The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a grueling 24-hour endurance race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, United States. It is one of the most prestigious races in the world of sports car racing, and attracts some of the best drivers and teams from around the globe.

The 2024 edition of the Rolex 24 is set to take place on January 26-27, and the entry list has been released. A total of 61 cars are expected to compete in the race, divided into five classes: Daytona Prototype International (DPi), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD).

The DPi class is the top class in the Rolex 24, and it features some of the most advanced and powerful race cars in the world. The LMP2 class is a step below DPi, but it still features some very competitive cars. The LMP3 class is a new class for 2024, and it is designed for smaller and more affordable cars. The GTD Pro class is for professional drivers, while the GTD class is for amateur drivers.

Rolex 24 2024 Entry List

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is set to take place on January 26-27, 2024, with a total of 61 cars expected to compete.

• 61 cars entered
• 5 classes: DPi, LMP2, LMP3, GTD Pro, GTD
• 24-hour endurance race
• Daytona International Speedway
• January 26-27, 2024
• Top drivers and teams
• Prestigious race
• New LMP3 class
• GTD Pro for professionals, GTD for amateurs

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the most challenging and prestigious races in the world of sports car racing. With a field of 61 cars and some of the best drivers and teams competing, the 2024 edition is sure to be an exciting event.

61 cars entered

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the most popular endurance races in the world, and the 2024 edition has attracted a total of 61 entries. This is a slight increase from the 2023 race, which had 59 entries.

• Strong field:

  The 2024 entry list features some of the best drivers and teams in the world of sports car racing. This includes defending race winners Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian, as well as top teams like Chip Ganassi Racing, Action Express Racing, and JDC-Miller MotorSports.

• Diverse field:

  The 61 cars entered in the 2024 Rolex 24 represent a wide range of manufacturers and teams. This includes major manufacturers like Acura, Porsche, BMW, and Lamborghini, as well as smaller teams running cars from Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin.

• New LMP3 class:

  One of the most notable changes to the 2024 Rolex 24 is the addition of the LMP3 class. This new class is designed for smaller and more affordable cars, and it has attracted a number of new teams to the race.

• Full grid:

  The 61 cars entered in the 2024 Rolex 24 will fill the grid at Daytona International Speedway. This means that there will be plenty of close racing and excitement throughout the 24-hour race.

The strong and diverse field of 61 cars entered in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is sure to provide plenty of excitement for fans. With some of the best drivers and teams in the world competing, the race is sure to be one of the most memorable in recent history.

5 classes: DPi, LMP2, LMP3, GTD Pro, GTD

The 61 cars entered in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona are divided into five classes: Daytona Prototype International (DPi), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD).

• DPi:

  The Daytona Prototype International class is the top class in the Rolex 24. These cars are the most powerful and fastest on the track, and they are typically driven by professional drivers. Some of the top teams in the DPi class include Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Action Express Racing.

• LMP2:

  The Le Mans Prototype 2 class is a step below DPi in terms of speed and performance. However, LMP2 cars are still very competitive, and they often challenge for the overall win at the Rolex 24. Some of the top teams in the LMP2 class include PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports, Era Motorsport, and United Autosports.

• LMP3:

  The Le Mans Prototype 3 class is a new class for the 2024 Rolex 24. These cars are smaller and more affordable than DPi and LMP2 cars, and they are designed to make the race more accessible to new teams and drivers. The LMP3 class is expected to be very competitive, with a number of strong teams entered.

• GTD Pro:

  The GT Daytona Pro class is for professional drivers racing GT cars. These cars are based on production models, but they have been modified for racing. Some of the top teams in the GTD Pro class include Pfaff Motorsports, Corvette Racing, and BMW Team RLL.

• GTD:

  The GT Daytona class is for amateur drivers racing GT cars. These cars are also based on production models, but they are less modified than the cars in the GTD Pro class. The GTD class is typically very competitive, with a number of different teams capable of winning.

The five classes in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona provide a wide range of cars and teams to compete against each other. This makes for an exciting and unpredictable race, with something for every fan to enjoy.

24-hour endurance race

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a grueling 24-hour endurance race that tests the limits of both drivers and machines. The race is held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, United States, and it is one of the most prestigious races in the world of sports car racing.

