Originally a 1000km (6 hr race) won by two gentlemen with very European sounding names in a Porsche. But it wasn’t until 1962 when the recently departed Dan Gurney took the win in a Coventry-Climax powered Lotus 19 that the Rolex-24 morphed into something we all know and cherish today. For many, like any other big race: The 500, Indy or LeMans… the general consensus is “meh, I’ll stay home and watch it on TV — when I feel like it.” But for GTM’ers there’s a lot of car-related bucket list adventures we’d like to complete and going to the Rolex-24 is just one of them.
Due to some scheduling conflicts in the early days, it was decided that the Rolex-24 would always be the weekend before the Superbowl. Apparently we are not capable of keeping rapt attention to a 24 hr race and a 4 hr football game on the same weekend, but having the ProBowl on the same day, not a problem!
The Racing
Over the course of 4 days (if you’re hardcore like that), There were four races: two Ferrari Challenge *cough* demolition derbies (though, not nearly as crashy this time as in the past), the BMW Endurance (that only has 2 BMWs, and 3 MINI’s in a field of 40 cars) and the big 24 hour endurance race “The 24”: Prototype, GTLM and GTD classes making up a field of 50 cars.
“As for the race itself, I really really enjoyed it. I know for next time that I should try to arrive earlier on Friday to take advantage of the Rolex cars being in their garages. I was bummed that I didn’t get to see them all before they raced, but again this was my fault. I thought it was really neat having access to the garages during the race- we watched a car being fixed and then going back out.” — Erin K
“The overnight at the track was a great time. Watching the light show that was the cars running the course during the night was beautiful. It was a weird kind of peaceful.” — Chrissy C
“At first I was a little disappointed there wasn’t more drama and excitement but then I thought about how remarkable the race was in it’s own way that almost all of the cars survived. It was a testament to the durability of the drivers and the cars themselves. As a fan that was there watching live for the first time, it was a rough experience to stay up that long just to watch and experience it. I don’t even want to think about what the drivers and cars went through over the course of the entire race. After four 25 minute track day sessions my car and I are tired… this was just insanity!” — Brad N
The Experience
Since this was one of our Epic Adventures; figuring we may never return to the Rolex-24, many GTM’ers opted for the “VIP/24-Lounge” package giving us unfettered access to all of the track’s amenities. “the lounge experience which offered both the video presentation and outdoor seating, and delicious meals served by exceptional staff. The others had infield access and general admission which still looked to make for a fantastic experience. The accessibility to drivers and the garages was awesome.” — Chrissy C
“I purchased a suite package for myself. As someone who tends to over-think and worry about things, especially when they aren’t planned, it was worth the money to have a known place to go that was indoors and comfortable, regardless of the weather. Nice bathrooms were necessary for me, too.” — Erin K
“So far today at Daytona, I have been told ‘welcome back’ by the gate attendant, the suite attendant, the bartender, several of the wait staff, and had a long conversation with some random dude and a waiter in the lounge. Yes, I know I paid a lot to be here but Daytona’s staff has definitely been well above the bar if my expectations between yesterday and today.” — Mike C
“The infield was neat, but HUGE so bring comfortable walking shoes (unlike me…). The swag was okay, but I’m not really a swag person. I definitely recommend the Ferris wheel 🙂 And bring ear protection. It’s a must.” — Erin K
“After having gone to the F1 race in Austin, I finally had a professional level racing event to compare to. And I must say, the Rolex 24 delivered on more than F1 ever could. The full access we were afforded, the all you can eat food choices, the ferris wheel, the SWAG!. Plus, 24 hours of non-stop racing action as compared to a 90 minute yawn fest… who could ask for more?” — Brad N.
“I was able to enjoy the race from the excellent vantage point offered by the suites. I do wish they had more chairs right next to the windows that faced outside, though.” — Erin K
Our Roaming Reporter (Sam H)
Sam H if you know him, you know what’s up. If you don’t, he’s a warrior, a nomad and apparently with the right clothing he’s just dapper enough to get close to all sorts of celebs. It’s gotta be the shorts. #demlegs.
Sam was able to get selfies with all sorts of racing celebs; here are just a few. Can you name them? Sam can.
“Playing Where’s Waldo with Sam, it’s pretty damn entertaining… Where is he now Mikey?” — Eric M
The Antics
Our experience, much like that of being on a cruise ship was filled with food, drink and laughs. The long hours are trying, and you end up punchy and with jet-lag… even though you haven’t gone anywhere. “24 hrs feels like a week.” — Eric M
“Most dozed for a while, a few of us stuck it out through the night. Pretty sure nobody really documented those hours.” — Chrissy C — except maybe Doug T… LOL.
Until Next Time…
“While it’s possible some will attend again, the experience of being there could be considered a once in a lifetime opportunity. And made that much better by attending with the GTM family.” — Chrissy C
“While this race didn’t have many incidents, it was still very exciting, and I enjoyed myself a lot, especially hanging out with all the other GTMers. I’m not sure I’d go by myself, as the group atmosphere really made this a memorable experience.” — Erin K
“Without GTM, I probably never would have attended F1 or Rolex. I just never did things like that, I always went to more concerts than racing and sporting events. The idea of doing an Epic Adventure once a year has really got me excited to see what’s in store. What other events can I cross off my bucket list? And what other great experiences can I have with my GTM family? The future is bright for our merry band of misfits!” — Brad N
More photos from the Rolex-24 at Daytona are available on Shutterfly and with special thanks to member Ethan P for these action shots from the weekend.
… not pictured: Sam… he was still roaming around. Looking for Alonso, we think 😉
More photos available in the Vault!
