Rolex 24

It was such a fun weekend in Daytona to attend my first Rolex 24 in person.  The event is non-stop Motorsports and if that is your thing this event doesn't let you down.  The best thing about this show is that you can go to this event and buy nearly the same car in the show room for two of the classes.  Obviously prototypes are prototypes so you can't buy those but GT Lemans and GT Daytona are both cars based or mostly the same as top end cars available to the public.

Obviously, this sucker is an endurance race and as such for fans it is nearly impossible to watch all 24 hours.  We were not unlike many as we stayed for about ten hours of raving before we had to call it quits to get to Orlando to meet family the next day.  To give you an understanding of this race it puts many other Motorsports to shame for fans access.  I would say it is a cross between NHRA and IndyCar at the end of the day.  You have TONS of access to the drivers and the garage.  Plus the cost...CHEAP! We bought four day passes with garage access for under $100 per person. The garage is open and you get to meet some celebrity car owners as well like Actor Patrick Dempsey.

The fun doesn't end there as of course a new power couple...at least in my book debuted at Rolex this year, Graham Rahal and Courtney Force.  The first couple days of racing so keep in mind the drivers and celebs were dressed in cold weather gear.

Also, you can't forget the celebrity parents of some drivers....like Reba McEntire being there to see her son come in second in the Continental Tire race on Friday.

Without question the racing keeps you on the edge of your seat.  To me the best place to watch is where they slow down in the European stretch of the infield.  The next few photos are of the racing depicted from that position.

On Saturday comes race day!!! For the fans it could get no better.  They have the largest autograph session in Motorsports with over 200 drivers signing at the same time.  I waited in a line with the Ganassi Teams, Patron Teams, Muscle Milk, and Wayne Taylor racing.  It was a great way to get up close we some of the heroes of Motorsports that were giving the Rolex 24 a go.

Another cool thing about the race day experience in sports car at the Rolex is the track walk.  You get to see the grid before the big race and may times run into famous folks like five time 24 Heures de LeMans winner Derek Bell.

I spent the majority of Raceday from a race watching perspective in the same spot as qualifying...the chicane.

Of course to keep your attention for a longer period the race also has many thing for fans to do...from a Biergarten, to a wine and cheese party, to the Budweiser patio, to the midway with a Ferris wheel and car vendors there is much to keep you occupied when you need a break from the continuous racing.  Course the vendor know how to sell it....lol

This is one event I hope to come back and see one day.  Next time I think I will spend the time at the camping area within the venue as I would be able to wake up for more whenever I want.