24 hour sportscar racing is awesome and there’s no other spectacle which comes close to capturing the atmosphere at a 24-hour event. It’s the reason that Daytona, like Le Mans, is so special and attracts top drivers from all the formulae.
 More than 60 cars racing at top speed on the high banking of the famous oval, against a backdrop of all the attractions off-track, is plenty to take in but, as night falls your senses really take over. You tune in to engine notes and gear changes and are mesmerised by the headlights and the relentless pace. Dawn comes as a relief to the teams and drivers who have made it through the night.
Of course, most spectators don’t stay at the track for the full 24 hours. The proximity of Daytona Beach and a comfortable bed are too enticing even for diehard fans.
Enjoying a year-round temperate climate and 23 miles of white sandy beach, Daytona now has attractions to suit all tastes but the once sleepy winter resort was propelled into the international spotlight because of racing. The first race, on the beach, took place in 1903 but it was Malcolm Campbell’s land speed record in 1935 which was the catalyst for the eventual purpose-built Speedway facility.
 In 2008 Chip Ganassi Racing pulled off their third consecutive win in the Lexus-powered Riley with a margin of two laps at the flag. The team of experienced drivers included Scot Dario Franchitti, who drove through much of the night and Juan Pablo Montoya who was enjoying his second victory at the Speedway. Brits Andy Wallace and Allan McNish didn’t fare so well, retiring with engine failures.
The race package detailed below is a great opportunity to get up close to the action but you can get even closer with racing legend Hurley Haywood. An impressive CV includes 5 wins at Daytona, 3 wins in the Le Mans 24 Hours, 2 wins in the Sebring 12 Hours and 14 Indy 500 starts. With Hurley you will get a guided garage tour, access to the race control tower and even into Victory Lane.
The Rolex 24 is the ultimate spectator event – join us there in 2009 for the race experience of a lifetime!
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Wednesday 21 January
