2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Roar Dates Announced

Photo: John Dagys

IMSA announced Wednesday the dates for the 53rd Rolex 24 at Daytona, which will open the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season, as well as the Roar Before the Rolex 24 pre-season test.

The Rolex 24, which will again serve as the first round of the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup, will take place on Jan 24-25, 2015, with official on-track activities beginning on Wed., Jan 21.

The annual “Roar” test, meanwhile, has been moved back by one week from its traditional date on the first weekend of January and will now take place on Jan. 9-11, 2015.

The switch places IMSA’s pre-season test in direct conflict with the Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai, an event which a number of drivers from the Rolex 24 contest annually, along with a strong international media presence.

IMSA teams will now only have one weekend off between the Roar and the Rolex 24, as opposed to two in 2014.

“We expect the change in the Roar Before The Rolex 24 schedule to be welcome news for all of our stakeholders,” said Ed Bennett, IMSA Chief Executive Officer.

“Moving the Roar back one weekend will enable all involved with IMSA to spend more time with their families during the holiday season. We are grateful to our partners at Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR for accommodating us.

“The Rolex 24 At Daytona, meanwhile, will retain its familiar position on the last weekend in January. This date works well for a number of reasons, not least of which is the opportunity it provides for stars from throughout the racing world to kick off the season against the very best the TUDOR Championship has to offer.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John