Porsche competes in the GTLM and GTD classes of the Rolex 24 at Daytona so I joined my fellow Porsche Club of America members to cheer them on. Unfortunately, I signed up too late to park in the Porsche car corral inside the track, so I found a fellow Porsche to park with in Lot 4. The day was sunny and cool, prefect for racing.
I entered through the tunnel under Turn 4. Immediately upon emerging I saw the Corvette car corral, the only other brand besides Porsche that had one. The new Corvette C8 would compete against Porsche in the GTLM class.
I walked straight to the garages hoping to see the cars before they entered the track. They were already gone.
I made my way to pit road and walked to the front of the line-up of cars.
The DPi and LMP2 cars were up front, followed by the two GTLM Porsche 911 RSR cars, #911 and #912.
After getting an up-close look at the cars and drivers, I made my way to the infield to find the Porsche Club of America (PCA) tent. On the way I got my first look at the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8. There were swarms of people around it, but I managed to get a photo. Its design is a bit too angular, busy, and aggressive for my tastes.
Next I visited Suncoast Parts, the official Porsche vendor for the race. I bought a limited-edition Cayman GT4 mug and Porsche Motorsport water bottle. I spoke to Ric who answered several of my accessories questions and gave me a closer look at his own blue 718 Cayman. He was very helpful and I plan to order a few parts from them soon.
Questions answered and souvenirs purchased, I continued on to the PCA hospitality tent.
I showed my PCA card and received my wristband. I grabbed a Coke and a poster and had a quick look around before heading out to watch the beginning of the race.
The race began at 1:40 pm. I watched the first few laps from the road course section of the track next to the Porsche car corral. The #911 started ahead of the #912.
With the long race underway, I took some time to look around at the cars parked in the Porsche car corral, regretful that I had not signed up in time to get mine inside. The lot was mostly filled with 911s, but also included Boxsters, Caymans, Macans, Cayennes, and various classic models.
One man had the back of his Porsche 928 set up as “BAR 928” filled with various bottles and mixers.
Parked inside the fence next to the PCA tent was the new totally electric Porsche Taycan (pronounced “tie-cahn”). This was my first time seeing it in person and the first time in Gentian Blue Metallic, similar to the Dark Blue Metallic on my Boxster.
I left the PCA tent to have another look around. I saw some other interesting cars including a Turner Motorsport MINI Cooper S Hardtop and a Hyundai Veloster N.
Back to the racing. I headed to my favorite spot to watch. From this infield spot you can see the cars enter the road course section, go around the Horseshoe, and accelerate past. Then you can see the cars as they head back onto the tri-oval and Turn 1.
After watching for a while and with the sun starting to go down, I decided to head back toward the exit. On the way back, I walked through the Fanzone to see the race from a few other favorite spots. I got my first look at the new Toyota GR Supra GT4 on display.
I also had a quick look at the display of vintage racecars including two important Porsche 914 cars.
Returning through the garage area, I realized I hadn’t taken my own photo to mark the day. So I got a last photo at the Porsche GT Team garage.
Although I had a great day on Saturday, I didn’t go back on Sunday, preferring to watch the race on TV (on my phone). After leading the GTLM class for most of the race, the two factory Porsches finished second (#912) and third (#911) behind a BMW. In the GTD class, the best finish for Porsche was fourth. Disappointing not to get wins, but the Porsche teams overall placed well. All racing enthusiasts should attend the Rolex 24 at Daytona at least once.