Dedication prevails at the 2024 Rolex at Daytona

This weekend, the motoring world witnessed another thrilling Rolex 24 At DAYTONA with fortunes decided in the closing moments. Ultimately, the #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche 963 secured victory over a highly competitive field at the 62nd iteration of this prestigious event. Rolex’s support of the contest traces back to the 1960s and, since 1992, the Swiss watchmaker has been Title Sponsor of the twice-around-the-clock race, a testament to the precision, perseverance and durability of both drivers and machines.

Throughout the 24-hour marathon, the field faced a myriad of conditions from intense heat to a cool dawn, forcing ever-changing strategies. Competition was intense across the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) category and it was only in the final riveting moments that the #7 comfortably took the lead and the #31 Whelen Cadillac Racing, Cadillac V-Series.R had to settle for second. It was the #7’s tactical driver changes, pit stops and pinpoint racing that ultimately clenched victory. Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr, Josef Newgarden and Matt Campbell made headlines as first-time overall winners of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA. In recognition of their unwavering commitment to excellence, the winning drivers were presented with a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona – revered for its legendary status and performance, it is the ultimate accolade for drivers.

Emotions were high in Victory Lane as Rolex Testimonee and 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion Jenson Button and his #40 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport teammates placed third overall. Having made his race debut behind the wheel of the Acura ARX-06, Button reflects on the spectacle:

“I’ve wanted to race at the Rolex 24 At Daytona for years, and it feels amazing to finally be here. I enjoy this style of racing – having so many cars on track with you, in non-stop traffic is intense and there’s no room to catch your breath. This is what makes this race so unique – it’s action-packed all the way. To have competed in the biggest endurance race in North America, and one that has a special connection to Rolex, is very memorable.”

The iconic Daytona International Speedway®, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, saw its largest spectator turnout for the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA over the weekend. Wheel-to-wheel action was tense across all four categories, with the #18 Era Motorsport ORECA securing the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class victory after a dramatic 24 hours. In the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) categories, the Ferrari and Mercedes entries were relentless competitors, with the #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 conquering in the GTD PRO and the #57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 taking the GTD class win.

In the years since Rolex first partnered with the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the Swiss watchmaker’s presence in motor sport has grown steadily and extends to some of the world’s most revered endurance events, including the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and its cornerstone event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Button, who in 2024 has committed to a full season of endurance racing in the WEC, continues:

“Rolex has such a beautiful history in motor sport and endurance racing, and in my opinion, it is the most rewarding partnership that the brand has forged. Endurance racing is going from strength to strength, and with a multitude of manufacturers, a lot of big teams and great drivers, the competition is extremely high, and I’m so excited for this year.”