The 24-hour format of the race means that teams must carefully manage their cars, drivers, and fuel stops in order to be successful. Drivers typically take turns driving the car in stints of two to four hours, and the team must also make pit stops to refuel and change tires. The race is often decided by just a few seconds, and it is not uncommon for the lead to change hands multiple times throughout the 24 hours.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a true test of endurance and teamwork. The teams that are able to stay focused and make the fewest mistakes are the ones that typically come out on top. The race is also a great spectacle for fans, with plenty of close racing and excitement throughout the 24 hours.

Here are some of the challenges that teams face during the Rolex 24 at Daytona:

• The length of the race: The 24-hour format of the race is a grueling test of endurance for both drivers and cars.
• The heat and humidity: The race is held in Florida in January, which means that the drivers and teams must contend with high temperatures and humidity.
• The traffic: With 61 cars on the track at the same time, traffic can be a major challenge for drivers. This is especially true during the night, when visibility is reduced.
• The mechanical challenges: The cars in the Rolex 24 are pushed to their limits, and mechanical problems are common. Teams must be prepared to deal with these problems quickly and efficiently in order to stay in the race.

Despite the challenges, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is a race that teams and drivers love to compete in. It is a true test of endurance and teamwork, and it is one of the most prestigious races in the world of sports car racing.

Daytona International Speedway

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is held at the Daytona International Speedway, a world-famous racing facility located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The speedway is known for its high-banked turns and long straightaways, which make it a challenging and exciting track for drivers.

• High-banked turns:

  The Daytona International Speedway’s most distinctive feature is its high-banked turns. The turns are banked at 31 degrees, which allows drivers to carry more speed through the corners. This makes for exciting racing, as drivers can often run side-by-side through the turns.

• Long straightaways:

  The Daytona International Speedway also features two long straightaways, which provide drivers with opportunities to reach top speeds. The front straightaway is 3,560 feet long, while the back straightaway is 3,031 feet long. These long straightaways allow drivers to make up time if they fall behind, or to pull away from their competitors if they are in the lead.

• History:

  The Daytona International Speedway has a long and storied history. The speedway was built in 1959, and it has hosted some of the most iconic races in history, including the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The speedway is also home to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

• Capacity:

  The Daytona International Speedway can accommodate over 100,000 spectators. The speedway’s grandstands are located on the front straightaway and the back straightaway, and there are also a number of infield viewing areas. The speedway also has a number of amenities for fans, including a midway, a food court, and a gift shop.

The Daytona International Speedway is a world-class racing facility that provides a challenging and exciting venue for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The speedway’s high-banked turns, long straightaways, and rich history make it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.

January 26-27, 2024

The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be held on January 26-27, 2024. This is the traditional date for the race, and it falls on the last weekend of January, as it has for many years.

• Season opener:

  The Rolex 24 at Daytona is the opening round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This means that it is the first race of the year for many of the teams and drivers competing in the series. The race is also a great opportunity for teams to test their new cars and drivers before the rest of the season gets underway.

• Daytona 500 weekend:

  The Rolex 24 at Daytona is held on the same weekend as the Daytona 500, the biggest race in NASCAR. This makes it a very popular weekend for racing fans, as they can see two major races at one of the most famous race tracks in the world.

• Weather:

  The weather in Daytona Beach in January is typically mild, with average temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and it is not uncommon for rain or even cold weather to affect the race. This can make the race even more challenging for drivers and teams.

• Large crowd:

  The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the most popular races in the world, and it typically draws a large crowd. In recent years, the race has attracted over 100,000 spectators. This makes it a great opportunity for fans to see some of the best drivers and teams in the world compete in a thrilling 24-hour race.

The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is shaping up to be an exciting race. With a strong field of cars and drivers, and the added challenge of the unpredictable Daytona weather, the race is sure to be one that fans will remember for years to come.

Top drivers and teams

The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona has attracted a number of top drivers and teams from around the world. This includes defending race winners Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian, as well as other top teams like Chip Ganassi Racing, Action Express Racing, and JDC-Miller MotorSports.

