Since its start in the early ‘60s, the Rolex 24 at Daytona has been famous for attracting drivers form many disciplines and many series; not only is it a prestigious race to have listed in one’s palmares, it runs at a time most tracks are snowed in and most series on vacation. It serves as a great off-season skill-sharpener, and while exhausting, can also be a lot of fun.
The event has long attracted NASACR and IndyCar stars, as well as international drivers and teams from many series. (For instance, Swiss team Rebellion Racing will be crossing the pond to compete in this year’s Rolex (and other events.)) /
Of all the celebrity drivers joining teams for the Rolex this year, Jeff Gordon has to top the list. The four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion retired in 2016, only to come back to NASCAR to fill in for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gordon has won the Daytona 500 three times, but has only once attempted the Rolex 24—in 2007, with SunTrust racing, as Wayne Taylor’s team was known at the time.
