30 Facts About 24 Hours Of Daytona

The Birth of a Racing Legend

The 24 Hours of Daytona is a race that has captivated motorsport enthusiasts for decades. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic event.

1. 01

   Location and Track
   Held at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, the race takes place on a 3.56-mile road course. The track's high banks allow cars to reach incredible speeds and offer spectators great visibility.

2. 02

   First Event
   The first major automobile race at Daytona International Speedway was a six-hour/1000 kilometer USAC-FIA sports car race on April 5, 1959. This event laid the groundwork for the 24-hour race.

3. 03

   Early Racing
   Racing in Daytona dates back to 1902 with the Daytona Beach Road Course along the A1A highway. This course hosted early stock car races and the Daytona 200 motorcycle race.

4. 04

   Construction of the Speedway
   Bill France Sr. saw the need for a permanent racing facility due to growing crowds and land usage. He proposed the speedway in 1953, and the contract was signed in 1954.

Milestones and Firsts

The 24 Hours of Daytona has seen many firsts and significant milestones that have shaped its history.

5. 05

   First DAYTONA 500
   The inaugural DAYTONA 500 took place on February 22, 1959, with over 41,000 spectators. Johnny Beauchamp was initially declared the winner, but a newsreel later showed Lee Petty crossing the line first by two feet.

6. 06

   First 24 Hours Event
   The first 24-hour race was held in 1966, won by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby driving a Ford Mk. II. This event marked the start of a new era in endurance racing at Daytona.

7. 07

   Women's Participation
   In 1966, Suzy Dietrich, Janet Guthrie, and Donna Mae Mims became the first women's team to finish an international-standard 24-hour race, placing 32nd in a Sunbeam Alpine.

Iconic Wins and Dominance

Some victories and dominant performances have left an indelible mark on the 24 Hours of Daytona.

8. 08

   Ferrari's Victory
   Ferrari achieved a 1–2–3 finish in 1967, leading to the unofficial naming of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 as the "Ferrari Daytona."

9. 09

   Porsche's Dominance
   Porsche repeated their 1–2–3 win in 1968. Despite a major crash caused by tire failure, Porsche managed to place five of their eight drivers on the podium.

10. 10

    Lola's Victory
    In 1969, Lola finished 1–2 with Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons driving the Penske Lola T70-Chevrolet to victory.

Rule Changes and Challenges

The race has evolved over the years, adapting to new rules and overcoming various challenges.

11. 11

    Rule Changes
    An FIA rule shortened the race to six hours in 1972. The energy crisis led to its cancellation in 1974, but it resumed in 1975 under IMSA sanctioning.

12. 12

    IMSA GT Championship
    In 1982, the race became part of the IMSA GT Championship instead of the World Sportscar Championship (WSC).

13. 13

    Notable Crashes
    One of the most dramatic crashes occurred in 2014 involving Memo Gidley and Matteo Malucelli. The race was red-flagged, but both drivers survived.

American Influence and Modern Era

The race has a strong American influence and continues to thrive in the modern era.

14. 14

    American Dominance
    An impressive 80% of the overall winning teams at the Rolex 24 at Daytona have been American.

15. 15

    Rolex 24 At DAYTONA
    Initially a three-hour event, it became the 24-hour race we know today in 1966. It is now known as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA.

16. 16

    Track Renovations
    Major renovations in 2004 included new garages, a Turn 1 tunnel, and a four-story Daytona 500 Club.

Motorcycle Racing and Track Improvements

Daytona has also been significant in motorcycle racing and has seen continuous improvements.

17. 17

    AMA Sportbike and Daytona 200
    The Daytona 200 moved from the beach to the speedway in 1961, gaining international recognition in the early 1970s.

18. 18

    Scott Russell's Success
    Scott Russell, known as "Mr. Daytona," won the Daytona 200 multiple times in the 1990s, including in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998.

19. 19

    ASRA CCS Weekend
    In 2015, the American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) became the new sanctioning body over the sportbike races at Daytona.

20. 20

    Track Improvements
    The speedway has undergone several repavings, with the second repaving occurring in 2010. The DAYTONA Rising project also improved seating capacity, restrooms, and concession stands.

DAYTONA Rising and Fan Experience

The DAYTONA Rising project transformed the speedway, enhancing the fan experience.

21. 21

    DAYTONA Rising Project
    Completed in January 2016, the $400 million renovation transformed the speedway into a state-of-the-art facility with 101,500 permanent seats and improved amenities.

22. 22

    Luxury Suites and Hospitality
    The speedway features over 60 luxury suites with trackside views and a revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests.

23. 23

    Diverse Schedule
    The 500-acre motorsports complex hosts at least nine major event weekends and is used for concerts, civic gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing, and police motorcycle training.

24. 24

    Daily Track Tours
    Daytona International Speedway offers daily track tours, allowing fans to explore the facility and learn about its history. It is also home to the champion DAYTONA 500 car and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Legendary Drivers and International Recognition

The race has attracted legendary drivers and gained international recognition.

25. 25

    Notable Drivers
    Legendary drivers such as Derek Bell, Brian Redman, and Vic Elford have competed in the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, contributing to its rich history.

26. 26

    International Recognition
    The 24 Hours of Daytona is considered one of the most challenging endurance races globally, attracting top-tier teams and drivers from around the world.

27. 27

    Rolex Sponsorship
    Sponsored by Rolex since 1992, this partnership has elevated the event's status and attracted top-tier teams and drivers.

Safety and Fan Engagement

Safety measures and fan engagement are crucial aspects of the race.

28. 28

    Safety Measures
    Over the years, the race has implemented various safety measures, including advanced safety cars, improved pit lane safety, and enhanced medical facilities.

29. 29

    Fan Engagement
    The event focuses on fan engagement, offering various activities and experiences, including the UNOH Fanzone, which provides an immersive experience for spectators.

30. 30

    Legacy and Impact
    The 24 Hours of Daytona has inspired generations of drivers and teams, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of motorsports.

The Legacy of 24 Hours of Daytona

The 24 Hours of Daytona isn't just another race; it's a legendary event with a rich history. From its early days on the beach to becoming a premier endurance race, it has seen countless memorable moments. Iconic victories, dramatic crashes, and significant rule changes have all shaped its legacy. The race has also been a platform for legendary drivers and groundbreaking cars. With its high-speed track, major renovations, and fan engagement activities, Daytona International Speedway continues to captivate audiences. The partnership with Rolex and the focus on safety measures have further elevated its status. This race has inspired generations and left an indelible mark on motorsports. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the 24 Hours of Daytona offers a thrilling blend of speed, strategy, and history. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of racing.