Some of the top drivers entered in the race include:

• Tom Blomqvist: The reigning Rolex 24 champion and one of the most promising young drivers in sports car racing.
• Helio Castroneves: A four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and one of the most experienced drivers in the Rolex 24.
• Simon Pagenaud: A former IndyCar champion and one of the top drivers in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
• Earl Bamber: A two-time Le Mans winner and one of the most successful drivers in endurance racing.
• Ricky Taylor: A three-time Rolex 24 winner and one of the most successful drivers in IMSA history.

These are just a few of the top drivers and teams that will be competing in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona. With such a strong field of competitors, the race is sure to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent history.

Here are some of the storylines to watch for in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona:

• Can Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian defend their title? The team won the race in 2023 with drivers Tom Blomqvist, Oliver Jarvis, and Simon Pagenaud. They will be back in 2024 with a strong lineup of drivers, including Blomqvist and Pagenaud.
• Will Chip Ganassi Racing finally win the Rolex 24? The team has been one of the most successful in IMSA history, but they have never won the Rolex 24. They will be looking to change that in 2024 with a strong lineup of drivers, including Earl Bamber and Kevin Magnussen.
• Can Action Express Racing return to the top step of the podium? The team won the Rolex 24 in 2014 and 2015, but they have not won the race since then. They will be looking to get back to victory lane in 2024 with a strong lineup of drivers, including Felipe Nasr and Pipo Derani.

The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is sure to be an exciting race with a number of top drivers and teams competing for the win. Fans can expect plenty of close racing and drama throughout the 24-hour event.

Prestigious race

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the most prestigious races in the world of sports car racing. It is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of endurance racing” and it attracts some of the best drivers and teams from around the globe.

• Long history:

  The Rolex 24 at Daytona has a long and storied history. The race was first held in 1962, and it has been held every year since then. The race has been won by some of the biggest names in motorsports, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, and Juan Pablo Montoya.

• Challenging race:

  The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a grueling 24-hour endurance race that tests the limits of both drivers and machines. The race is held on the Daytona International Speedway, which is a high-banked oval track. The drivers must complete 24 hours of racing, which means that they must be able to stay focused and make quick decisions for the entire race.

• Prestigious prize:

  The winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona is awarded a prestigious Rolex watch. The watch is a symbol of excellence and achievement, and it is a highly coveted prize among drivers and teams.

• Global audience:

  The Rolex 24 at Daytona is broadcast to a global audience of millions of people. The race is one of the most popular sports car races in the world, and it attracts fans from all over the globe.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a prestigious race that attracts some of the best drivers and teams in the world. The race is a grueling 24-hour endurance event that tests the limits of both drivers and machines. The winner of the race is awarded a prestigious Rolex watch, and the race is broadcast to a global audience of millions of people.

New LMP3 class

One of the most notable changes to the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is the addition of the LMP3 class. This new class is designed for smaller and more affordable cars, and it has attracted a number of new teams to the race.

• Less expensive:

  LMP3 cars are significantly less expensive than cars in the other classes at the Rolex 24. This makes the LMP3 class more accessible to new teams and drivers who may not have the budget to compete in the other classes.

• More competitive racing:

  The LMP3 class is expected to be very competitive, with a number of strong teams and drivers entered. This should make for some exciting racing throughout the 24-hour event.

• New teams and drivers:

  The addition of the LMP3 class has attracted a number of new teams and drivers to the Rolex 24. This is a great opportunity for these teams and drivers to gain experience in endurance racing and to compete against some of the best drivers and teams in the world.

• More diverse field:

  The addition of the LMP3 class has made the Rolex 24 field more diverse. This is a positive development, as it makes the race more interesting for fans and it also gives more teams and drivers the opportunity to compete.

The addition of the LMP3 class is a welcome change to the Rolex 24 at Daytona. This new class is expected to make the race more competitive and exciting, and it also provides an opportunity for new teams and drivers to compete in one of the most prestigious races in the world of sports car racing.

GTD Pro for professionals, GTD for amateurs

The Rolex 24 at Daytona features two classes for GT cars: GTD Pro and GTD. The GTD Pro class is for professional drivers, while the GTD class is for amateur drivers. This allows drivers of all skill levels to compete in the race.

Here are some of the key differences between the GTD Pro and GTD classes:

• Driver requirements:

  GTD Pro teams must have at least one professional driver in their lineup. GTD teams can have all amateur drivers, or they can have a mix of professional and amateur drivers.

