17-year-old Colin Braun wins Grand Am race

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --Colin Braun became the youngest winner in Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series history Thursday night, taking the checkered flag at Daytona International Speedway.

The 17-year-old driver from Ovalo, Texas, teamed with Jorg Bergmeister of Germany to win the Daytona Prototype category in the Brumos Porsche 250.

Braun had been at the center of an age-based legal battle earlier this month regarding a Grand Am race at Watkins Glen International. At issue was the contract between the Indy Racing League and Watkins Glen. The agreement prohibits competitors under 18 from participating in any on-track activities at the same racing facility on the same weekend the IRL is also competing.

Braun, who will turn 18 on Sept. 22, was not allowed to compete at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March for the same reason.

The rule stems from the 1998 master agreement with the tobacco companies, and cigarette maker Philip Morris is one of the race's sponsors.

Krohn Racing officials argued that Philip Morris should be dropped as a corporate sponsor rather than ban Braun. Krohn sued the track and related entities, claiming it was unfair to bar Braun from participating. A state court in Texas ruled that Braun could compete at Watkins Glen, and a settlement was reached the following day although Braun skipped the race.

Braun and Bergmeister needed only one pit stop in the 70-lap road course race. They edged Mike Rockenfeller and Patrick Long, who pitted twice.

The team of Marc Bunting and Andy Lally won the grand touring division.