United Rentals Powers Rolex 24 with Parallel POWRBANK XPRO Plus Systems

United Rentals partnered with POWR2 to deploy two POWRBANK XPRO Plus battery energy storage systems (BESS) running in parallel to support essential race engineering operations during on-track time trials and the full Rolex 24 at Daytona. Paired with a single 100 kW generator, the hybrid system reduced fuel consumption, minimized generator runtime, cut emissions, and delivered uninterrupted power to race engineering teams operating around the clock.

Over a 10-day period, the parallel XPRO Plus configuration saved $2,239 in fuel costs, 560 gallons of diesel fuel, avoided over 12,600 pounds of CO2 emissions, and delivered 14,700 kilowatt hours of power. Generator runtime was cut by 66%, providing quieter, more efficient power in one of motorsport’s most demanding environments.

Challenge: Reliable Power for Race Teams with Variable Loads

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the most rigorous endurance races in motorsports, requiring continuous engineering support throughout the event. Race teams operate from mobile engineering trailers that serve as command centers, processing real-time telemetry from cars on track, including tire pressure, engine performance, suspension data, and system diagnostics.

These trailers must remain online without interruption. Any power outage risks lost data, delayed decisions, or compromised race strategy. Traditionally, this type of operation relies on diesel generators running 24/7 to ensure uptime, even when loads are relatively low or fluctuate throughout the day.

At Daytona, the engineering trailers experienced variable demand driven by:

• Computing and communications equipment operating continuously
• HVAC loads influenced by changing Florida temperatures
• Periodic load spikes tied to testing sessions and live race activity

While peak loads could reach over 100 kW, average demand hovered in the 30–50 kW range – well below generator capacity. Running a generator at just 30–50% of its rated capacity leads to inefficient fuel use, excessive noise, unnecessary emissions, and increased equipment wear. At the same time, event organizers and partners were actively exploring ways to reduce the environmental footprint of race operations without compromising reliability.

Solution: A Hybrid Setup with Two POWRBANK XPRO Plus Units Running in Parallel 

To meet these requirements, United Rentals and POWR2 delivered a hybrid power system centered on two POWRBANK XPRO Plus units operating in parallel, supported by a single 100 kW diesel generator.

The system was engineered so that:

• The POWRBANK units supplied the majority of site power directly from stored energy
• The generator ran only when needed to recharge the batteries, while always prioritizing active site load
• Generator operation occurred at higher, more efficient load levels rather than idling continuously set in the ADVANTAGE portal

The parallel configuration provided approximately 200 kWh of total battery capacity, enabling the system to absorb load fluctuations and maintain stable output across multiple engineering trailers.

Stephen Whitcomb, Team Lead, Technical Support at POWR2, explained the setup:

Operating Profile and Load Characteristics

The system operated from January 16 through January 25, 2026, covering on-track time trials and the full Rolex 24 race.

During the reporting period, ambient temperatures were relatively mild, keeping HVAC demand moderate. However, the system was designed to handle increased heating or cooling loads without disruption.

This variability highlights one of the key advantages of battery-backed power: the ability to decouple generator operation from real-time load swings.

Operational Advantages of Parallel XPRO Plus Deployment

Deploying POWRBANK XPRO Plus systems in parallel delivered immediate and measurable benefits beyond fuel savings alone.

Quieter Working Environment

Battery-powered operation dramatically reduced noise levels around the engineering trailers, improving working conditions for teams analyzing data and communicating in real time. Reduced noise is especially valuable in environments where focus and communication are critical.

Improved Generator Efficiency and Asset Life

By operating only when needed and at higher, more efficient output levels, the generator avoided prolonged low-load operation. This reduces engine wear, extends maintenance intervals, and improves overall asset utilization.

Environmental Impact Reduction

Motorsports events are increasingly evaluating ways to reduce emissions from support infrastructure. Hybrid power allowed this deployment to meaningfully lower emissions without affecting performance.

Quantifiable Results Over 10 Days

Data from ADVANTAGE, POWR2’s energy control system, confirms the impact of the hybrid system across the reporting period.

	GENERATOR ONLY	GENERATOR + POWRBANK BESS	HYBRID IMPACT
FUEL COST	$3,600	$1,360	$2,239 FUEL COST SAVINGS
FUEL USED	904GAL.	344GAL.	560GAL. FUEL SAVED
GENERATOR RUNTIME	24HRS./DAY	8HRS./DAY	66%REDUCTION GENERATOR RUNTIME
CO2 EMISSIONS	20,000LBS.	7,400LBS.	12,600LBS. CO2 AVOIDED

For decades, the generator has been the workhorse and the battery the backup. At the Rolex 24, that relationship was reversed, without sacrificing a second of uptime.

Broader Impact

At the Rolex 24, United Rentals was the only provider on site deploying battery energy storage, setting a new benchmark for temporary power at live events. Proof that hybrid battery power delivers when uptime is non-negotiable.

For United Rentals, the project validates mobile BESS as a scalable, repeatable offering: major sporting events, temporary infrastructure, and any application where reliability and efficiency can’t be traded off against each other. It also strengthens both companies’ position as leaders in cleaner, smarter temporary power.

Conclusion

In 10 days at the Rolex 24, United Rentals and POWR2 kept essential race engineering operations running without interruption, delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient power than the traditional approach.

Temporary power doesn’t have to mean fuel-heavy and loud. With the right system, it can be efficient, precise, and built for what’s next.