50Th Anniversary Of Rolex 24 At Daytona
Rolex 24 at Daytona is a special event that is eagerly awaited by auto manufacturers, drivers, and racing fans around the world. Rolex 24 at Daytona is also going to be the first important race of the international motor sport season. Every year in January, the Daytona International Speedway witnesses this incredible race that is loved by leading drivers, who consider it as one of the most difficult races. This upcoming event in 2012 will represent a unique highlight of the Rolex 24 as it completes 50 years.
This 50th anniversary is also bringing in various special activities to make the occasion grander. The people at Rolex, Daytona International Speedway and GRAND-AM are making efforts to gather all Rolex 24 at Daytona race winners along with their cars. To add to the glamour, two new additions will be included, the 1970 Rolex 24 Overall Champion No. 2 Gulf Porsche 917 and the 1966 Rolex 24 Overall Champion Ford Mark II. The latter car captured the 1966 victory when the race was organized for 24 hours. At that time Rolex 24 at Daytona was known as the Daytona Continental and was of three hour duration.
The second car-‘No. 2 Gulf Porsche 917’ gained popularity in 1970 race and became a winner by 45 laps over the No. 1 Gulf Porsche 917. This car became more special as Rodriguez captured his third win of four Rolex 24 victories in 1970.
In honor of the 2012 Rolex 24 50th Anniversary, there will be various activities over the end of the event. One such association that holds a special mention is between Colombian-American artist Alberto Gomez and Daytona International Speedway (DIS). Gomez is recognized worldwide and appropriately depicts both ancient and present civilizations through his murals. He will work on a special commemorative painting that will include one car and team from each of the race’s five decades.
The 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona will also distribute some very special prizes to its winners. Apart from the popular Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas the winners of the race will get a PRS Private Stock guitar. It will be specially designed, keeping in mind the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and will feature a mahogany back, rosewood fingerboard with a figured maple top.
All the worthy winners of this world class race get a place in motor sports history. They are presented with a special steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona which is regarded as the world’s rarest watch. Rolex’s involvement with the Daytona International Speedway started in 1959. Later in 1965, Rolex Cosmograph watches got ‘Daytona’ name imprinted on the dial. This special watch allowed its users to clock elapsed times and calculate average speeds.
Rolex became the chief sponsor of the 24-hour race at Daytona in 1992 which is amongst the most prestigious endurance competitions along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
