2019 Rolex Daytona 24

2019 Rolex Daytona 24

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Discussion

Titan

Original Poster:

122 posts

255 months

Thursday 2nd August 2018
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I have my flights booked and will be off to watch the 24 in January to see the Corvettes in action. Any advice or tips from anyone here that’s been?

Matt Harper

6,771 posts

208 months

Thursday 2nd August 2018
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Is your ticket refundable? I ask, because it could be convincingly argued that you've booked the wrong race.

Did you explore the WEC/IMSA double-header at Sebring in March, I wonder? 2019 will see two virtually back-to-back endurance races (WEC running approx 9-10 hours, IMSA following with it's traditional 12 hour race) at a much more challenging circuit, steeped in history - a vastly larger crowd and a FAR better chance of decent weather throughout.

Rolex 24 is a great event, but nothing like as fun as the Sebring experience - I live between Daytona Beach and Sebring, so have the luxury of easy access to both events and consequently a fair degree of experience of both also.

Any specific questions or concerns?


Titan

Original Poster:

122 posts

255 months

Thursday 2nd August 2018
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Unfortunately our dates are set for January, with the plan to watch the Rolex 24hour, and then the NASCAR’s the week before the Daytona 500.
As it turns out we also plan to come out in November, with a view to go to Sebring to see what this Michelin Encore event will be all about. Info seems a bit sketchy, I know a 4 hour race, plus most disappointing the April 1st (fools) report that the cars would run without BOP. Personally I thought it a good idea!
We have been to Daytona to watch the 500 a few times but this will be our first visit to Sebring. Again any local tips would be appreciated.

vetteheadracer

8,271 posts

260 months

Sunday 5th August 2018
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24 Hours of Daytona can be very cold or hot depends! Been there and a pleasant 70 degrees also been there with 20 mile per hour winds a 39f!
So check the weather and pack accordingly.

The race is usually great and the racing super close (unlike Le Mans). 2019 sees the return of 4 classes with the LMP and Dpi cars being split so that will make it interesting.

The drivers autograph session before the race on the Saturday is always good as there are so many drivers. The historics on track mid Saturday morning is also good. Don't forget to do the support race on the Friday afternoon too. Access to the garages is usually good and I would also recommend going out of the track to the grandstands to watch some of the race. Don't forget to take a radio so you can keep up with Radio Le Mans.

Grid walk is not as good as some of the tracks as you get roped off as they push the cars to the grid and introduce the drivers.