2019 Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Pre-Event Fast Facts:
- Five-time Rolex 24 winner and friend of Rolex, Scott Pruett named Grand Marshal of 2019 Rolex 24 At DAYTONA.
- “It is a great honor to be Grand Marshal at this legendary race,” said Pruett, who retired from racing after the 2018 edition. “I enjoyed many special moments at this track during my career. I know how hard the drivers and teams will be working during these final weeks of preparation, and I will know exactly how they will be feeling when they line up for the start on the Saturday afternoon. The race demands absolute determination and durability, which is why the partnership with Rolex resonates with all those involved.”
- Winning drivers of each class will receive a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, engraved with “Winner” on the back of the case.
- Reflecting on what it means to be rewarded a Rolex in Victory Lane, Scott Pruett said: “Rolex and Daytona are inextricably linked. To be presented a watch engraved with the word ‘Winner’ after 24 hours of intense racing is a moment that lives with you forever. Your Rolex is a constant reminder of the perseverance and hard work that goes into succeeding at the highest level.driver who competes at Daytona is racing for the ultimate reward – a Rolex watch.”
- Rolex has been the Title Sponsor of the Rolex 24 since 1992.
- Race start is January 26, 2019 at 2:35PM EST.
- The field at the 57th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA will consist of four classes – Daytona Prototype international (DPi), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Le Mans (GTLM) and GT Daytona (GTD).
- Fernando Alonso, the recently retired two-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion, will drive for Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R. aiming for his first win at Daytona.
- Three-time Rolex 24 winner Christian Fittipaldi will retire from competitive driving after the race.
- Double leg amputee and former Formula 1® driver Alex Zanardi will drive a modified BMW M8 GTE in his first outing at this celebrated race.
ROLEX AND DAYTONA
Rolex’s connection to Daytona dates back to the early 20th century when Daytona Beach attracted a wave of speed enthusiasts due to its long, flat and very firm straight of sand. Some 14 land speed records were set there, five by Sir Malcolm Campbell, including the fastest official time recorded there of 444km/h (276mph) in 1935 at the wheel of his mighty Bluebird with a Rolex on his wrist. In 1992, Rolex formalized this long-standing association with Daytona and Daytona International Speedway®, becoming the Official Timepiece and Title Sponsor of the 24-hour epic, further strengthening the link between the race and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch. After 27 years, the brand is now so closely tied to the event that motor sport aficionados refer to it simply as “The Rolex”.