• Car modifications:

  GTD Pro cars are allowed more modifications than GTD cars. This allows GTD Pro cars to be faster and more competitive.

• Pit stop times:

  GTD Pro teams have shorter pit stop times than GTD teams. This is because GTD Pro teams are allowed to have more crew members working on the car during pit stops.

• Driver changes:

  GTD Pro teams are allowed to make more driver changes than GTD teams. This is because GTD Pro teams have more professional drivers in their lineup.

The GTD Pro and GTD classes provide a great opportunity for drivers of all skill levels to compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The GTD Pro class is for professional drivers who are looking to compete for the overall win, while the GTD class is for amateur drivers who are looking to gain experience in endurance racing.

Here are some of the top teams and drivers to watch for in the GTD Pro and GTD classes in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona:

• GTD Pro:

  Team: Pfaff Motorsports

  Drivers: Mathieu Jaminet, Felipe Nasr, Matt Campbell

  Team: Corvette Racing

  Drivers: Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor, Nicky Catsburg

  Team: BMW Team RLL

  Drivers: John Edwards, Augusto Farfus, Connor De Phillippi

• GTD:

  Team: Magnus Racing

  Drivers: Andy Lally, John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly

  Team: Team Hardpoint EBM

  Drivers: Earl Bamber, Christina Nielsen, Katherine Legge

  Team: Riley Motorsports

  Drivers: Gar Robinson, Felipe Fraga, Simon Trummer

The GTD Pro and GTD classes are sure to provide plenty of excitement at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona. With a strong field of teams and drivers in both classes, the racing is sure to be close and competitive throughout the 24-hour event.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona:

Question 1: When is the race?
Answer: The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be held on January 26-27, 2024.

Question 2: Where is the race held?
Answer: The race is held at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Question 3: How long is the race?
Answer: The race is 24 hours long, starting at 1:40 PM EST on January 26 and ending at 1:40 PM EST on January 27.

Question 4: What classes are competing in the race?
Answer: There are five classes competing in the race: Daytona Prototype International (DPi), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD).

Question 5: How many cars are entered in the race?
Answer: A total of 61 cars are entered in the race.

Question 6: Who are some of the top drivers and teams competing in the race?
Answer: Some of the top drivers and teams competing in the race include defending race winners Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian, as well as Chip Ganassi Racing, Action Express Racing, and JDC-Miller MotorSports.

Question 7: How can I watch the race?
Answer: The race will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona. For more information, please visit the official website of the race.

Now that you know all about the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the race:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona:

Tip 1: Arrive early.
The Rolex 24 is a very popular race, so it’s important to arrive early to get a good spot. The gates open at 9:00 AM EST on January 26, and the race starts at 1:40 PM EST. If you arrive early, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the midway, get some food and drinks, and find a good spot to watch the race.

Tip 2: Dress in layers.
The weather in Daytona Beach in January can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. You may need a jacket in the morning, but you may be sweating in the afternoon. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Tip 3: Bring a cooler.
Food and drinks can be expensive at the race, so it’s a good idea to bring a cooler with your own food and drinks. You can also bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.

Tip 4: Be prepared for a long day.
The Rolex 24 is a 24-hour race, so it’s important to be prepared for a long day. Make sure you get plenty of rest the night before the race, and bring snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day.

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By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a great time at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With its long history, prestigious field of drivers and teams, and challenging 24-hour format, the race is a must-see for any fan of sports car racing.

Conclusion

The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is shaping up to be one of the most exciting races in recent history. With a strong field of cars and drivers, and the addition of the new LMP3 class, the race is sure to provide plenty of close racing and excitement throughout the 24-hour event.

Some of the main points to remember about the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona include:

• 61 cars are entered in the race, representing five different classes: DPi, LMP2, LMP3, GTD Pro, and GTD.
• The race will be held on January 26-27, 2024, at the Daytona International Speedway.
• The race is one of the most prestigious in the world of sports car racing, and it attracts some of the best drivers and teams from around the globe.
• The addition of the LMP3 class has made the race more accessible to new teams and drivers.
• The race will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of sports car racing or you’re just looking for a new and exciting event to attend, the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is sure to be a race that you won’t want to miss.

Closing Message:

We hope to see you at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona! For more information, please visit the official website of the race.