Rolex 24

[Achickdrivesit]

Does anyone know if Ford does a hospitality program/experience for the Rolex 24? I’ll be there for another manufacturer’s experience, but I’d love to bounce between that and Ford, if it’s an option. It would be pretty cool to get to chat with some of the Ford Performance/GTD development team, too. I emailed the concierge earlier in the month but haven’t heard back.

While on the topic, will any of you be at the Rolex 24?

 

[dbk]

No hospitality program, but I'm double checking. They usually just run a "Mustang Owners" tent that you can come in with a key and get chips and pop and stuff, so no proper hospitality. I would look for Scott Bartlett. He's the global sports car marketing manager. You might know him from Porsche if you participated in any of their similar stuff. He used to run the experience center and put on Sportscar Together Fest. Started with FMC last year and good dude. I will also check with Owens and see if they are getting a car down there but January is jammed.

A bunch of GT guys (and they are basically all getting GTDs) are going and will be over in Champions Club.

Crazy story but in year 1 of the GT race program a bunch of us attended and they had a white GT on display. Larry Holt stayed late after the race with everyone just bullshitting over by the display, and as the display team was moving it out to load it up, one of the guys did the number 1 thing to never do with a car: grabbed the wheel by the spokes. Yeah, sheared a finger right off. Threw it in an ice cup and they did manage to reattach it. Oof.

 

[Achickdrivesit]

That’s wild! I will look for Scott Bartlett. I’ve never had any Porsches, so I’m not familiar with him, but I’m pretty good at tracking people down if I look up a photo lol. I’d love to reconnect if Owens happens to be there… Had a great conversation with him during car week, before I knew I was getting an allocation. I recall seeing a Ford sign on one of the doors near the Lamborghini hospitality suite, so I may poke around there a bit. With the GTD having so much racing DNA, I hope they consider a Rolex 24 experience in 2026+.

 

[Apollo]

We will be there rooting Ford on. Been going since 2016. Love this race. One of the best to attend, so much happens in 24 hours, very much like LeMans.

 

[dbk]

No corral or owners tent this year because there wasn’t anything suitable available trackside.

 

[Apollo]

No corral or owners tent this year because there wasn’t anything suitable available trackside.

Hey DBK, will Ford have a booth this year, and will there be a GTD like last time? (last year was the no engine display version)

 

[ICONIC GT]

That’s wild! I will look for Scott Bartlett. I’ve never had any Porsches, so I’m not familiar with him, but I’m pretty good at tracking people down if I look up a photo lol. I’d love to reconnect if Owens happens to be there… Had a great conversation with him during car week, before I knew I was getting an allocation. I recall seeing a Ford sign on one of the doors near the Lamborghini hospitality suite, so I may poke around there a bit. With the GTD having so much racing DNA, I hope they consider a Rolex 24 experience in 2026+.

We will be there. Primarily bouncing in and out of Champions club…. Hope to meet you…. Doug n Dana

 

[dbk]

Car is in Daytona

 

[FJPIKUL]

I call bs. There is no snow there.

 

[extrap]

Car is in Daytona

That is definitely the livery I would've chosen! White looks clean and with just a little color pop with the fairly subtle stripes and red mirrors, wing ends and calipers

 

[ICONIC GT]

Cool. Looking forward to to checking it out!

 

[Simon]

Is the black trim in exposed CF or painted black? Thanks

 

[Apollo]

I can confirm this GTD example is here at Daytona! The exposed trim is a combination of painted black and exposed CF.
I will try to get some more detaile Photos in the next few days. Started and reved a few time while we were there... EPIC sounds!