Rolex Hour 23: Derani in control (Update)

UPDATE Just as the update below was posted, Pipo Derani began to report an unexpected sound which he thought might be a gearbox issue. The team is currently trying to resolve whatever issue there may by studying the telemetry. However, Jordan Taylor has begun to close the gap ever so slightly and is 6.8s behind Derani.

Brian C. reporting for AutoRacing1

Pipo Derani has been the star of this year's Rolex 24

01/31/16 Brian C. here writing with about 70 minutes remaining in the 54th Rolex 24 at Daytona.

A few minutes before 1 p.m., the #2 Ligier JS P2 Honda driven by Pipo Derani blew past the Ricky Taylor in the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Corvette DP to take the lead. And ever since, the 22-year-old Brazilian has been pulling away at a pace of about 1.3-1.7 seconds per lap. IndyCar star Ryan Hunter-Reay sits third in the #90 VisitFlorida Racing Corvette DP.

With a lead of nearly 10 seconds, Derani and the Tequila Patron ESM team look to be in control.

American muscle still reigns supreme in the GTLM class, as the #3 Corvette Racing entry piloted by Antonio Garcia continues to lead. And with the top-3 cars mere seconds apart, we're looking at a close finish in GTD. Currently, Rene Rast has the #44 Magnus Racing Audi at the front of the field.

And as has been the case throughout the race, the #85 JDC Miller Motorsport entry continues to lead in Prototype Challenge.

HOUR 23 Standings