The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world and a cornerstone of sports car racing. Held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, this 24-hour marathon pushes driver skill, team strategy, and mechanical reliability to their limits. It’s been a proving ground for manufacturers and privateers alike since the inaugural 24-hour edition in 1966, building a legacy that rivals Le Mans and Sebring in prestige and history. Drivers and teams who conquer Daytona earn not only championship points but also lasting recognition in endurance racing lore. The first of the Florida major motorsport events starts tomorrow 1:40 p.m. EST and ends the same time Sunday.
Unlike typical sprint races, the Rolex 24 features continuous racing through day and night on Daytona’s unique layout, which blends a high-speed tri-oval with a winding infield road course. Multiple classes race simultaneously, creating intense traffic management challenges—leaders aren’t just fighting within class, but navigating slower cars safely, adding strategic depth rarely seen elsewhere.
Classes and Cars to Watch
The 2026 Rolex 24 entry list boasts 61 total entries spanning four major classes:
Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) – Premier Class
These are the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in the field—hybrid-equipped prototypes from leading manufacturers and powerhouse teams:
- Porsche Penske Motorsport #6 & #7 – Porsche aims for a third consecutive Daytona win, blending WEC and IMSA talent behind the wheel of the Porsche 963.
- Cadillac Racing – The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R grabbed pole for 2026, highlighting a strong pace ahead of the race. Drivers include Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti, and Connor Zilisch.
- BMW M Team WRT – The BMW M Hybrid V8 looks to challenge for overall honors with a strong lineup after moving to Team WRT.
- Acura Meyer Shank Racing – Expect fierce competition from Acura with experienced drivers, including multiple Rolex 24 winners.
Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)
LMP2 is a highly competitive, cost-controlled prototype category that often sees tighter battles and surprises. Teams like United Autosports USA, TDS Racing, and Era Motorsport bring experienced lineups and championship aspirations. This class can produce dramatic moments as drivers push in a mechanically tighter framework than GTP.
GTD Pro & GTD – GT3 Sports Cars
These classes feature GT3-spec cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Corvette and more—vehicles much closer to what fans recognize from road cars.
- GTD Pro: Professional drivers in iconic cars battle wheel-to-wheel in high-speed skirmishes. Teams like Pfaff, Winward Racing and others bring factory and professional support.
- GTD: A mix of pro-am lineups bring excitement and unpredictability, with top-flight GT3 machinery and diverse driver experience.
Teams and Drivers to Watch
Porsche Penske Motorsport: After back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025, Porsche is the storyline favorite in GTP—if reliability holds, they’ve got the firepower to make it a three-peat. Cadillac Racing, a pole-sitting performance sets the stage for Cadillac to challenge for overall victory.
Star Power and Notables
Scott Dixon & Alex Palou, two IndyCar legends, join Acura Meyer Shank Racing, adding cross-series charisma and serious endurance credentials. Colton Herta, with past wins at this race, has always drawn attention, especially as part of the Cadillac stable. Mercedes-AMG Teams, expect GTD battles from Mercedes-AMG customer teams across both GT classes.
The Rolex 24 isn’t just another race—it’s a test of human and mechanical endurance that has shaped careers and confirmed legends. From early wins by privateers to today’s factory hybrid prototypes, the event represents the broad evolution of sports car racing. Past winners like Tower Motorsport, JDC-Miller, and Corvette teams have etched their names into history alongside the giants of Porsche, Cadillac, and Ford.
As endurance racing opens its 2026 season in Daytona on January 24, all eyes will be on the clock and the contenders who hope to conquer it. Whether it’s seasoned champions defending their crown or rising stars making their mark, this year’s Rolex 24 promises dramatic battles across multiple classes, unforgettable storylines, and motorsport at its most thrilling
