Daytona 24: An enduring legend

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is North America’s equivalent of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The connection between the two legends of endurance motorsport comprises several strands: both involve two laps around the clock, both involve the very best drivers and teams; both require passion, skill and determination to succeed; both have long, proud histories; and, both are sponsored by the Swiss watch-maker Rolex.

The 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona takes place over the weekend of 25-26 January 2014. Once again the cream of endurance racing will meet and do battle over the 3.56-mile circuit within the Daytona International Speedway, a track that combines an infield section with the famous high banked turns of the tri-oval speedway. The winning car will complete over 2,700 miles (4,360 km) – a similar distance to travelling coast to coast across the United States.

The race starts at 14.30 on the Saturday; with sunset at approximately 18:00, and darkness lasting some 13 hours until 07:15 the following Sunday morning, the night component adds a special complexity to an already challenging task.

Winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona is the dream of many a driver; achieving that dream requires a dedicated team that works together with a single purpose. There is no margin for error in preparation or execution. Drivers, mechanics, team management; everyone needs to perform at their peak throughout the race period.

A partner of track racing in Daytona Beach from its beginnings in the late 1950s, Rolex has been Title Sponsor of this motor-sport legend since 1992. The Rolex 24 At Daytona celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012 – just one year ahead of the Cosmograph Daytona, the Rolex chronograph dedicated to racing drivers. On its launch in 1963, the watch brand baptized its new model “Cosmograph Daytona” to mark the connection with the Daytona International Speedway, the fastest American track of its era.

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