Reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Will Power has withdrawn from his first attempt at racing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, instead focusing on the recovery of his wife, Liz, from recent surgery.

Power was set to make his debut in the twice-around-the-clock endurance sports car race Jan. 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway with fellow American-based Australian Kenny Habul in the SunEnergy 1 Racing Team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3. Liz Power remains in the hospital after surgery this week.

Regular SunEnergy1 driver Luca Stolz will replace Power in the team’s lineup in the season-opening IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event, joining Fabian Schiller, Axcil Jeffries and Habul in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

“Liz has had a couple of complications after surgery this week and has a long recovery ahead of her,” Power said. “Obviously, her health is my priority, and unfortunately that means I have had to put Daytona on hold.

“I have to thank Kenny (Habul) for the opportunity and his total understanding of our situation and the support he has shown. I will be cheering them on from North Carolina, and hopefully we get another opportunity to do something together in the future.”

Said Habul: “In these situations, it really goes without saying, that family comes first. The first priority is Liz and her health, and we wish her the fastest recovery possible.

“Given our history racing against each other in Formula Ford in Australia all those years ago, it was going to be cool to drive with Will at Daytona, but I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities for us to team-up in the future.”