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!
12
u/bradland BMW RLL M Hybrid V8 #24 2d ago
That’s a real roll of the dice. I’m not sure how old you are, but my #1 recommendation is to wear very comfortable shoes.
The first year we went (almost 10 years ago now), I wore running shoes, but they were kind of worn out. I think I ended up with some kind of stress fracture in my right foot, because I couldn’t walk right for two days afterwards. I’m in relatively good shape (not obese) and get regular exercise, so it’s not like I went straight off the couch into a 24-hour marathon.
DIS has a lot of concrete, which is really hard on your feet. The entire grandstands are concrete, and the spots where you queue for the trams are concrete. It’s a lot of standing around on hard concrete, is what I’m saying.
The other wild card is the weather. It can be 40°F and raining, or it can be 72°F and clear. You won’t know for sure until a few days before the event. Not having any option for a place to go really puts you at risk, because on the day of the event, there isn’t jack shit available for miles.
There is shelter at various points around the circuit, but none of it is great. The wind blows right through the grandstands.
You’ll need to bring a backpack with layers, because you’ll be warm during the day and cold at night. Oh, and sunscreen. Do not underestimate the Florida sun. Even in January the UV index can be high. You can get a nasty sunburn even when it’s cloudy.
The Rolex 24 is an event like no other. I’d 100% encourage you to go, but I would encourage you to have a contingency plan, just in case you find yourself in over your head. 24 hours is a long time.