The 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona officially kicked off at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. This prestigious endurance race challenges competitors to face the grueling tests of motorsport over a relentless 24 hours of intense competition.
Coinciding with the centenary of the Rolex Oyster watch, this classic timepiece has witnessed significant moments in racing history. In 1933, Sir Malcolm Campbell, wearing a Rolex, drove his “Bluebird” on Daytona Beach, setting a speed record of 272 miles per hour (438 kilometers), a testament to how time can be both an ally and an adversary in racing.
Drivers in the 24-hour endurance race continuously push their limits, hitting speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (322 kilometers), navigating sharp turns, powerful G-forces, and a tightly packed racing circuit. Every component of the cars must perform at peak efficiency, and drivers cannot afford even a moment of complacency.
Gathering of the World’s Top Manufacturers
The 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona features 60 cars from elite manufacturers, divided into four categories, including 11 high-performance prototype vehicles. The Porsche Penske team, which secured its 20th overall win last year, is aiming for a three-peat in this year’s competition.
Legendary drivers Hurley Haywood and Scott Pruett, each with five wins, are celebrated as the most successful competitors in the race’s history. After winning in 2013, Pruett received a specially engraved Cosmograph Daytona watch. He emphasizes, “Every second counts in this race; victory often depends on the finest margins. The Rolex watch is the most cherished reward for all our hard work.”
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the event being a 24-hour endurance race. Rolex introduced the Cosmograph Daytona in 1963 and has sponsored the event since 1992, with its timepieces continuing to witness the remarkable performances of drivers at the limits of speed. Following tradition, the champion of the 2026 race will receive a specially engraved Daytona watch, honoring their exceptional skill and determination.
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