Roar Before 24: Daytona's Pivotal Test
Anticipation Builds for the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona
As the international motorsport community converges on Daytona International Speedway, anticipation reaches fever pitch for the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona, commencing with the annual three-day test session, the Roar Before the Rolex 24, starting on the 19th of January. This year's Roar not only serves as a crucial preparatory step for teams but also as a qualifying round to set the grid for the much-anticipated endurance race on the 27th-28th of January.
A Stellar Line-Up
The 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season reveals a competitive entry list featuring a multitude of seasoned campaigners and rising stars. A key highlight is Tom Blomqvist, aiming for a historic third consecutive overall win at the Rolex 24, a feat that would place him alongside racing legend Helio Castroneves. Blomqvist, victorious in 2022 and 2023 with Meyer Shank Racing Acura, now spearheads the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac Racing team.
A reshuffling of teams and talents marks the 2024 season, with notable moves such as Jordan Taylor's transition from Corvette Racing to co-driving the No. 40 WTRAndretti Acura in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class. Similarly, Dane Cameron shifts his skills from Porsche Penske Motorsport to full-time engagement in the WeatherTech Championship with the team's No. 7 Porsche 963.
Star-Studded Appearances
The Roar and Rolex 24 welcome an array of stars from other racing disciplines, including past Formula 1 champion Jenson Button joining WTRAndretti GTP and multi-time F1 race winner Felipe Massa set in LMP2 with Riley. The IndyCar Series is also well-represented, with prominent figures like Scott Dixon and Alex Palou (Cadillac Racing), Marcus Ericsson and Colton Herta (WTRAndretti), and Josef Newgarden (Penske) competing in various categories.
Four Classes, Intense Rivalry
The WeatherTech Championship has streamlined to four classes, excluding the Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) class, to accommodate a more concentrated field. A total of 59 cars will compete following the withdrawal of the No. 91 Kellymoss with Riley's entry.
GTP – The Second Year Saga
The hybrid-electrified GTP class, after an impressive debut in 2023, enters its second year with heightened expectations. Teams like BMW M Team RLL, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and WTRAndretti's two-car Acura GTP team are set to showcase advancements in this pioneering category.
Track Records and Expectations
Tom Blomqvist holds the GTP track record at Daytona International Speedway with a blistering lap in the Acura ARX-06 in January 2023. As the teams engage in five WeatherTech test sessions next weekend, followed by a special session for GTP cars on the 21st of January, the stage is set for a captivating display of endurance racing prowess.
The Road Ahead
With the Roar Before the Rolex 24 setting the tone, the 2024 motorsport season promises unparalleled excitement and competition. As teams and drivers gear up for this spectacle, the motorsport world watches with bated breath, ready to witness history in the making at Daytona.