Classic 24 Hour at Daytona is 24 Hours of the Golden Age

Image: HSR

In just about a month the lights will go out on the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona, and six period-correct groups of significant race cars will turn the high-speed banked circuit into their high-octane playground for 24 hours.

Daytona has played host to endurance sportscar racing since 1962, when the Daytona 3 Hour Continental was first run. In 1966 the circuit hit its stride by hosting the first 24 Hours of Daytona, which was won by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby in a Ford GT40 Mk. II. It was, after all, 1966 and GT40s were hitting their stride in a big way.

The race became a classic and remains that way today. Its spirit, and the cars and people who form it, is celebrated each year with the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona.

This year’s event will be held from November 12 to 16 at Daytona International Speedway. It’s open to all significant sports cars from 1961 to 2010 and features a healthy collection of machinery which raced in period in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

The cars are divided into six period-correct groups and race on a rotating schedule throughout the 24 Hours. It’s a brilliant race with the perfect atmosphere, and ticks all the classic motorsport boxes.

Head to the official website at classic24hour.com for more information, and to organisers Historic Sportscar Racing here. And spend a few minutes getting into the mood with HSR’s latest video below!