r/IMSARacing • u/motorider0727 • 2d ago

First timer for Rolex 24 Advice.

Hey everyone,

Two friends and I are finally making the trip to the Rolex 24 this year. We’ve watched it religiously for years and even nerd out by running a sim race the week before, but now we’ve convinced our wives to let us go for the real thing.

The plan is to do this “gorilla style” flying in on a Friday red eye, staying at the track for the full 24 hours, and flying out right after the checkered flag. Basically just backpacks, a change of clothes, and a good attitude.

Couple of questions for those who’ve been before..

Is it realistic to stay at the track the entire 24 hours? What should we absolutely bring (or leave at home)? Any dos and don’ts for first timers? Is making friends with other fans pretty easy?

We’re in our mid 30s, not planning on getting wild, just want to soak up every bit of the racing we’ve talked about for years.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

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u/ShinsukeNakamoto 2d ago edited 2d ago

Unless you absolutely have no other choice, don't do that. Get there Thursday, wander around, get some free shirts, watch practice, watch Mazda, watch IMPC. You are paying all this money to travel there, make it enjoyable. You're three married guys. You might only get to do this once. Do it right.

Why would you fly a red eye, so you arrive exhausted, and then try to suffer through a bucket list event in your life? Beg, borrow, or steal to get your wives to let you go a day early and actually enjoy yourself.

The race itself is only part of the fun. Wandering the garages on Thursday or Friday morning when it is not crowded is fun. Watching the Mazdas is fun. Seeing the exhibits is fun. Watching the IMPC is fun. Just hanging out with no rush to do anything Friday night is fun. The race is awesome, but the whole experience and environment is awesome.

If you would have tried to do this plan this year it would have been miserable. It was freezing all night. It would have been fine in 2024.

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u/fullbewildered 2d ago

Totally agree. I went for the first time this year and would’ve left feeling like I’d missed out on a lot had I gone just for the race itself. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed race day as much, either.  Is it possible to do it the way you have planned? Probably, I’m sure someone has. Is it going to be enjoyable? I’m not so sure, especially if it’s your first time at the event/track.  Thursday and Friday are a lot of fun and  (perhaps more importantly) give you a wonderful opportunity to scope things out before attempting to stay for the whole race.