Rolex 24 at Daytona Preview
 
The Event
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the world's leading sportscar endurance events.  It forms the opening round of the Rolex Grand-Am Series and therefore includes the two classes of that championship. Daytona Prototypes are unique to this series and are purpose built by a number of chassis manufacturers.  There are also a number of engine options.  There is also a GT Class for 'road-going' sports cars.  A number of manufacturers are represented, but the largest number of entrants in this class will be driving Porsches.

Drivers
The event draws an impressive list of drivers.  This year, as well as attracting some of the world's best sportscar drivers, the Rolex 24 boasts many of the leading drivers from American motorsport including NASCAR and the Indy Racing League.  Driver numbers per car are less restrictive than other 24 hours races and there can be as many as 5 drivers sharing a car.

The Team
Oliver will be sharing one of a pair of Daytona Prototypes entered by new team Krohn/TRG Racing.  The car, number 66, is a Riley chassis with a Pontiac engine.  He will be sharing the driving with Max Papis and Jorg Bergmeister.

To see the team's preview in full click here.

The team performed well at the official Daytona Test Days, setting the second fastest time.  They will be hoping that they can translate that excellent performance into a good result in the race itself.

Oliver's View
"Any 24 hour race is a major challenge and anything can happen over that length of time.  However, I am really looking forward to driving with Max (Papis) and Jorg (Bergmeister), I think we will be a really strong driver line-up.  Both of my teammates have won at Daytona before!"

"I've no doubt that the car will be quick, we've now got to work really hard together as a team to make sure we fulfil the potential we showed at the test days.  It looks as though it will very competitive this year!"

Event Schedule

Thursday 3rd February
10.00 am to 11.30 am		Practice
1.30 pm to 2.30 pm		Practice
3.45 pm to 4.00 pm		Qualifying for Daytona Prototypes (sets top 30 grid positions)
6.00 pm to 8.00 pm		Practice
Friday 4th February
9.30 am to 10.15 am		Practice
11.40 am to 12.00 pm		Final Qualifying (for grid positions 31 and above)
1.00 pm to 1.45 pm		Final Practice
Saturday 5th February
12.00 pm		Start of the 43rd Rolex 24 at Daytona
Sunday 6th February
12.00 pm		Race finish

Note - All times are local and 5 hours behind UK

Coverage
There will be live timing throughout the event on www.grand-am.com.  There will also be regular updates here on www.olivergavin.com and on www.dailysportscar.com Oliver's time at the event will be diarised.

Entry List
You can see the full entry list for the Rolex 24 at Daytona by clicking here.