DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona kicks off not one but two new racing seasons every year, and fans can get an up-close and personal look with unique sportscars.
Before the Daytona 500 in February, IMSA takes center stage with the Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway starting Jan. 25. From Jan. 17-19, the ROAR Before the Rolex 24 serves as a final dress rehearsal for drivers and their teams to practice and prep the cars. It’s a chance for fans to see these cars in a whole new way.
“[The fans] enjoy the laidback atmosphere,” said Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway. “The ability to get up close to the drivers, up close to the cars, and the ability to move around the property so much throughout this 24-hour event.”
The Rolex 24 is a 24-hour race featuring four different classes of sportscars. The endurance race runs through the infield of Daytona International Speedway, making it a 3.56-mile road course. For comparison, the Daytona 500 is a 2.5-mile-per-lap race.
“To see these cars take the green flag when the sun is shining, and then when the sun sets, and we turn on all of these lights around here, it’s almost like it transforms into a whole other race itself,” Kelleher said.
An endurance race of this magnitude is really unique. Just ask Bobby, of Daytona Beach.
“I notice that everyone that comes here that is new, they are just blown away,” Bobby said. “They watch NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar, but there’s something about sportscar racing that just speaks volumes to just what teams and drivers are capable of when they’re pushed past their limit.”
For Kim, of Winter Springs, the ROAR has been a family event for years.
“I just love the ROAR,” Kim said. “The sound of the cars, the excitement; we’ve been doing this weekend since I was little. It’s been daddy-daughter weekend since I was like 12 years old.”
Tickets to the Rolex 24 are still available here.
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
