I arrived for the Rolex 24 @ Daytona weekend on Friday (27 Jan). Note to self: next year make sure to get there for Thursday practice, qualifying, and most importantly the Rolex 24 night practice. You can never get enough of seeing racing at night…it’s spectacular! Friday’s schedule featured the third practice session for the 24 hour competitors and the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race (BMW Endurance Challenge)…and oh my, how the Continental Tire series has changed! The introduction of the McLarens has really renewed my interest in the series. Another notable change was that the length of the race increased to four hours. It was a win/win in my book. The race was ultra competitive from start to finish and very entertaining. Here are a few photos from Friday. Enjoy.

The Daytona International Speedway is an amazing facility. I was totally overwhelmed by the track and the IMSA Rolex 24 @ Daytona weekend.

Early morning pre-race preparations for the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race. This was probably my favorite car of the weekend…the C360 Racing, #77 McLaren 570S GT4. Sweet!

More pre-race prep, this time with the #69 MIA/Pfaff/GARAGA race team. Another sleek McLaren 570S GT4, with a driver line-up of Chris Green and Jesse Lazare.

On the grid walk before the BMW Endurance Challenge race. Max Bladon standing with his #99 Automatic Racing, Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

Opening laps of the  four hour BMW Endurance Challenge (IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge).