Rolex 24 at Daytona Sports Car Racing Event 2011

The 49th Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car racing event begins Thursday, January 27, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Fans from around the globe gather to participate in this one-of-a-kind motorsports experience.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is an electrifying event that offers fans 4 days of non-stop fun and excitement. In addition to witnessing the world's most talented drivers compete in a grueling 24-hour race, a variety of activities are planned to keep fans entertained and well-fed.

The Sprint FANZONE offers a vast array of interactive hands-on activities where fans can place their autograph on the start/finish line, view an extensive collection of show cars, watch official car inspections, attend driver Q&A sessions, listen to live bands, participate in wall climb and power jump events, indulge in food and drink, and watch teams and drivers work in garages from the infamous Fan Deck.

Featured drivers for the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona include: Jimmie Johnson, Patrick Dempsey, Kenny Wallace, Max Angelelli, Brendan Gaughan, Ross Kaiser, and Ryan Briscoe. Popular teams include: Brumos Racing, Mitchum Motorsports, Team Sahlen, Krohn Racing, and Flying Lizard Motorsports. A complete list of Rolex 24 teams and drivers is available at Grand-Am.com.

Rolex 24 at Daytona Scheduled Activities

Thursday, January 27th: Activities begin in the Sprint FANZONE at 9 am with the Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition display. Grandstand gates open at 10am, followed by a day of practice and qualifications for the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Challenge 200.

Friday, January 28th: Grandstand gates and Sprint FANZONE open at 9 am. FANZONE activities include rock wall and power jump event at 9 am and the Boardwalk Experience from 11 am to 4:30 pm. Boardwalk activities include go-karts, carnival rides and games.

Trackside events include Rolex Series and Continental Tire Challenge practice from 9 am to noon, followed by the pre-race, fan walk, and autograph session. The GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge race starts at 1:30 pm and gates close at 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 29th: The Daytona 5K Run and Fun Walk kicks off race day activities as participants gather at 7 am. FANZONE events include the Boardwalk Experience, rock wall and power jump event, Rolex Series drivers' autograph session, live bands, and karaoke.

Throughout the day, fans can visit the Activity Zone to indulge in chili cook-off samples or attend the wine and cheese party. The Café 24 Beer Garden will be serving food and drinks from 11 am to 10 pm. As a frequent attendee, I highly recommend the chili cook-off and wine and cheese party. Tickets to these events are additional.

Trackside events include Champions Club milestone laps and pre-race ceremonies. The start of the 49th Rolex 24 at Daytona commences at 3:30 pm.

Sunday, January 30th: The Sprint FANZONE opens at 8 am with rock wall and power jump event from 9 am to 3:30 pm and the Boardwalk Event from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Check you watch to be certain you're at a good vantage point to see which driver crosses the finish line at 3:30 pm.

Rolex 24 at Daytona Travel Arrangements and Race Tickets

MyRaceTravel.com, the official travel package provider for NASCAR offers Rolex-Standard packages starting from $635 or Rolex Champions Club packages starting from $1235. Each includes hotel accommodations, general admission infield and grandstand tickets, garage access, Sprint FANZONE access, shuttle service from Daytona Beach International Airport to the hotel, and much more.

Race tickets can be purchased at DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com. Special racing packages include Dempsey Racing Offer, Champions Club Package, and Speed Insider offer.

Sources:
Daytona International Speedway Rolex 24 at Daytona
Schedule of Sprint FANZONE events
Daytona Speedweeks 2011 Insider's Guide