The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a prestigious endurance race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. Here are some key details about the event:
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Duration: The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a 24-hour race, meaning it lasts for a continuous 24-hour period. It tests the endurance of drivers, teams, and their cars, requiring them to navigate the challenging circuit both during the day and through the night.
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Track: The race takes place on the Daytona International Speedway's road course, which combines parts of the high-speed oval track with a section that incorporates infield road course sections. The circuit features banked turns, long straights, and a variety of challenging corners.
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Cars and Classes: The Rolex 24 at Daytona is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, attracting a diverse range of sports cars and drivers. It features multiple classes, including the top-level Prototype (P) class, which consists of purpose-built, high-performance prototypes, as well as GT classes, such as GT Le Mans (GTLM) and GT Daytona (GTD), which include production-based sports cars.
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Teams and Drivers: The race attracts top teams and drivers from around the world, including professional racing drivers, endurance specialists, and even some well-known names from other motorsport disciplines. It is common to see a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talents behind the wheel.
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Rolex Watch Trophy: As the name suggests, the race is sponsored by Rolex, and the winning team is awarded the coveted Rolex Daytona Cosmograph watch. The watch has become a symbol of achievement in motorsport and holds significant value within the racing community.
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Atmosphere and Spectators: The Rolex 24 at Daytona attracts a large number of motorsport enthusiasts who camp around the circuit to witness the entire 24-hour spectacle. The race provides an exciting and festive atmosphere, with fans enjoying the intense on-track action and the various activities and events happening throughout the race weekend.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is not only a test of speed and endurance but also a prestigious event that draws attention from racing fans worldwide. It showcases the skill and determination of drivers and teams as they navigate the demanding circuit and face the challenges that come with a 24-hour race.