Devlin DeFrancesco’s dog Lucky dies hours before 24 Hours of Daytona
Devlin DeFrancesco is mourning the loss of his dog Lucky after the golden retriever died at the 24 Hours of Daytona in Florida.
The Canadian and his partner Katie had only brought the puppy home in September.
Lucky travelled with DeFrancesco to the first major event of the 2024 season and was staying in the driver’s motorhome at the track.
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The golden retriever was run over and died in a tragic turn of events the night before the race began.
“Rest in peace Lucky. You’ll always have a special place in my heart,” wrote DeFrancesco, an LMP2 class champion at the 2022 race.
His partner Katie mourned the loss.
“Words will never describe the pain of losing our baby last night,” Katie wrote.
“Thank you for the best five months we could have ever dreamed of.
“We love you forever Lucky.”
DeFrancesco’s father Andy said: “Lucky was the most incredible lovable puppy. My heart is broken for Devlin and Katie.”
The grieving DeFrancesco remained part of the race with the support of his team Forte Racing.
The No.78 Lamborghini suffered damage in a crash early in the race but was repaired and sent back out.
The 24 Hours of Daytona is the opening race of the global motorsport season, with drivers from around the world competing across five classes.
Australia is represented by the likes of Matt Campbell, Scott McLaughlin and Kenny Habul, while New Zealanders Scott Dixon, Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber are also taking part.
Campbell made a pass for the overall lead of the race after sunset with 18 hours left on the clock.
The 24 Hours of Daytona is also being used to film scenes for Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One movie but security around the Hollywood superstar has caused some disruption.
“Must be ‘cause Brad Pitt is here but it’s aggressive when they won’t let you in the bus (motorhome) lot with your race suit on because you don’t have your hard card,” McLaughlin wrote. “Do I need to show that when I’m doing a driver change also?”
Some drivers competing at Daytona will fly to Australia to race in the Bathurst 12 Hour on February 18.
