With 27 countries represented, the Rolex 24 is rich in international appeal
By Jeff Olson
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – If you happen to find a list of inscriptions for the 59th Rolex 24 At Daytona with the country flags of each driver, you will have a colorful geography lesson.
You will also realize how international the race is.
When the green flag is raised on Saturday, shortly after 3:30 pm ET, you will see a race involving 49 cars driven by 195 drivers from 27 countries. Although Americans are the greatest nationality, they are hardly the majority.
Almost two-thirds of the participants come from outside the United States, including 18 pilots from Great Britain, 17 from France, 13 from Germany and 11 from Italy.
The international appeal is not limited to drivers. The race also has an international audience.
“All over the world, they are watching this race as if they are watching Le Mans,” said Renger van der Zande, twice winner of the Netherlands Rolex 24. “Daytona has a name and is the only race in January. It is something that the whole world watches because everyone is waiting for the first race of the season. All of this together makes it very attractive for fans and drivers from all over the world. Winning this race is the high point of my career, for sure. “
The international appeal of the race leads to some widely varied lineups. One of the favorite cars to win, the No. 48 Action Express Ally Racing Cadillac DPi-VR, is co-driven by the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson of El Cajon, California, Simon Pagenaud of France, Mike Rockenfeller of Germany and Kamui Kobayashi from Japan.
Circumstances and opportunities brought the four talented drivers together, and the result is an international team of stars with global appeal.
“I think Jimmie is still motivated by racing – maybe not by NASCAR, but just competing in different cars,” said Kobayashi. “I am very happy to be part of his program with Ally Cadillac. With Simon and Mike, it’s great because we have someone who won the IndyCar championship (Pagenaud) and someone who won the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, Rockenfeller). With people coming from all these categories, it shows the great and competitive championship that the IMSA WeatherTech (Championship) has become. “
Two reasons for appealing to drivers around the world: The history of the race and its place on the calendar. Sebastien Bourdais, who was born in Le Mans, France, and lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24.
“(Rolex 24) has a great international appeal because of history,” said Bourdais. “It’s a race that every race driver wants to put on his resume. Furthermore, it is so early in the season that there is really no conflict with other series. There are a wide variety of cars and individual entrances and exits.
“It allows people to come here only for this specific event. At the bottom of the season, when they are all involved in their own championships, they cannot do that. That is why you see all nations and origins coming together and giving kick-off the season. That’s what’s so unique about Daytona. No other series starts running at the end of January. ”
And the weight of a victory in the famous race is spreading across the world. When he makes appearances in the Netherlands, van der Zande is presented with a mention of his victories on the Rolex 24.
“They always refer to me as a Daytona winner twice,” said van der Zande. “In addition, the biggest newspapers are always asking me for interviews at this time of year about the 24 Hours of Daytona. It is an enduro classic and one of the biggest races in the world if you are in enduro racing. feel at home in the Netherlands, for sure. People recognize this race. “
They also appear for this. Most spectators watch from inside the gigantic facility, which can mask the numbers, but the drivers realize how many fans – and how many from around the world – attend the race. That may not be the case this year, with travel and attendance limited by the global pandemic. But it is still special for foreign drivers to see the representation of international fans.
“There are a ton of racing fans from around the world who show up at the venue,” said Bourdais. “It’s not a huge number, but it’s impressive. Even though it’s a decent number, due to the size of the venue, it doesn’t seem crowded. But the racing community gathers for a party that starts the season every year.”
United States live coverage of the 24-hour race starts at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday on NBC. After the first hour, flag-to-flag coverage passes to NBCSN, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and the NBC Sports App before returning to NBC at 2pm on Sunday for completion. Full coverage of IMSA Radio can also be found on IMSA.com, RadioLeMans.com and SiriusXM Radio (Sirius 216, XM 202 and Internet 972).
Tickets for the Rolex 24 in Daytona are available HERE.