By Dylan Spaulding
The 63rd edition of the Rolex 24 kicks off later today at Daytona, with 61 entries ready to race. This year, the field features a star-studded mix of drivers, including nearly half of the IndyCar grid, plus several former and current F1 and NASCAR drivers, alongside top-tier sports car competitors. It’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend of endurance racing.
This year also marks a wave of team and driver reunions, particularly in the GTP class, with several returning partnerships aiming for victory in 2025.
The Return of the Big Names
The biggest story in the GTP class is the return of some familiar and successful pairings. Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) is back with a two-car Acura program. In the #60 car, Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun are looking to make it three consecutive Rolex 24 wins (excluding 2024). In the #93 car, Nick Yelloly and Renger van der Zande are also aiming for victory, joined by IndyCar stars Felix Rosenqvist and Scott Dixon.
Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) returns to Cadillac for the first time since 2020. Their last pairing with the American manufacturer saw them win both the Rolex 24 and the DPi championship, and they’re hoping for a repeat performance in 2025.
Other notable entries in the GTP class include Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s Daytona debut (backed by Riley), and the introduction of Evo updates for several teams. With so many key teams returning, the GTP class is looking even more thrilling than it did in 2023.
Chicane Controversy
The Le Mans Chicane has been a hot topic following track changes implemented after NASCAR driver Ryan Preece’s terrifying crash in August 2023. The back straightaway was repaved, and now with raised curbs and no grass surrounding the chicane, it’s become a challenging section of the track. The big question is how aggressive drivers will be, especially with night racing adding to the challenge.
Ford’s Strong Push
Ford made a solid impression at the Roar Before the 24, including a pole win in the GTD Pro class. The Multimatic Mustangs showed significant improvement towards the end of 2024, capped by a podium finish at Indianapolis. With the momentum carried over into 2025, the Mustangs have emerged as strong contenders for victory this weekend. After a mixed performance in last year’s Rolex 24, the revamped blue oval program now has the pieces in place to challenge for the win in this year’s endurance classic.
Closing Thoughts
The Rolex 24 is always an unpredictable spectacle, and this year’s edition promises plenty of drama. With track changes and a stacked grid across all four classes, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting races in recent memory. As the IMSA season opener, the race will provide a first glimpse into each team’s strengths and potential flaws, setting the stage for the season ahead.
Please consider making a donation so we can keep bringing you our best content from the racetrack.