by A.C. Guillermo
With the big enduro less than three weeks away, I must admit the anticipation is just overwhelming. At least I got a fix at the Bore before the 24, where I had a chance to preview some exciting new things awaiting the hundreds of thousands of fans who will be attending the Rolex 24.
Yes, there are only 29 entries (plus 13 field-filling GT3s). The DP category has been steadily declining, and even Andy F. would acknowledge a lack of diversity, let alone numbers (well, actually he probably wouldn’t). But this is part of NASCAR’s strategy. The three main elements of this strategy are declining fields, dwindling sponsors/manufacturers, and a fancy new office building! In Braselton, they only have two-out-of-three of those elements!
NASCAR is going all-out this year to prove Grand-Am and the Rolex 24 will be the success their press releases claim. From race operations to fan activities, and everything in between, NASCAR is taking Grand-Am to new levels.
While at the test, Mark showed me the new scales to be used this year. After the debacle last year’s 24 when the Brumos car shed pounds faster than Jenny Craig during the race, they realized a new technology was in order. The new scales contain a special computer chip that detects just how important the team owner is, thus adjusting the weight as needed. Pure genius.
For fans, a new concept is the Daytona Speedway Security Department’s Gauntlet of Abuse©, in which every spectator will encounter three stimulating experiences when entering the track: First, it’s the “You Can’t Park Here” Greeting; next, the popular “You Can’t Use this Gate” argument, and finally; the “Let Me See Your Credential You Asshole” confrontation. But its all in good fun, and a unique way for fans to bond with the World Center of Abuse. Best of all, on the way out you will receive a 10% discount for NASCAR merchandise.
In the Fan Zone, look for the new exhibit paying tribute to the third generation of France children titled “Don’t You Know Who I am.” And the eye-opening “Why Le Mans Sucks” display will educate those who dare to even consider going to Sebring. And best of all, Scott Pruett plans on personally greeting every single spectator entering the track prior to the race.*(see note)
But those are just minor things. The big news is what NASCAR and Grand-Am bring to the track this year. Fourteen thundering DPs and a boatload of Mazda RX-8s and re-bodied Pontiacs. Is that exciting or what? Riley-Riley-Riley-Riley-Riley for 24 Hours on a banked track surrounded by 180,000 empty grandstand seats. There is nothing like the Rolex 24!
Of course, the elitist ALMS fans are laughing at NASCAR’s 29 entries for Daytona. So how many entries will there be at Sebring? How many Rileys? True, Sebring may have the U85-powered Radicals, but what else? It’s the same old tired argument that NASCAR wins every time.
The media who are in the know are firmly convinced that this year’s Rolex will be the best in the history of endurance racing, both on and off the track. As you watch this year unfold, you will see A.C. is right. 29 is just fine.
A.C.
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*subject to not happening. Weather conditions or lack of spectators may force cancellation. No autographs. Do not look him in the eye or ask questions about Paul Gentilozzi or Jaguar. May be replaced by Henri Zogiab or J.C. France. Offer not valid on days that end in “y” or if a Coyote qualifies on the pole. No rain checks.
Tags: Brumos, Daytona, Fan Zone, Grand Am, Jenny Craig, Mazda RX-8, NASCAR, Riley, Rolex 24, Scott Pruett, Sebring
The Rolex 24 hours or 24 Hours of Rolex – Daytona
Pontiac, maybe Saturn, or SABB bodied Reilys …?
I probably will cut the grass that day.
My funeral home friend, you know the one that collects
Rolex watches, won’t be watching either.
To satisfy my sense of curiosity, I went to the DIR website. In another masterstroke of marketing, DIR/Nascar is promoting in the following order:
1. drivers talk-up the 500, 2. new 500 qualifying “criteria”, 3. DANICA!!,
4. new 500 start time and 4. a new amusement park. My guess is, the Rolex 24 is so popular, why clutter the website when you can put Dale and DANICA! front and center.
A small box below the above promotions is a link to the Rolex 24. Click on the “Entry List” and you’ll see a fascinating new approach to car sponsorship…7 of the 14 DP’s and a number of the tubes have the same sponsor. Not sure if the sponsor is “White”, “Blank” or “Stealth”.
Of course, now way could DIR/Nascar compete with the Green Challenge X. So, why try?
Hopefully A.C.’s pal Murphy will breakdown the field for us again.
Us ALMS fans have difficulty keepin’ up with the complimicated two class structure of the Rolex.
Which Riley is it gonna be Mr. Bear?
The Bear is studying the Rolex form sheet now.