The 2002 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona

Daytona

The Americans call it the world centre of motor racing. Whether you go with that view or not, there is no denying that the Daytona motor speedway is a hugely impressive place to go motor racing. 

Set within a stone's throw of the famous Daytona Beach, the speedway is steeped in motorsport history.  Every February, Daytona throws off it's good 'ole boys image of mighty NASCAR races in front of 200,000 partisan fans to assume a much more cosmopolitan feel.  The Rolex 24-hours of Daytona ranks beneath only Le Mans in the world's classic endurance sports car races, and is contested by more than 80 sports-racing and GT cars from all over the world. 

Every year, it seems, more and more British teams and drivers take on one of motor racing's ultimate challenges. 2002 was no exception, and for former British GTO champion Mark Sumpter and Team Eurotech, this was his year as a Daytona virgin.  Having won the British title in the series of 60-minute races, the step into international events was an obvious progression for Sumpter. "It's what GT racing is all about, real endurance. 

This race is an ideal stepping-stone to where I'd like to be in the years to come. Daytona is a very challenging race, with a really strong entry," said Mark in the build up to the race. "This is a serious effort by Eurotech, the support from the sponsors is reflected in the scale of the team's operation here," he added.