When Is the Daytona Rolex 24? The Ultimate Guide to the Race, Schedule, and Everything You Need to Know

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is not just a race; it is the unofficial start of the global motorsports season. Held annually at the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Florida, this grueling 24-hour endurance event tests the limits of man and machine. The most common question fans ask is straightforward: **When is the Daytona Rolex 24?** In 2025, the race will be held on the weekend of **January 25–26**. However, understanding the race requires more than a single date. This comprehensive pillar page covers the full schedule, the history, the classes, the cars, and how to experience the event, all structured to help you find the exact information you need.
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## Topic Map: Navigating This Guide
Use the links below to jump directly to any subtopic:
– [1. The Exact Date and Schedule for 2025](#1-the-exact-date-and-schedule-for-2025)
– [2. The Pre-Race Week: The Roar Before the 24](#2-the-pre-race-week-the-roar-before-the-24)
– [3. A Brief History of the Rolex 24](#3-a-brief-history-of-the-rolex-24)
– [4. The Cars and Classes on Track](#4-the-cars-and-classes-on-track)
– [5. Key Storylines for 2025](#5-key-storylines-for-2025)
– [6. How to Watch the Rolex 24](#6-how-to-watch-the-rolex-24)
– [7. Attending the Race in Person](#7-attending-the-race-in-person)
– [8. Essential Gear and Tips for Spectators](#8-essential-gear-and-tips-for-spectators)
– [9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](#9-frequently-asked-questions-faq)
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### 1. The Exact Date and Schedule for 2025
As mentioned, the main event takes place **January 25–26, 2025**. But the action begins long before the green flag drops at 1:40 PM ET on Saturday. Here is the critical timeline:
– **Friday, January 24:** Practice sessions for all classes.
– **Saturday, January 25:** Final practice, driver autograph sessions, and pre-race ceremonies. The race starts at **1:40 PM ET**.
– **Sunday, January 26:** The race continues through the night. The checkered flag waves at approximately **1:40 PM ET** on Sunday.
**Internal Link Opportunity:** For a minute-by-minute broadcast schedule, see our [Full 2025 Rolex 24 TV Schedule](#6-how-to-watch-the-rolex-24) section below.
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### 2. The Pre-Race Week: The Roar Before the 24
The official prelude to the Rolex 24 is the **Roar Before the Rolex 24**, held two weeks prior at Daytona International Speedway. This three-day test session (typically in early January) is the only time teams have to shake down their cars on the full 3.56-mile road course, which incorporates the high-banked oval. The Roar is where qualifying is determined, driver lineups are finalized, and mechanical gremlins are discovered—before the pressure of race day.
**Internal Link Opportunity:** If you are planning to attend, check our guide on [How to Prepare for the Roar Before the 24](#7-attending-the-race-in-person).
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### 3. A Brief History of the Rolex 24
The race began in 1962 as the Daytona Continental, a 3-hour event for sports cars. It evolved into a 24-hour race in 1966, moving to the current 12-turn road course. Rolex became the title sponsor in 1992, awarding the iconic Cosmograph Daytona watch to overall winners. Key historical moments include:
– **1966:** First 24-hour running, won by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby.
– **1973:** The race was shortened to 6 hours due to the oil crisis.
– **1992:** Rolex sponsorship begins, and the watch becomes the trophy.
– **2023:** The introduction of the **LMDh** (Le Mans Daytona h) regulations, unifying the top class of IMSA with the World Endurance Championship.
**Internal Link Opportunity:** Explore the full list of past winners in our [Rolex 24 Champions Archive](#3-a-brief-history-of-the-rolex-24).
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### 4. The Cars and Classes on Track
The Rolex 24 is a multi-class race, meaning slower cars and faster cars share the track simultaneously. The main classes are:
– **GTP (Grand Touring Prototype):** The top class. Hybrid-powered prototypes (e.g., Acura ARX-06, BMW M Hybrid V8, Porsche 963, Cadillac V-Series.R) that can top 200 mph.
– **LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2):** A spec-class prototype with Gibson engines. These are lighter and handle differently than GTPs, often causing the most gripping traffic battles.
– **GTD Pro (GT Daytona Pro):** Professional driver lineups in production-based supercars (e.g., Ferrari 296 GT3, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, Porsche 911 GT3 R).
– **GTD (GT Daytona):** Same cars as GTD Pro, but with mixed pro-am driver rosters (often including wealthy gentleman drivers).
**Internal Link Opportunity:** For detailed specs and driver rosters per team, see our [2025 GTP and GTD Class Breakdown](#5-key-storylines-for-2025).
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### 5. Key Storylines for 2025
Every Rolex 24 brings new drama. For 2025, watch for:
– **Manufacturer Battles:** Porsche, BMW, Cadillac, and Acura are locked in a close war in GTP.
– **New Entries:** The return of the **Ferrari Hypercar** (499P) in IMSA for the first time in decades, and the debut of the **Lamborghini SC63**.
– **Inclement Weather:** January in Florida can bring rain, fog, and even cold snaps—adding a strategic layer to the race.
– **Driver Switches:** Watch how endurance specialist drivers like Tom Kristensen (Audi legend) perform in new machinery.
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### 6. How to Watch the Rolex 24
You can watch every minute of the 24 hours live. Coverage is split:
– **TV (United States):** NBC and Peacock (NBC’s streaming platform).
– **International:** IMSA TV (for most global territories) and local broadcasters.
– **Radio:** IMSA Radio (available on the IMSA app and website) offers full commentary.
– **Timing & Scoring:** Live timing is free on the IMSA website and the official app.
**Internal Link Opportunity:** Find the exact channel numbers for your cable provider in our [Comprehensive Rolex 24 Viewers Guide](#6-how-to-watch-the-rolex-24).
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### 7. Attending the Race in Person
Daytona International Speedway is located at 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Key attendance details:
– **Gates Open:** Typically 7 AM each day. Garage access is included with most tickets.
– **Parking:** On-site parking is available for a fee (pre-purchase recommended). Free parking is available at nearby satellite lots with shuttles.
– **Infield Access:** A ticket to the infield grants access to the fan zone, giant video screens, and the pit lane walkway.
– **Camping:** The speedway offers RV and tent camping inside the infield (Geico West Lot, etc.), which sells out months in advance.
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### 8. Essential Gear and Tips for Spectators
Surviving 24 hours at the track requires preparation:
– **Ear Protection:** Racing engines are deafening. Bring foam earplugs or electronic hearing protection.
– **Comfortable Shoes:** You will walk miles. The track is 3.56 miles around, and the infield is vast.
– **Weather Layers:** January can be 80°F during the day and drop to 40°F at night. Pack a jacket, hat, and sunscreen.
– **Cooler:** Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in most areas.
– **Portable Charger:** No outlets in the grandstands. A fully charged phone is vital for timing and communication.
**Internal Link Opportunity:** For a printable packing list, download our [Rolex 24 Survival Checklist](#8-essential-gear-and-tips-for-spectators).
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### 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
– **Q: When is the Daytona Rolex 24 in 2025?**
**A:** January 25–26, 2025. The race starts Saturday at 1:40 PM ET.
– **Q: How long is the race?**
**A:** Exactly 24 hours (plus any caution periods that extend the time limit).
– **Q: Can I tour the garage area?**
**A:** Yes. General admission tickets include access to the garage (except during pit stops) for close-up looks at the cars