From Sue Kee – What a beautiful ride to the Roar Before the 24. Eight cars and eleven Space Coasters did the drive to the Daytona Speedway to enjoy the activities leading up to next week’s Rolex 24. This was the biggest crowd I had seen in years. It was tough to find a space to park, but it was well worth the trip. The Roar Before also benefits local scouting groups. The scouts can camp and enjoy the festivities with their troops and parents for free.
We arrived in time to watch some practice sessions and one VP-sponsored race. It was a great time to check out some of the cars and drivers who will be in the Rolex. A friend, Eric Zitza, was practicing as a driver for the RS1 Racing Team from South Florida in a Porsche 911 992 GT3 R. Next week will be his first Rolex, following in the footsteps of dad Ron Zitza of Zotz Racing, who has been a winner in class at the Rolex in previous years.
It’s also a fun time to visit the garages, where the race teams are preparing the cars for the track. We could be up close and personal, a special feature of the Roar before each year. Penske Porsche was there with Porsche Cars #6 & #7, along with many other Porsche racing teams. We even got to see Roger Penske and Wayne Taylor of Wayne Taylor Racing, greeting the crowds of people. Can’t wait for next week to be back at Daytona to see the 64th running of the Rolex.
Photos – IMSA’s Roar Before the Rolex 24 – January 17, 2026
Comments 1
Sorry I missed it, I will be at the race from Wednesday to Monday this coming week!! Stop by and say Hello! We have the camper 3 spots from the entrance ( left side) of tunnel turn one. We will have a Porsche flag up, as well as a camp fire going every night made from truck rims, can’t miss us!
Bill Hempel