THE 50TH ROLEX24 HOUR AT DAYTONA IN 2012

a pictureEagerly anticipated by drivers, auto manufacturers and race fans everywhere, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is the first major race of the international motor sport season. Every January, the Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, Florida, USA) comes to life in celebration of this incredible endurance race, recognized by leading drivers as one of the most difficult in the world to win.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is the crown jewel of the GRAND-AM Road Racing schedule - and the premier sports car event in North America. The 50th Anniversary milestone will be monumental for the sport of auto racing and promises to be another legendary race with some of the finest teams and drivers in sportscar, NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1 racing. As the two-tier battle between Daytona Prototypes and GT category entrants has evolved over the years, it has truly become the All-Star race of North America.

2012 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. One of the many special anniversary activities to be carried out for the 2012 edition of the race is the GATHERING OF FIFTY. In an effort to make the impossible possible, the people at Daytona International Speedway, Rolex and GRAND-AM are combining forces to gather all past Rolex 24 at Daytona race winners and their cars for a reunion celebrating the 50th Anniversary at the 2012 race. The mission was announced in January to mark the start of a yearlong process in contacting winning drivers and tracing the winning vehicles to commemorate the 50 years of history and prestige of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. More details, official 2012 event dates and further anniversary activities will be announced throughout the year.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is the ultimate endurance test of man and machine. This effort affords race team sponsors a unique marketing opportunity. Whether it’s POP, Customer Entertainment or Employee Incentive, sponsors can EFFECTIVELY spin their message and its connection to this prestigious event.

   
   

Daytona Prototype Class (DP)

a pictureThey Daytona Prototype (DP) class is the premier draw in Grand-AM. The Daytona Prototype conjures up thoughts of speed, science and daring. The striking mid-engined machines are purpose built for close, door to door competition, capable of speeds in excess of 185 mph. The DP’s feature the latest in safety and technology. They are produced by five chassis constructors. Each chassis is designed and manufactured independently but is also kept within Grand-AM rules that are aimed at keeping the racing action close.

Grand Touring Class (GT)

a pictureThe Grand Touring (GT) class consists of cars most fans can identify with; BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Mazda, Mustang, Corvette and others, since they retain similar design and aesthetics to current high performance sports cars sold on showroom floors. GT’s possess carbon-fiber bodies and other technologies similar to that employed in the Daytona Prototype class vehicles. Grand-AM employs methods to ensure that at each event every competitor has the potential to win. That’s a tough job when you are talking about a mixture of American produced muscle cars and the hottest imports from around the globe, both capable of producing between 400-450 horsepower.