The 62nd edition of the 24 Hours of Daytona offered thrilling on-track racing, but it held a deeper significance for Mo Rehman. Known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona for sponsorship reasons, this renowned endurance race takes place at the start of the year. For Mo, attending the event from the UK was a series of firsts: his first time flying, his first time setting foot on American soil, and his first time experiencing a motorsport event in person. Despite the challenges, including a long 10-hour flight, it proved to be a rewarding and unforgettable opportunity to witness and report on sportscars up close in one of the world’s most iconic paddocks, steeped in history.
The race drew record-breaking attendance and featured fantastic round-the-clock racing, making it an unforgettable start to 2024 for Mo as he witnessed trackside racing for the first time. With years of watching and following the race through various media sources, being present at the event added a new dimension to his experience. Receiving his media credentials was an exciting moment, but seeing the Daytona International Speedway with his own eyes was truly awe-inspiring. The sheer size of the venue, including the RVs in the infield, was breathtaking and created a sense of belonging among the automotive presence that surrounded him.
One notable aspect of the event was the level of access shared with fans, even those with general admission tickets. The pit garages were openly displayed, allowing spectators to witness the mechanics at work and observe the cars that would be pushed to their limits for 24 hours straight. The mix of car categories, including the aggressive GTD cars and the captivating LMP2 and GTP (LMDh) cars, provided a visually stunning spectacle. The presence of new cars like the Ford Mustang GT3s and Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs added to the excitement and showcased their capabilities.
In addition to the thrilling on-track action, Mo had the opportunity to meet and speak with various individuals working behind the scenes in the paddock. One memorable encounter was with Richard Dean, the CEO of United Autosports and a respected former racing driver. The IMSA environment proved to be welcoming and bustling, catering to fans of all levels of enthusiasm. One of the supporter events, the BMW M Endurance Challenge, offered a four-hour race featuring touring cars and GT4 competitors. Watching from United Autosports’ hospitality suite provided a breathtaking view and a sense of awe.
The morning of the race felt like any other day, with a sense of tranquility before the chaos of the 1.40pm local time start. The mist settled over the surrounding bodies of water as engines fired up in preparation for the important season-opening race. Standing on the banked start-finish straight and the lawn provided an ethereal experience, surrounded by the excitement of the race about to begin. The steep banking and the Speedway corners created a unique atmosphere, amplified by music and the voices of announcers introducing the 220 drivers and their cars.
Being in close proximity to the cars and witnessing their power and beauty up close was a captivating experience. The aggressive GTDs and the striking liveries across the field easily caught the attention of those fortunate enough to be near these impressive machines. The soundwaves reverberating around the circuit created a visceral sensation, adding to the overall excitement. In the midst of famed drivers and teams, Mo was thrilled to be recognized by Connor Zilisch, a young star he had interviewed over Zoom just weeks before.
As the race progressed, the continuous flurry of lapping cars created a dynamic atmosphere throughout the venue. While caught up in the excitement of the race start, Mo also had work to do in the media center. After their stints, drivers would visit the media to discuss their experiences and answer questions about the race and any incidents that occurred during their time on the track. This provided a unique opportunity to interact with drivers who had just been racing in one of America’s biggest endurance events.
One of the highlights of the evening was the traditional fireworks display at 10pm, illuminating the circuit while the race continued. The main grandstand, consisting of six floors, offered a stunning view of the entire venue. For those lucky enough to access the seventh floor, where the spotters stood, the view was even more breathtaking. From this vantage point, the entire track, including the bus stop chicane, could be seen. It was a moment of peace and reflection, appreciating the drama, noise, and action taking place below.
Having a media pass also granted access to the fire lane behind the pitlane, where the pit tents were located. The pit stops were a captivating spectacle, with teams carrying out their duties with precision and strength. By this time, darkness had fallen, providing some relief from the intense Florida humidity and allowing drivers to set faster lap times. As the race entered its final hours, the sprint-like nature of the 24 Hours of Daytona became apparent, with intense competition in the LMP2 and GTP categories.
Staying awake for the entire race was a challenge, but the motivation and excitement kept Mo going, without the need for coffee. The young and talented LMP2 drivers provided great excitement in the final hours, with intense battles for the lead. Ultimately, Christian Rasmussen crossed the finish line to secure victory in the LMP2 category, making his teammate Connor Zilisch one of the youngest-ever winners in the race’s history. The GTP category also saw a thrilling battle between Cadillac and Porsche, with Porsche emerging as the victor.
As the chequered flag fell, press conferences were held with the winning drivers from each class. A few hours later, as Mo took a stroll outside the media center, he witnessed the teams quickly packing up and preparing for the next race. Despite the hustle and bustle, there was a sense of quiet and peace as he made the long walk back to the car. Looking back on the experience, Mo felt grateful for the opportunity to attend such a special debut motorsport event. He eagerly looked forward to the next one.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com