By David Phillips-IMSA Wire Service
The 49-car field for this weekend's 59th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona gathered for a photo opportunity on the front straightaway of Daytona International Speedway Wednesday morning. Photo: Rick Dole, IMSA/LAT
And a new racing season dawns, as it has for close to six decades, with the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Unique among the world’s headline motorsports events, there are no competing races on the international calendar this weekend. Thus, the Daytona International Speedway paddock is akin to a scene in a “Star Wars” cantina this week, such is the diverse cast of characters attracted to the event from throughout the motorsports universe.