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With 27 countries represented, the Rolex 24 is rich in international appeal
By Jeff Olson
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – If you find an entry list for the 59th Rolex 24 At Daytona with the flags of each driver’s home country, you’re ready for a lesson in colorful geography.
You will also realize how international racing is.
When the green flag flies on Saturday shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET, you’ll see a race involving 49 cars driven by 195 drivers from 27 countries. While Americans are the largest nationality, they are hardly the majority.
Almost two-thirds of the peloton 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 like they are watching Le Mans,” said Renger van der Zande, two-time winner of the Rolex 24 from the Netherlands. “Daytona has a name, and it’s the only race in January. It’s something the whole world watches because everyone is looking forward to the first race of the season. All of that together makes it very appealing to the fans and riders all over the world. winning this race is the highlight of my career for sure. “
The international appeal of the race leads to a wide variety of rosters. One of the favorite cars to win, the Cadillac DPi-VR # 48 Action Express Ally Racing, is co-driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson of El Cajon, Calif., Simon Pagenaud of France, Mike Rockenfeller of ‘Germany and Kamui Kobayashi from Japan.
Circumstances and opportunities brought the four accomplished drivers together, and the result is an all-star international squad with global appeal.
“I think Jimmie is always motivated by racing – maybe not by NASCAR, but just by racing different cars,” Kobayashi said. “I am very happy to be part of his program with the 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 of these categories, it shows how much of a competitive IMSA WeatherTech Championship (Championship) has become. “
Two reasons for the call to pilots from all over the world: The history of the race and its place in the calendar. Sébastien Bourdais, born in Le Mans, France, and residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Rolex.
“(The Rolex 24) has huge international appeal because of its history,” said Bourdais. “It’s a race every race car driver wants to put on their resume. Plus, it’s so early in the season that there’s really no conflict with the other series. has such a variety of cars and unique engagements and copies.
“It allows people to come here just for that specific event. At the bottom of the season, when they’re all involved in their own championships, they can’t do it. That’s why you see all nations and all walks of life. come together and start. the season. That’s what is 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 all over the world. When making appearances in the Netherlands, van der Zande is presented with mention of his 24 Rolex victories.
“They still see me as a two-time Daytona winner,” van der Zande said. “On top of that, the biggest newspapers always ask me for interviews at this time of year on the 24 Hours of Daytona. It’s an endurance classic, and it’s one of the greatest races in the world if you’re into an endurance race. I feel at home in Holland for sure. People recognize this breed. “
They also show up for this. Most spectators watch from the infield of the giant facility, which could obscure the numbers, but the drivers are noticing how many fans – and how many from all over the world – show up for the race. This may not be as the case this year, with travel and attendance being limited by the global pandemic. But it’s always special for foreign pilots to see the international representation of the fans.
“There are a ton of racing fans showing up on the site from all over the world,” Bourdais said. “It’s not a huge number, but it’s impressive. Even though it’s a decent number, due to the size of the site it doesn’t look crowded. But the racing community is coming together for a party that starts the season every year. “
Live US coverage of the 24-hour race begins at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on NBC. After the first hour, flag-to-flag coverage switches to NBCSN, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and the NBC Sports app before returning to NBC at 2 p.m. Sunday for the conclusion. Full coverage of IMSA radio can also be found on IMSA.com, RadioLeMans.com and SiriusXM Radio (Sirius channel 216, XM 202 and Internet 972).
Tickets for the Rolex 24 At Daytona are available HERE.
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