The motorsport world eagerly awaits the kick-off of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which begins with the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona. As the 62nd edition of this iconic endurance race, it promises excitement, drama, and the spirit of true sports car racing. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to watch the event, the historic significance of the race, the starting lineups, and more.
2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona streaming
For those following the lead-up to the Rolex 24, here’s a rundown of events happening at Daytona International Speedway over the last two weeks in January, starting with the Roar test session:
- Saturday, Jan. 27: 1:40 p.m. – The 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona on PremiumTV
- Sunday, Jan. 28: 1:40 p.m. – Finish of the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona on PremiumTV
The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona, officially known as the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona, is an endurance sports car race sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). This 24-hour race is set to take place at the Daytona International Speedway combined road course in Daytona Beach, Florida, spanning from January 27 to January 28, 2024.
How to Watch 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona on TV anywhere
For enthusiasts eager to catch all the action, the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona will be available for streaming on the NBC Sports App, NBCSports.com, and Peacock. The coverage will begin on Saturday, January 27, at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, with subsequent shifts to USA Network, and exclusive coverage on PremiumTV anywhere.
The broadcasting schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, Jan. 27: 1:30 p.m. ET – NBC and PremiumTV
- Saturday, Jan. 27: 2:30-8 p.m. ET – USA Network and PremiumTV
- Saturday, Jan. 27: 8-10 p.m. ET – PremiumTV
- Saturday, Jan. 27 to Sunday, Jan. 28: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET – USA Network and PremiumTV
- Sunday, Jan. 28: 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET – USA Network
- Sunday, Jan. 28: 12-2 p.m. ET – NBC
Racing Categories
The event will mark the commencement of the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship, featuring a diverse field of 59 cars across four categories:
- Grand Touring Prototype (GTP): 10 cars
- Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2): 13 cars
- GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro): 12 cars
- GT Daytona (GTD): 24 cars
The top category, Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), will showcase the Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) cars with entrants from Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche.
Star-Studded Lineup
The Rolex 24 attracts a star-studded lineup of drivers from around the world, including Formula One veterans. Notable names making their Daytona debuts include Jenson Button (part of the Wayne Taylor Racing Andretti Acura in GTP) and Felipe Massa (Riley 74 Ranch Resort in LMP2).
Pole Position
The No. 31 Whelen Action Express Cadillac, the reigning Grand Touring Prototype champion, will start in pole position for the 2024 Rolex 24. Pipo Derani set a track qualifying record to secure the pole, with Sebastien Bourdais qualifying second in the No. 01, ensuring a front-row sweep for Cadillac Racing.
Race Distance
Being a 24-hour timed race, the distance covered is determined by the number of laps completed during the designated window. Last year’s edition saw the top four finishers completing 783 laps and covering over 2,700 miles on the 3.56-mile infield road course at Daytona International Speedway.
ROLEX 24 DAILY SCHEDULE, START TIMES
Here’s a rundown of everything happening at Daytona International Speedway over the last two weeks in January, starting with the Roar test session. Rolex 24 start times and full schedule:
Friday, Jan. 19
7 a.m.: Garages open
8:45-9:15 a.m.: VP Racing SportsCar Challenge practice
9:30-10:45 a.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
1:45-2:15 p.m.: VP Racing SportsCar Challenge practice
2:30-4 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
4:15-6 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
Saturday, Jan. 20
8:40-9:15 a.m.: VP Racing SportsCar Challenge qualifying
9:30-11 a.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
2:05-2:50 p.m.: VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Race 1 (Peacock)
3:10 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
6:30-8:30 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
Sunday, Jan. 21
10-11:15 a.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
12:20-1:05 p.m.: VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Race 2 (Peacock)
1:25-1:50 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
1:55-3 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Rolex 24 qualifying (Peacock)
Wednesday, Jan. 24
1-1:45 p.m.: Mazda MX-5 practice
3:05-4:05 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
4:20-5:05 p.m.: Mazda MX-5 practice
Thursday, Jan. 25
8:45-9:45 a.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
10:05-11:35 a.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
11:55 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Mazda MX-5 qualifying
1:15-1:50 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge qualifying
2:10-3:55 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
4:15-5 p.m.: Mazda MX-5, Race 1
6:35-8:05 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
Friday, Jan. 26
9:25-9:55 a.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice
10:15-11 a.m.: Mazda MX-5, Race 2
11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice
1:45-5:45 p.m.: BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona, Michelin Pilot Challenge (Peacock)
Saturday, Jan. 27
1:40 p.m.: The 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona (starting on NBC; streaming flag to flag on Peacock)
Sunday, Jan. 28
1:40 p.m.: Finish of the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona (NBC, Peacock)
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is not just a race; it’s a spectacle that combines history, speed, and endurance. As the first major event of the motorsport calendar, it sets the tone for an exhilarating season ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned motorsport enthusiast or a casual viewer, don’t miss the chance to witness the drama unfold in this 24-hour marathon of skill and strategy. Tune in, buckle up, and get ready for the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona!