Goodbye to the tranquility; Daytona Beach is ready to embrace the thrilling noise that defines our identity – the roar of fast cars. This uproar, aptly named the "Roar," is our signal that excitement is on the horizon, marking the start of a new year in auto racing.
The upcoming 62nd edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 27-28 kicks off the international racing season. But before the main event, there are three days of intense preparation as 59 teams fine-tune their vehicles for the 24-hour endurance classic. It's known as the "Roar Before the Rolex 24," as stated in the official literature and proudly displayed on Daytona International Speedway's T-shirts.
The Daytona race has undergone various name changes over the years, but its essence remains the same. The Rolex 24 is a testament to the enduring passion for speed, featuring modern equipment but fueled by an age-old desire to reach the finish line swiftly.
This premier event is sanctioned and organized by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), the sports-car counterpart of NASCAR based in Daytona Beach. IMSA's flagship series, the WeatherTech Championship, encompasses four car classes participating in the Rolex 24 and throughout the 2024 season. Additionally, IMSA oversees two "minor league" circuits – the Michelin Pilot Challenge and the VP Racing Challenge.
The Michelin Series gears up this weekend for its four-hour season opener next Friday, while the VP Series initiates its season with a pair of 45-minute races this weekend – one on Saturday and another on Sunday. The stage is set, and Daytona Beach is revving up for another thrilling chapter in the world of auto racing.