Every January, the motorsports world shifts its spotlight to the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the top NASCAR drivers at Rolex 24 consistently rise to the occasion. Even as the NASCAR Cup Series remains dormant in the off-season, several familiar faces trade their stock cars for endurance rides, eager to compete and add their names to the prestigious roster of champions at this iconic Florida venue.
The Rolex 24 has cemented its status as a true test of endurance and skill. Originally known as the Daytona Continental, the race grew from a modest three-hour event into a punishing 24-hour contest by 1966. This evolution ensured its place among motorsports’ greatest challenges, and the 2026 edition anticipates a packed grid of 61 cars and drivers from diverse racing backgrounds.
The Allure of the Daytona Endurance Challenge
The Rolex 24’s endurance format, grueling schedule, and challenging atmosphere draw elite competitors from across disciplines, including Nascar stars and legends. Not only does this race offer a platform to prove versatility, but its legacy ensures that every appearance and win become part of racing history. In recent years, rising competitors like Connor Zilisch have been joined by veteran champions in pursuit of Daytona glory.
NASCAR Talents Who Defined the Rolex 24 at Daytona
Through decades, NASCAR drivers have delivered some of the event’s most memorable performances, their backgrounds forging a blend of speed and strategy perfect for 24-hour racing. Here are the top five NASCAR drivers whose feats at the Rolex 24 at Daytona have left a lasting impression:
5. Jamie McMurray: With a NASCAR Cup Series career spanning 15 years and seven race wins, Jamie McMurray’s record at Daytona’s endurance event is equally notable. Over eight Rolex 24 appearances, his milestone moment arrived in 2015. Driving the No. 2 car for Chip Ganassi Racing, McMurray—teaming with Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Kyle Larson—secured overall victory. This triumph made him one of the exclusive club of drivers to have conquered both the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24, highlighting his multifaceted racing skill.
4. AJ Allmendinger: Set to return in 2026, AJ Allmendinger brings extensive experience to Meyer Shank Racing, piloting the No. 60 Acura ARX-06 alongside Scott Dixon, Tom Blomqvist, and Colin Braun. As a winner in 2012 and with 15 career Rolex 24 starts, Allmendinger stands out not only for his endurance racing prowess but also his ability to balance these commitments with his ongoing duties at Kaulig Racing in NASCAR Cup. Even as he finished the 2025 season ranked 26th in points, Allmendinger’s dual-discipline reputation continues to grow.
3. Jeff Gordon: Though he is recognized primarily as a four-time NASCAR Cup champion, Jeff Gordon’s pair of Rolex 24 appearances left a powerful legacy. Competing first in 2007, he returned a decade later and seized victory with Wayne Taylor Racing’s No. 10 car, joined by Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, and Max Angelelli. By claiming the top prize, Gordon became the fourth driver to secure wins at both the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24, underscoring his place among racing’s elite.
2. Kyle Larson: After clinching his second Cup championship at Phoenix, Kyle Larson is set for a return to Daytona’s endurance scene. Boasting three Rolex 24 outings, Larson’s defining moment came in 2015 with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he shared the winner’s circle with Dixon, Kanaan, and McMurray. Although he hasn’t raced the event since 2016, his breakthrough overall win on just his second sports-car attempt showcased the adaptability of this Hendrick Motorsports standout.
1. Juan Pablo Montoya: Juan Pablo Montoya remains unmatched among NASCAR drivers for his Rolex 24 achievements. His three overall titles—claimed in 2007, 2008, and 2013, all with Chip Ganassi Racing—distinguished him as a master of endurance competition. Notably, Montoya’s 2013 triumph followed a tense battle with AJ Allmendinger, and his debut win came mere weeks before his first full-time NASCAR campaign commenced.
Why NASCAR Drivers Embrace the Rolex 24 Challenge
The ongoing success and participation of drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya, Kyle Larson, Jeff Gordon, Jamie McMurray, and AJ Allmendinger reinforce the Rolex 24’s reputation as an arena where versatility and tenacity are rewarded. These victories also illuminate their adaptability, showing how NASCAR’s top stars transfer their skills to some of endurance racing’s greatest battles. With each new edition, Daytona continues to be a proving ground for racing’s best—ensuring that the stories of these drivers echo far beyond the checkered flag.
