to be a bridesmaid one more time.
“Hopefully, hopefully we can win … I just don’t want to finish second for the eighth time. I hope that’s not going to happen.”
Then, the Italian turned his focus (and thanks) to the Taylor family for giving him nearly 20 years of fun, memories and laughter. He also paid a nod to both Ricky and Jordan, who he said have a hidden secret to their success.
“I’m proud of them,” Angelelli said of the younger boys. “I’m proud of the family … Shelly and Wayne, obviously they have the biggest role in (the team’s success), but Jordan and Ricky are such great kids. They listen and they’re very humble … that’s the difference. They’re very humble. They have talent and they’re humble.”
Is he prepared to wait around for the finish as a spectator?
“I’ll let you know (what it feels like to stand and wait for the finish),” Angelelli laughed. “I have no idea. I’ll think in a little bit and I’ll let you know tomorrow,” he added.
But at the end of the day, his goal entering the race weekend was simple.
“I just wanted to have the best race of my life,” Angelelli said. “I think I did pretty well.”
We’d say: mission accomplished.
Congratulations to Max Angelelli on a stellar North American sports car career. Race Chaser Online will have continuing coverage of the conclusion of the Rolex 24 following the checkered flag at 2:30 p.m. ET.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: editor@racechaseronline.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
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