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Roar Before the 24
Article by Steve Hoffman
Photos by Steve Hoffman and Blake Blakely
One of the many perks of living on the Space
Coast is that the world watches as we kickoff
each racing season with the Rolex 24 at
Daytona. The “Roar” is our opportunity to
get up close and personal with the teams,
sneak in an early look at this years’ cars, and
get out and enjoy the camaraderie that our
club offers.
A few members’ cars literally feet from the track
Fifteen members met up at Lowe’s in
Rockledge, completed our safety brief,
and headed north up I-95. After a quick
stop at Panera in Daytona to pick up a few
more members and get a quick caffeine fix,
we headed into the track. Another dozen
or so Space Coast members were already
on hand. As you get out of the car you are
quickly reminded of where this event got its’
name. The symphonic roar of racing engines
running at full throttle literally surround
you.
The excitement began immediately as the
track was full and only a few feet away
from our parking location. There was the
Brumos 911 GT3 Cup number 5 with Hurley
Haywood behind the wheel for one more
last race. The defending champion Action
Express Porsche DP’s now running two cars;
the 5 and the 9. And then we were surprised
to see the familiar Flying Lizards 45, but on
a Porsche DP car. Later we got a good look
at the BGB Motorsports’ Caymans who are
running in the Continental Tire Series.
We rushed to the fan zone and in to the
paddock for open access to the cars, the
volume 5, Issue 1
drivers, and the teams. They were all more
than willing to sign autographs, answer
questions about the cars, and accept well
wishes. It was a great event, blessed with
perfect weather, and enjoyed among good
friends. If you have never been to the Roar,
you are really missing out.
Patrick Long testing the Flying Lizards Porsche DP car
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