The Rolex 24 at Daytona: A race for the ages

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©IMSA

The 62nd running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona gets underway this weekend, marking the opening event of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

A record 59 cars are set to take the start, including Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche seeking overall victory.

The Whelen Cadillac of Pipo Derani, Jack Aitken and Tom Blomqvist will lead the field off the grid on Saturday afternoon.

While Acura holds the distinction of claiming last year's overall victory with their ARX-06 prototype, this weekend’s event is expected to be a much tighter affair with multiple contenders capable of claiming the checkered flag.

The Rolex 24 has a rich history of producing memorable moments and surprise victories, and 2024 is poised to add another chapter to this legacy.

With a talented lineup of drivers, cutting-edge machinery, and the thrill of a 24-hour endurance challenge, this weekend's classic is sure to be another unforgettable spectacle for motorsport fans worldwide.

The green flag will fly this Saturday at 1:40 PM ET, and you can catch the start of the race live on NBC!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.