Rolex has long played an integral role in motorsports. With the recent conclusion of Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the manufacture is solidifying its recognition of the drivers and teams as they push the boundaries of performance in the sport. The iconic 24-hour race held at Daytona International Speedway on 25 January saw man and machine completing 781 laps around the 5.73km tri-oval track, showcasing the sport’s intensity and the indomitable human spirit.

Rolex’s relationship with Daytona began in the 1930s when Sir Malcolm Campbell set several World Land Speed Records behind the wheel of Bluebird on Daytona Beach with a Rolex Oyster strapped on his wrist. The watchmaker then began partnering with the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA in the 1960s and became its Title Sponsor in 1992. This year, Rolex further deepened its commitment to motorsports and the race by becoming the Official Timepiece of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).

In this event, Rolex Testimonee Jamie Chadwick served as Grand Marshal of the contest and delivered the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command. “I have followed the Rolex 24 for many years, so to witness the race firsthand as Grand Marshal is something I will remember forever. It has been impressive to see how tough this race is, from the challenging circuit to the steep banking and the many hours of darkness. I would love to return as a competitor, and to have a chance of winning a Daytona watch as a Rolex Testimonee would be the ultimate prize — one that is truly earned,” she said.

Many top manufacturers and teams were present at the event, and after a gruelling 24 hours of putting the drivers’ endurance to the test, it was the #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche 963, that took the chequered flag for the second year in a row. The other top finishers included the #60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing, Acura ARX-06, that took second place and the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche 963, that placed third. The triumphant drivers received a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in Victory Lane.

Commenting on the rest of the year ahead, Rolex Testimonee and endurance racing legend Tom Kristensen said: “What a great way to start the 2025 endurance racing season — the quality of driving across the categories at the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA always amazes me. The golden era of endurance racing continues with top manufacturers and exceptional talent coming into the sport, creating such thrilling competition. The FIA World Endurance Championship and the 12 Hours of Sebring are next on the calendar, all leading towards the crown jewel of the sport — the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.”

With Rolex’s longstanding relationship with motorsports comes a comprehensive roster of racing greats that have since been inducted into its family of Testimonees. They include Sir Jackie Stewart, Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber and Jenson Button, among many other distinguished personalities.

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