As 26-year-old British racer Jamie Chadwick, serving as Grand Marshal for the 63rd Rolex 24H at Daytona, uttered the iconic phrase, “Drivers, start your engines,” a symphony of power erupted as 61 cars across four classes roared to life. This iconic endurance race, a demanding 24-hour test of human stamina and vehicular precision, challenges the resolve of competitors in unique ways. In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Porsche Penske Motorsport secured its second consecutive victory in the event, with the No.7 Porsche 963—piloted by Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, and Laurens Vanthoor—securing top honours in both the overall standings and the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class. 

The jubilant winners then posed with the iconic Cosmograph Daytona, a tradition that stretches back to 1992, when the Swiss watchmaker Rolex first formally associated with the event. Racers spend their entire life preparing for this moment, and Rolex honours their commitment and excellence with a special watch for drivers who finish first in all four categories of the race. 

Earlier this year, Rolex also became the official timepiece of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Scott Pruett, IMSA Hall of Fame driver, shared his thoughts about the partnership, stating how getting the Rolex timepiece is the ultimate aim for all drivers. "I am so thrilled about the partnership between Rolex and IMSA. It is very personal to me; I spent my career racing in IMSA championships, including the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and striving for a Rolex timepiece at the speedway. Rolex and IMSA share a commitment to the legacy of racing and have been steadfast leaders in driving motorsport forward," says Pruett. 

Although Rolex became the title sponsor of this event in 1992, its commitment to the world of motorsport extends even further. It was in 1935 when Rolex joined forces with Sir Malcolm Campbell, one of the fastest drivers in the world then, as they aimed to break the sound barrier. Campbell, in his Bluebird, touched a land speed record of over 300 miles per hour (approximately 485 km/h) at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. 

Tom Kristensen, the nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, says: "Rolex has been a part of this race since the very beginning and this relationship is a match made in heaven. There is so much heritage between the two, they continue to support each other along their journey."