Rolex 24 At Daytona Offers Unparalleled Variety for Auto Enthusiasts
Rolex 24 At Daytona Offers Unparalleled Variety for Auto Enthusiasts DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2002) -- Whether it's the roar of an American engine or the exotic appearance of the latest European creation, the 40th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will offer a little of everything for auto enthusiasts. Daytona International Speedway will play host to not only the world's best race car drivers during the twice-around-the-clock race, Feb. 2-3, but also the world's widest variety of cars to take to the track together. More than 30 different types of cars are entered into the 2002 Rolex 24 At Daytona, ranging from American favorites by Chevrolet and Ford to European standards by Ferrari, BMW and Porsche to the exotic entries of Picchio, Marcos and Ascari. Nowhere else in the world will auto enthusiasts be able to witness so many different types of cars together to compete in one race. For fans of American iron, favorites Chevrolet and Ford will be represented, as well as smaller American manufacturers. Chevy Camaros and Corvettes will race against Ford Mustang and Oldsmobile Aurora in the American GT class. Mosler will try to hold off the strong European contingent in the GT class, while the Dodge Viper and Saleen will do battle in GTS. Three American chassis manufacturers can be seen in the prototype ranks - Indianapolis' Riley & Scott, North Carolina's Crawford and Atlanta's Kudzu. Well-known German manufacturers Porsche and BMW will continue their rivalry on the track with cars and engines appearing in four classes. Derivates of Porsche's popular 911 model will race in both the GT and GTS ranks against BMW's M3 model. Porsche and BMW engines will also be coupled with European chassis in the prototype division. Italian-favorite Ferrari will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its podium sweep in Daytona with the return of the Ferrari 333SP to the SportsRacing Prototype class, as well the Ferrari 360GT in the GT division. Italian-manufacturer Picchio will see the American race debut of its latest creation in the SportsRacing Prototype II class. The rare Italian Dallara chassis will also make its return to Daytona for the Rolex 24, after making its American race debut at the Grand-Am Finale in November. The United Kingdom will post a strong contingent of cars in the classic endurance race, led by engine manufacturer Judd, which will be teamed with four different types of chassis in the SportsRacing Prototype class including the English Lola, Ascari and Pilbeam chassis. English-manufacturer Marcos will see the Mantis campaigned in the GTS class against the English Ultima GTR. French-manufacturer Norma will also have two cars running in the Rolex 24, including its brand new Norma 2000-02 chassis slated to race in the SportsRacing Prototype class. Japanese engine-builders Nissan and Mazda can also be seen in the prototype divisions. The 40th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will kick off the 2002 Rolex Sports Car Series season, as well as SpeedWeeks at Daytona International Speedway. Tickets are currently on sale for the Rolex 24 At Daytona and may be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at 386-253-RACE. The Rolex 24 At Daytona will be broadcast on Speedvision. More information on the Rolex Sports Car Series is available online at www.grand-am.com. -30- PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST For more information: Grand American Public Relations Christie Hyde (386) 681-4182 email: CHyde@grand-am.com