Daytona Pre-Race Insights – Sportscar365
The 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona is set to be a thrilling race, reflecting a significant buildup in interest and participation in endurance racing. IMSA President John Doonan recently addressed the media, highlighting the growing momentum surrounding the event and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
IMSA President’s Insights
Doonan commended the effective marketing efforts by Daytona International Speedway, led by President Frank Kelleher. He stated, “Sports car racing is at its best moment in history, and we want to keep that going.”
Historic HSR IMSA Classic Race
The weekend also featured a notable HSR IMSA Classic race. Jim Matthews triumphed, driving the 1996 Rolex 24 winning Riley & Scott Mk. III Oldsmobile. He finished nearly nine seconds ahead of Ford’s CEO Jim Farley, who raced a 2002 Riley & Scott Mk IIIC Ford.
Pre-Race Bulletins and Updates
- IMSA issued a bulletin regarding the LMP2 cars, instructing teams to disconnect their leader light systems due to reliability issues.
- Roger Penske acknowledged that a lack of experience with the Porsche 963 influenced driver selections for this weekend.
- Team Penske aims for a third consecutive victory at the Rolex 24.
Competitor Insights
Penske also mentioned the team’s decision against using a throwback livery for the event, opting instead to focus on winning. With 198 starts and 50 wins in Porsche machinery, the team is keen on maintaining its successful history.
Post-Race Vehicle Inspections
IMSA plans to impound the top-four finishing cars from both the GTP and GTD Pro classes for thorough inspections. This measure ensures compliance with technical regulations, emphasizing the importance of safety and fairness in racing.
Drivers’ Expectations
Driver Laurens Vanthoor, who has shifted to the IMSA GTP ranks with Porsche, expects to compete in a similar number of races as last year. He boasted a win rate of 38 percent, claiming six victories from 16 starts.
Partnerships and Technological Innovations
- Sentronics Limited announced a multi-year partnership with IMSA, becoming a Proud Technology Supplier.
- IMSA expanded its collaboration with BDO USA as its Official Digital Transformation Partner.
Tradition and Milestones
Corvette Racing has achieved over 74,000 racing miles at Daytona since debuting in 1999, equating to approximately 3,218 trips across the length of Daytona Beach. This season also marks Ford’s 125th anniversary in racing and the 60th anniversary of its first Daytona victory.
Broadcast Coverage
The Rolex 24 will be broadcast live on NBC Sports, with coverage beginning at 1:30 PM ET. Comprehensive race coverage will also be available on Peacock.
With a rich history and competitive spirit, the Rolex 24 at Daytona continues to exemplify the excitement of endurance racing, drawing enthusiasts and competitors alike to celebrate its legacy.
