Strap on your Daytona and rev your engines for the world’s most prestigious endurance race
On Saturday, June 18, 2016, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans will start at 15:00 local time where drivers will race to cover the most distance in a 24-hour timeframe. The grueling race will take place at the 8.47-mile (13.629km) Circuit de la Sarthe in France, which combines both public roads and racetrack. During the race for ultimate glory, drivers will push their limits driving at high speeds for the entire 24 hours to cover more than 3,106 miles (5,000 km).
The Official Timepiece of 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001, Rolex’s association with the world’s oldest and most prestigious endurance race underlines the brand’s commitment to motorsports. Rolex’s support of motorsports dates back to the 1930s when Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first driver to break 300 miles per hour at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats while wearing a Rolex watch. Today, aside from 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex has partnered with the best auto events in the world including the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Goodwood Revival, Formula1, Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the World Endurance Championship.
In addition to its association with preeminent motor events, Rolex also counts 24 Hours of Le Mans’ best driver, Tom Kristensen, as an ambassador of the brand. Tom won 24 Hours of Le Mans an incredible nine times during his career and has aptly been nicknamed “Mr. Le Mans”. The Danish racecar driver is endurance racing’s top man with records of most victories not only at 24 Hours of Le Mans but also at 12 Hours of Sebring with six wins. He retired from the sport in 2014.
The prize for winning 24 Hours of Le Mans includes the prestigious Rolex Cosmograph Daytona — the quintessential racecar driver’s chronograph since its inception in 1963. The Daytona has enjoyed great popularity through its history thanks to its great looks and steadfast precision, but this year, the luxury chronograph collection made waves again with the launch of the brand new stainless steel Daytona with black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Most definitely this year’s hottest watch, the waitlists for the steel and ceramic Daytona are already years long with Rolex fans around the world clamoring to get their hands on one.
It’s estimated that over 250,000 spectators will make their way to the Circuit de la Sarthe to witness the thrills of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Millions more will tune in from around the globe to be a part of the heritage, endurance, and speed of the event. Which team will take the checkered flag at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans? Only time will tell.
