GM, BMW Executives Named in Honorary Roles for Rolex 24

Two automotive executives, General Motors president Mark Reuss and BMW Group board chairman Oliver Zipse, have been named in honorary roles for this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Reuss, who has been GM’s President since 2019, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 61st running of the Florida enduro, while Zipse will wave the green flag to start the race on Saturday.

Both men oversee companies with new programs in the new GTP class, with two Cadillac outfits and BMW M Team RLL going up against each other with LMDh machinery.

GM and BMW are also represented in the GT ranks through Corvette Racing and the BMW M4 GT3 customer program respectively.

“It is an honor to welcome Mark as our Grand Marshal for the 61st running of the Rolex 24,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher.

“General Motors has long had a strong partnership with Daytona International Speedway, alongside their success on the track here.

“This is a great opportunity to recognize their commitment to our facility and motorsport in general.”

Kelleher added: “Daytona International Speedway and BMW have great historical ties in racing.

“It’s only fitting that Oliver waves the green flag over the track where BMW first raced in the United States.”

Reuss’s title as Grand Marshal follows the joint nomination of six Rolex 24 legends – Mario Andretti, Hurley Haywood, Scott Pruett, Bobby Rahal, Jack Roush and Wayne Taylor – to the honorary position last year.

Other recent Grand Marshals include ACO President Pierre Fillon, three-time Rolex 24 winner Christian Fittipaldi, five-time winner Pruett and team owner Chip Ganassi.

“Being named the Grand Marshal of the Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the true honors of my life and something I’ll never forget,” said Reuss.

“This is one of the premier motorsports events in the world, at one of its most historic venues, and I couldn’t be happier about how far the series has come since the first Corvette-inspired DPI appeared with Jim France and set a new trajectory for the sport.

“I’m proud to be at Daytona this year with all of the fantastic drivers and great cars, including our own Cadillacs and Corvettes.”