The Roar Before the 24: Full Throttle Fun

“I’m going to Daytona!” I shouted, barely able to contain my excitement after buying online tickets for the ‘Roar before the 24’ at the Daytona International Speedway website. My last visit to Daytona was back in 2012 (you can read about it here), but this time would be different. This time, I’d be immersed in the electric atmosphere, surrounded by the roar of engines and the thrill of live racing. To say I was excited would have be an understatement!

Le Mans, Daytona-style: The Rolex 24

The Rolex 24 is a gruelling 24-hour endurance race held on Daytona’s iconic 3.56-mile course, which combines the high-speed banking of the NASCAR oval with the technical turns of the infield section. Teams consist of 3 to 5 drivers per car, sharing the wheel over roughly 650 laps in a true test of speed, skill, and endurance.

As a fan of the legendary Le Mans 24-hour race in France, I was thrilled to get an insight into the American counterpart firsthand. While both races share the intense challenge of around-the-clock competition, it was fascinating to see how the Rolex 24 puts its own unique spin on endurance racing—Daytona style.

What is the Roar Before the 24?

The Roar Before the 24 is the three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway, serving as the official kickoff for the Rolex 24. It allows teams to fine-tune their cars and strategies before the gruelling 24-hour race, while drivers get crucial practice on the challenging 3.56-mile track. The event features a qualifying session that determines pit lane positions, critical for team strategy during the main race.

The Roar gives a first look at the competition and builds excitement for the season ahead. Fans visiting the 3 day Roar enjoy behind-the-scenes access with open garages, interactive displays, and opportunities to meet drivers. It’s a more relaxed and intimate environment compared to the main race, providing a rare chance to see the preparation up close.

A Day at Daytona

The day had finally arrived. After weeks of anticipation and preparation, I was up before dawn, too excited to sleep. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the day of the Roar Before the 24, and I was about to experience the heart-pounding action of Daytona International Speedway up close. My bags were packed, my tickets were in hand, and the only thing left to do was hit the road and get to the track.

The First Glimpse of the Speedway

As I got closer to the Speedway, the excitement built with every mile. Seeing the massive grandstands looming on the horizon was like a shot of adrenaline. There it was, in all its glory—Daytona International Speedway, the world’s centre of racing. I parked the car, grabbed my gear, and made my way toward the entrance, already feeling the buzz of the crowd and the rumble of engines echoing through the air. The sound of high-performance cars testing their limits was the perfect welcome.

Walking through the gates, I was immediately struck by the energy. Fans from all walks of life were decked out in their favourite team colours, chatting excitedly and snapping photos. The air was thick with the smell of fuel, rubber, and that indescribable sense of anticipation that only a racetrack can offer. This was it—I was finally here.

The Sights and Sounds

Once inside, I made a beeline for the grandstands to catch my first glimpse of the action. The sight of the cars on track was nothing short of exhilarating. Watching them fly down the straights and dive into the corners, hearing the engines roar, and feeling the vibrations in my chest was an experience I’ll never forget. These weren’t just cars—they were machines built for speed, precision, and endurance, and seeing them in motion was a whole different level of awe.

The on-track sessions were intense. I could see the teams working out the kinks, pushing their cars to the limit as they prepared for the main event. Every lap was a dance of power and control, and each car had its own unique sound—from the deep growl of the prototypes to the high-pitched scream of the GT cars. I was surrounded by a symphony of speed, and it was glorious.

The Schedule for Roar Before the 24

I attended the Saturday event, which is the most action-packed day, featuring extended practice sessions and a pivotal qualifying round that determines pit lane positions for the Rolex 24—an essential aspect of race strategy. Night practice under the track’s floodlights adds to the intensity, as teams simulate race conditions to ensure drivers are ready for the overnight stints of the 24-hour race. The Fan Zone buzzes with activity, featuring interactive exhibits, driver meet-and-greets, and special events for fanzine writers, offering them a chance to capture exclusive content and connect with the racing community.

Sunday wraps up with final practice sessions and more fan engagement, including autograph sessions and up-close looks at the cars and teams. As the Roar concludes, teams pack up, review their data, and make final preparations, setting the stage for the Rolex 24 and giving fans and fanzine writers plenty of material to build the excitement for the upcoming endurance race.

The Roar of the Cars

The event showcases an impressive lineup of cars that represent the cutting edge of endurance racing technology. Each vehicle is meticulously designed for speed, aerodynamics, and endurance, reflecting the diverse classes that compete in the Rolex 24.

Visitors can spend the day of the Roar Before the 24 exploring the track and observing the cars during their test sessions. One aspect that truly struck me was the overwhelming noise of the engines, which echoed powerfully around the circuit.

As a novice to race track visits, I hadn’t thought to bring ear defenders, and by the end of the day, my hearing was significantly impaired from the relentless roar of the cars. The intensity of the sound added to the excitement but also served as a reminder of the sheer power and engineering that goes into these incredible machines. For anyone planning to attend, I’d highly recommend packing some ear protection to fully enjoy the experience without the worry of diminishing your hearing!

Rolex 24 fans may recognise car number 10 which is a Cadillac DPI driven by Max Anglelli, Jeff Gordan, Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor. This was the winner of the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona.  Completing the race in 659 laps.

Fans are offered a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere of the event by visiting the pit garages. This experience allows them to engage directly with the drivers, gaining insights into their lives and careers, while also witnessing the behind-the-scenes action that contributes to the excitement of the race. This personal interaction fosters a deeper connection between the fans and the sport, making the event even more memorable.

The public has the privilege of accessing a variety of track areas during the roar before the 24, which allows them to enjoy remarkable views of the racing action. This access not only enhances the overall experience but also enables fans to feel closer to the excitement as they watch the cars speed by. With numerous vantage points available, spectators can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the event, witnessing the skill of the drivers and the intensity of the competition up close.

Drivers forum

At lunchtime, a driver forum took place, where fans had the chance to ask questions and engage directly with the drivers. This was a highlight for me, as I learned that Bruno Senna, the nephew of the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, would be racing at the Rolex 24. As someone who had followed Bruno’s Formula 1 career from 2010 to 2012, I was somewhat awe-struck by the opportunity to see him in person (seated far left). It was exciting to connect with such a prominent figure in motorsport, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration.

Footage from the 2017 Roar before the Rolex 24

Click through to YouTube to see some footage from the day.

Final Thoughts

I had a fantastic day soaking up the atmosphere at Daytona—the place was buzzing, and the vibe was infectious. It was great to see so many fans in attendance, even with weather more reminiscent of the UK than Florida. Yet the rain didn’t dampen their enthusiasm as they eagerly watched their heroes practice on the track. It was also pretty cool to see various motoring clubs at the event, with some members arriving in Mini Coopers and Ford Mustangs, adding to the vibrant community spirit. The camaraderie among fans and the excitement of the cars on track made for an unforgettable experience.

I can’t wait to go back, and next time I definitely want to experience a NASCAR race. That’s going to be truly awesome!