Surviving and Thriving at the Rolex 24 at Daytona: A Fan’s Essential Guide
There are endurance races, and then there is the Rolex 24 at Daytona. For one full day and night, the World Center of Racing becomes a nonstop blur of headlights, brake rotors glowing red, fireworks of sparks, and a soundtrack that never truly sleeps. Attending the Rolex 24 is not like going to a typical sporting event. It is part race, part festival, part test of endurance for the fans themselves. Preparation is the difference between simply attending and fully experiencing one of the greatest events in motorsports.
Here is what every fan should know and bring before making the pilgrimage to Daytona International Speedway.
Dress for All Four Seasons
The first thing to understand about the Rolex 24 is that the weather will change. Often dramatically. January in Florida can mean sunshine and short sleeves during the day, followed by damp cold that cuts straight through you at 3 a.m.
Layering is essential. Start with a comfortable base layer, add a hoodie or fleece, and bring a heavier jacket for the overnight hours. A windbreaker or rain jacket is a smart move even if rain is not in the forecast. Daytona weather has a habit of ignoring forecasts. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. You will walk miles over the course of the weekend, from the infield to the grandstands to the garages and back again.
A hat and sunglasses are useful during the day, while gloves and a beanie can be lifesavers at night. Veteran attendees often joke that you pack for summer and winter, and they are not exaggerating.
Hearing Protection Is Not Optional
The cars at the Rolex 24 are loud. Really loud. Whether it is the thunder of a GTP car launching out of Turn 6 or the relentless howl of GT machinery pounding the banking, your ears will take a beating over 24 hours.
Earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs are essential, especially if you plan to spend time near the fences or in the grandstands. Many fans opt for scanner headsets, which combine hearing protection with race audio. This allows you to listen to team radios, IMSA Radio, or track commentary while cutting down the noise to manageable levels. Once you attend with a scanner, it is hard to imagine doing the race without one. For those that really want professional level commentary can even sign up for Peacock and download the app so you can watch it on your smart phone too.
Prepare for a Long, Cold Night
One of the defining features of the Rolex 24 is the overnight stretch. This is when the race takes on a different personality. The crowds thin out, the air cools, and the cars seem louder and faster under the lights.
If you plan to stay awake through the night, pacing yourself is key. Take breaks, grab food, and find moments to sit down. The infield provides countless vantage points, from the horseshoe to the Le Mans chicane, each offering a different feel after dark. Even a short nap can make the early morning hours more enjoyable.
If you do sleep, earplugs and an eye mask can help, especially if you are camping in the infield. The race does not stop just because you are tired.
One of the smartest items you can bring is a power bank. Between photos, videos, social media updates, race apps, and group texts, your phone battery will not last long at a 24-hour race. Some power banks even double as hand warmers, and those can be absolute lifesavers during the overnight hours. Cold hands and a dead phone are two problems you do not want to deal with at Daytona.
Food, Drinks, and the Infield Culture
Food options around the speedway are plentiful, but many seasoned fans prefer to bring their own. Coolers are often allowed depending on ticket and area, and they can be a game changer. Snacks, sandwiches, and drinks save time and money, and they let you eat on your own schedule.
The infield at Daytona has a culture all its own. Campfires, grills, music, and friendly neighbors are part of the experience. Even if you are not camping, walking through the infield and soaking in the atmosphere is a must. It is one of the few places in modern motorsports where the fan experience still feels raw and communal.
If you are planning on staying awake for the entire race, it is important to rethink how you fuel your body. Caffeine may seem like the obvious solution, but it can be your worst enemy. Once it wears off, the crash is real, and you will find yourself needing more and more just to stay functional.
Instead, focus on hydration and steady energy. Water and sports drinks will keep you going far longer than energy drinks. Light snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, fruit, and sandwiches help maintain energy levels without the highs and lows.
And if you forgot something or underestimated how much you would need, there is no need to panic. One of the underrated conveniences of the Rolex 24 is its location. Major grocery stores, big-box retailers, and convenience stores sit quite literally across the street from the speedway. You are never far from supplies.
Know the Schedule, But Be Flexible
The Rolex 24 weekend is packed with action. Practice sessions, qualifying, support races, grid walks, autograph sessions, and fan forums all lead up to the green flag. Having the schedule downloaded or printed helps, but flexibility is just as important.
Some of the best moments happen unexpectedly. A dramatic pit stop, a sunrise photo opportunity, or a late-night battle for class position can pull you away from your original plan. Embrace that. Endurance racing is about the long view, not rigid timelines.
A Photographer’s Paradise
For photographers, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is about as good as it gets. Few races in the world offer this level of access and variety. With paddock access, fans and credentialed photographers alike can find themselves mere feet away from multi-million-dollar race cars as teams swarm around them. The energy is constant, and the opportunities for compelling images are endless.
One of the best aspects of Daytona is how welcoming it is to camera gear. You are encouraged to bring virtually any setup you want, from a simple point-and-shoot to top-tier professional bodies paired with massive telephoto lenses. Daytona understands that photography is part of the culture of this event.
There are, however, a few rules to be aware of. Monopods and tripods are generally restricted in the grandstands for safety reasons. That said, in the infield, monopods are fair game and can be extremely useful, especially during night shooting when shutter speeds drop.
A particularly savvy move for photographers is bringing a small step ladder. It may look odd at first, but it is one of the most effective tools you can have. With fences surrounding much of the circuit, a step ladder allows you to get above the catch fencing and capture clean, crisp shots that would otherwise be impossible. Many seasoned Rolex photographers would not dream of attending without one.
Explore, Don’t Camp in One Spot
One of the biggest mistakes first-time attendees make is picking one viewing area and staying there. Daytona is built to be explored. The grandstands offer sweeping views of the front straight and pit lane, while the infield delivers intimate, visceral experiences where the cars feel impossibly close.
Nighttime transforms the track entirely. Brake rotors glow, sparks shower off the curbing, and headlights carve through the darkness. Walking the infield during the overnight hours is an essential part of the Rolex 24 experience. Every corner has its own personality, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically as the crowd thins and the diehards remain.
Embrace the Marathon Mentality
Above all else, attending the Rolex 24 requires the right mindset. This is not a race you conquer by rushing or over-scheduling every hour. It is about pacing yourself, staying comfortable, and letting the event unfold naturally.
Take breaks. Sit down when you need to. Talk to fellow fans. Watch a stint from the fence, then head to the garages, then climb the grandstands as the sun rises. Few moments in motorsports are as rewarding as seeing the track come back to life on Sunday morning after a long, cold night.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is demanding, immersive, and unforgettable. Come prepared, pack smart, and embrace the endurance aspect of the event. If you do, you will not just attend the race. You will live it.