Rolex 24 at Daytona: 26th - 30th January 2012
2012 is the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and who better to be Grand Marshall then AJ Foyt. As the only race car driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500 (four times), Daytona 500 (1972), Rolex 24 At Daytona, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1967), Foyt was named co-Driver of the Century by the Associated Press and one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.
With a star studded line up, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is a racing fans nirvana. It must also have the same appeal to the driver’s too, as Hurley Haywood, who retired at the 2010 event, just couldn’t stay away and ended up in the Porsche GT3 for Brumos Racing this year. The Rolex 24 at Daytona is fast becoming a magnet for British drivers as well. Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle took a seat in the United Autosports Ford Riley and came a very respectable 4th, whilst Scotland can bask in the glory of the ever successful Dario Franchitti who once again graced the victory lane with a win for Chip Ganassi racing.
The entry list for this event is a ‘who’s who’ of successful drivers in their own field and with Daytona Prototypes and GT class entrants there is definitely something for everyone here, making the autograph signing session very popular. And with relatively small numbers attending the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the access to the garages and pits means that fans can enjoy being part of the event and drivers can focus on their goal in a relaxed environment - almost unheard of in motor racing these days. Being a speedway, you are never far from the track and with almost uninterrupted views from the 250,000 grandstand seats, great activities, clean facilities and garage access you really are constantly in the heart of the racing action.
In addition to the new wave of British drivers there is the continuing opportunity for the Suncoco Challenge winner to gain a seat in a Daytona Protototype – the opportunity of a lifetime! The 2011 Challenge was won by Ross Kaiser, who just snatched victory over Red Bull sponsored British F3 driver Jean-Eric Vergne. Kaiser raced with the Doran Racing team in their No.77 Office Depot Ford Dallara however unfortunately the car had to retire in the 13th hour due to two major race incidents.
Following the success of the Sunoco Rolex 24 at Daytona Challenge, 2012 will also be the launch of the Sunoco GRAND-AM 200 Challenge, which will give more racers the opportunity to race at Daytona. The ultimate prize is a race-seat in the Continental Series GS class in the GRAND-AM 200 race at the same race weekend as the Rolex 24. The points are awarded exactly as per the Sunoco Daytona Challenge meaning that the racer gets points for pole position, fastest lap and race result. Series’ that are eligible for the Sunoco GRAND-AM 200 Challenge are: Britcar Production GTN, Legend 600, Mini Challenge, MSV F3 Cup, GT Cup and the Dunlop Production Touring Car Trophy.
So, with beautiful Florida sunshine, American hospitality and amazing racing can you think of a reason not to go?
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