Historic Sportscar Racing is gearing up for an exciting weekend at Daytona International Speedway, featuring the Daytona Historics and the Classic Daytona 24. This iconic event, a Daytona staple since 2014, will be particularly special this year, extending to 25 hours due to the weekends fall back time change.
The action kicks off on Thursday with practice and qualifying sessions, where a diverse array of vintage and historic sportscars will take over the track. The main event, spanning Saturday and Sunday, mirrors the format of the renowned Rolex 24 in January but with a unique twist. Cars from six different classes will alternate track time in one-hour stints, ensuring each class gets four stints during the 25-hour marathon.
The participating cars, familiar to devoted IMSA followers, are categorized by decades, ranging from Pre-1972 classics to modern prototype and GT-era racers. Among the standout entries is a GT40, co-driven by notable racing enthusiasts Ford CEO Jim Farley and F1 technical guru Adrian Newey, the lead engineer for Formula One’s dominant Red Bull team. Farley, who competed in pre-Rolex 24 events earlier this year, brings his passion for racing to the track once again.
Additionally, NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham is set to make an appearance, adding to the events star-studded lineup.
Historic Sportscar Racing, with a legacy spanning nearly 50 years, traces its origins back to an event at Road Atlanta. Today, it operates and promotes races at eight historic venues in North America, including renowned tracks like Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, Sebring, and Road America. The organizations mission is rooted in celebrating the race cars of the past, offering spectators a unique experience that serves as a captivating time machine of sights and sounds.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who owns historic sportscar racing?
Since January 2022, the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has taken ownership of the organization.
What is the historic stock car racing series?
Founded in 1994 by San Jose businessman John Davis, the Historic Stock Car Racing Series (HSCRS) is a West Coast-based auto racing organization. Its mission is to register, preserve, restore, and showcase authentic NASCAR Winston Cup Series stock cars. The HSCRS is dedicated to keeping the history of stock car racing alive by providing a platform for these classic cars to continue racing and thrilling fans.
What is the oldest motorsport race?
Although the 1894 race was determined by the speed and finishing order of the racers who qualified, the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris race of June 1895 is often referred to as the first-ever motor race. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of motorsports, as it showcased the potential of automobiles and their ability to cover long distances. Despite the challenges faced by the participants, the race was a huge success and paved the way for future motorsport events.
What is HSR Classic?
HSR is a rapidly expanding motorsport series that celebrates the history of racing. The cars take center stage, showcasing previous champions from iconic events like the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 24 Hours of Daytona. This unique approach has made HSR a favorite among fans in both the United States and Europe.