Autosport Plus

Daytona 24 Hours: 10 things to watch

Before the first major circuit race of the year, GARY WATKINS outlines some of the highlights at this weekend's Daytona 24 Hours, including the debut of the new Ford GT and which cars will be win contenders

Gary Watkins Jan 29, 2016, 11:50 PM

The Daytona 24 Hours is the first big circuit race of the year and always attracts a star-studded cast list of both drivers and cars in addition to the regular competitiors in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

At this year's race, a lot of eyes will be on Ford's new GT car as it makes its competition debut but there's also plenty of intrigue across the GT divisions and for the likely battle between the Daytona Prototypes and P2 class cars for overall glory. A qualifying session that was held in worsening conditions has also added another dimension.

Share Or Save This Story

Author Gary Watkins

Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 33rd as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 80 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.

Gary, who also writes for Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton close to the former workshops of the Cooper Formula 1 team but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.