A Race with Many Names

Since its inception in 1962, the race has undergone various name changes due to corporate sponsorships. However, since 1992, the Rolex Watch Company has been the title sponsor, emphasizing the precision and excellence synonymous with the Rolex brand. Winning drivers, across all classes, are rewarded with a coveted Rolex Daytona watch, adding a touch of timeless luxury to their achievements.

The Evolution of Endurance

The roots of the Rolex 24 trace back to a six-hour race in 1959, evolving into a 24-hour event in 1966. This challenging race has seen its fair share of historic moments, with drivers navigating the complex Sports Car Course layout that combines the tri-oval with an infield road course.

Women Making History

In 1966, Suzy Dietrich, along with her teammates Janet Guthrie and Donna Mae Mims, entered the race, making history as one of the first women's teams to finish an international-standard 24-hour race. This groundbreaking moment showcased the inclusivity and spirit of endurance racing.

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP):

The 2023 WEC Champion and Two-Time Rolex 24 Winner will strengthen the team's Acura GTP lineup with two cars. Hartley is set to partner with Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor in the No. 10 WTRAndretti Acura ARX-06 for the upcoming five endurance races in 2024. Additionally, Herta will join forces with Louis Deletraz and Jordan Taylor in the No. 40 Acura ARX-06, marking the team's expansion to two entries in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class.

Hartley is fresh off winning his fourth FIA World Endurance Championship driver’s championship and second straight with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the Hypercar class. The 33-year-old New Zealander is a three-time overall winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was part of the winning team at the 2017 Motul Petit Le Mans with Tequila Patron ESM and has driven in two recent races for WTRAndretti, the 2022 Petit Le Mans and this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.

GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO):

Excitement builds as Ford Performance announces the driver lineup for the Ford Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3s, set to compete in the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona. This marks Ford's return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the event will witness the global racing debut of the Mustang GT3 as the iconic nameplate celebrates its 60th anniversary.

  Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2):

The race will attract renowned drivers from various racing disciplines, including IndyCar, Formula 1, and endurance racing, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Formula 1 veteran Felipe Massa is making his debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona with Riley Motorsports' LMP2 program. Known for his success with Ferrari in F1, Massa will join forces with Felipe Fraga, Gar Robinson, and Josh Burdon in an ORECA 07-Gibson LMP2 car.

New Zealand’s Scott McLaughlin, who made his IMSA debut in 2023 and won the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 class, is returning to the No. 8 Tower Motorsports ORECA LMP2 07 in the 2024 Rolex 24. He’ll be sharing the car at Daytona with team owner and full-season driver John Farano, as well as American racer Michael Dinan and Ferdinand Habsburg, a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 champion.

 GT Daytona (GTD) 

The No. 83 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 will once again feature an all-female driver lineup at the Rolex 24 with Michelle Gatting, Sarah Bovy and Rahel Frey set to share the car with another driver to be named.

Balances speed with universal appeal

Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan have revealed that Gazoo Racing drivers Ritomo Miyata and Mike Conway will join the team for the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona next month. This completes the driver crews for the #12 and #14 Lexus RC F GT3 GTD entries.

Miyata, the reigning 2023 Super Formula and Super GT500 Champion, will join Parker Thompson, Frankie Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz in the #12 Lexus RC F GT3.