I just wrapped up a fun, busy, and successful Daytona Roar Before the 24. This past weekend was the chance for IMSA teams to run through final test items before this week’s big event: the Rolex 24 at Daytona, which kicks off the 2023 racing season.
Not only was it exciting for me to be driving the beautiful No Limits Aston Martin Vantage GT4, but it was also exciting to see such a large crowd of engaged fans, who were eager to see all the latest IMSA hardware, including the new GTP prototype class and new GT entries. The number of fans on hand made it feel similar to a Rolex 24 weekend, so I can’t imagine what this week’s crowds are going to be like, when we’ll actually be racing!
Our test with Automatic Racing in the No Limits Aston Martin went very well. I was pleased to check virtually every box that we had on our to-do list going into the event—that’s something that hardly ever happens! All of the drivers got valuable seat time, and we came away from the event with a very happy, balanced racecar from a setup perspective. We also gained some knowledge that will help us going into the race this week.
It also doesn’t hurt when you get to lead the other Aston Martins on the timing sheets! The field is proving, once again, to be extremely tight, with so many cars and drivers within a faction of a second of each other. It really is remarkable to see the results sheets, with so many established drivers on the list, all turning such competitive times.
I’m looking forward to the week ahead. It sure will be a busy one for me. There’s lots of excitement around the release of the song “No Limits,” featuring many talented artists, including Kid Rock. The song drops on Friday, just in time for our four-hour race. Keep your eyes open for a cameo appearance from a couple of the artists!
You can read more about what my co-driver and music producer Jim Jonsin is doing this season, tying in the release of a new song with each IMSA round. I got a sneak peek (or listen!) of the song “No Limits,” and it’s really catchy!
In addition to all the excitement around the IMSA Michelin Pilot race, MX-5 Cup will have rounds one and two at Daytona, as well, and I’ll be continuing as a series ambassador and race control official. This series always produces some of the most exciting racing of the weekend, and I’m certain this coming event won’t disappoint! We have a lot of champions returning to the series, including the reigning champion, as well as several new names who plan to make their mark in MX-5 Cup chasing that $250,000 prize purse! I’m excited to get to work with this group of drivers this season. It’s rewarding for me, in part because it’s a unique challenge to work in the role of a race official.
You can tune in for live streaming coverage on the NBC Sports Peacock app, or catch the tape-delayed coverage on NBC Sports. You can find all the broadcast details plus live timing and scoring at IMSA.com.
