The 2019 24 Hours of Daytona will kick off this weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida. This will be 46th 24 Hours of Daytona. Let’s take a brief look at what’s going to happen this year at 24 Rolex.
TEAMS
Ahead of the Roar before the 24 tests at Daytona Speedway, the IMSA released the list of teams participating in obligatory three-day tests. The entry lists consisted of 47 teams spread across four classes: 11 teams in the top Daytona International Prototype (DPi) class;
4 teams in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class; 9 teams in GT Le Mans (GTLM), featuring the GTE Cars,
and 23 teams in GT Daytona (GTD), featuring GT3 Cars.
Each car is driven by two drivers who were to compete in the whole WeatherTech Sportscar Championship Season, alongside 1-2 additional drivers. These drivers come from different categories, such as FIA WEC, IndyCar and DTM.
Pre-Testing Balance of Performance (BoP)
Ahead of the Roar before the 24 Tests, IMSA issued a pre-test BoP on the 21st December 2018, aiming to create parity in each class and to separate performance of cars in each class. DPis were given a 10kg Reduction, as well as an increased Turbo Boost Pressure for Turbocharged Engines, while naturally aspirated engines were given a larger air restrictor. The LMP2 cars were given a 10kg weight addition, alongside five-litre reduction in fuel capacity.
Changes were also made to the GTLM cars with BMW M8 GTE and Porsche 911 RSR getting a weight breakdown. Ferrari 488 GTE was given a 5kg weight addition, and the Ford GT a 20kg weight increase, Corvette C7.R remained unchanged. The GTD class saw some changes too.
ALEX AND CHRISTIAN
Alex Zanardi will be racing in 24 Rolex for the first time in his life. After losing his legs in 2001 Crash, Alex Zanardi recovered and never gave up. He won 20 handcycling medals and is excited to race for BMW in GTLM. Alex said, “It’s really difficult because it’s hard to explain what it means to do the Rolex 24 Hours."
"It’s very special, to drive a beautiful BMW race car for the RLL team, and to be mixing in with this field. This is something I always wanted to do, and finally I’m here.
"It’s very very special, and to be here with all the fans, and be stopped every foot, it’s really sweet and I know that many fans support me in this country which gave me the greatest opportunity of my life."
“To be able to add a little more to the space I have in my heart for this place is amazing. I’m so grateful I can compete in Daytona.”
We will be excited to see him racing on 26th of January.
Christian Fittpaldi will be leaving the sports after this race. It will be his 16th 24 Hours of Daytona.
“I’m sad — and at the same time I’m happy, I’m not going to lie”
Christian further said, “I’m at peace with myself, and that’s what’s most important. No doubt about it, I’m going to miss it, but every time you close a chapter in your life, another one opens."
"Now it’s time to close this chapter and open another one."
“Right now, I’m working through the Roar the same way as I would normally approach any race weekend with my professional duties,” Fittipaldi said. “But I realize there will be periods at the Rolex 24 where it will be pretty emotional.”
TRACK
The race will be held at Daytona International Speedway. The track is 3.56-mile (5.73 km) combined road course, utilizing portions of the NASCAR tri-oval and an infield road course. Two-time F1 world champion is targeting for a race win with Wayne Taylor Racing. Last year’s DPi winner, Christian Fittipaldi will be retiring after the race.
WEEKEND SCHELUDE
(According to Pakistan Standard Time)
24th January
· 8:20 pm - 9:05 pm (FP1 all classes)
· 9:05 pm - 9:20 pm (FP1 GTD Silver/Bronze line-up)
· 11:30 pm - 12:25 am (FP2 all classes)
25th January
· 1:35 am- 1:50 am (GTD Qualifying)
· 2:00 am - 2:15 am (GTLM Qualifying)
· 2:25 am - 2:40 am (LMP2/ DPi Qualifying)
· 5:00 am - 6:30 am (FP3)
· 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (FP4)
No Sessions on 26th January
27th January
· Jan 27, 12:35 am - Jan 28, 12:35 am
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