Prior to the start of the 51st anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Saturday, Jan. 26, the Formula V class will celebrate a big milestone at the “World Center of Racing.”
Fifty years after its first official race, Volkswagen’s former single-seater series returns to its birthplace at Daytona International Speedway with a “Lap of Honor” in the vintage racing machines around the 3.56-mile road course.
The “Lap of Honor” is scheduled for 11:25 a.m.
“Volkswagen can look back on major success on the motorsport scene. However, the continuous promotion of juniors has been even more successful,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “50 years ago, Formula V was pioneering in this regard. It accompanied many eventual motorsport legends as they took their first steps towards a career in motor racing. Many of these legends will be brought together for the revival in Daytona, where it all began with the first ever Formula V race. I am really looking forward to this reunion.”
The first ever Formula V race was held at the Daytona International Speedway in August 1963. Armed with the 40 hp, 1.2-litre engine and the chassis from the Volkswagen Beetle, motorsport enthusiasts put together extremely economic single-seater racing cars and launched a boom that was soon to spill over to Europe.
A number of former Formula V drivers who have since become racing legends will be in attendance for the “Lap of Honor” on Saturday including Hurley Haywood, Michael Andretti, Arie Luyendyk, Didier Theys and Hans Stuck.
The Rolex 24 At Daytona, the prestigious season-opening event to the Rolex Sports Car Series, is scheduled to start on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 3:30 p.m. A star-studded driver lineup from around the world will battle the 3.56-mile road course in Daytona Prototypes, GT and GX class cars for a coveted victory in the twice-around-the-clock challenge.
Tickets for the Rolex 24 At Daytona are available online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Tent camping, only for the Rolex 24, is still available outside Turns 1 & 2 in the GEICO Park West Lot for just $20.
Tickets for the Budweiser Speedweeks At Daytona are available online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for the latest news all season long.
Be sure to subscribe to the West Palm Beach Motorsports Examiner, and keep track of your favorite racers. If you're a motorsports fan, and know of an event, team, or person you'd like to see profiled, please let me know. Also, be sure to follow me on twitter, and read my articles about local getaways, HOAs, elections, and restaurants.
Comments