Roar Before the Rolex 24 starts off the season in front of a whisper of fans

On Friday, January 22, under a foreboding sky, the 2021 IMSA season got off to a less than rousing start at the World Center of Racing - Daytona International Speedway. Dozens of high tech, high speed racing machines took to the high banks in front of what, at times, seemed like only dozens of fans to knock a few months of offseason rust off, and prepare for what has been argued as the most grueling 24 hours of motorsports in North America - the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

This round the clock extravaganza that pits man and machine against the most unfriendly of obstacles - time - takes on an even bigger challenge in 2021; Covid19! With extra protocols in place, including limited capacity, temperature checks, and more, the teams started their practice rounds knowing that this year was unlike any other. 

Fans were not allowed into the garage area. The traditional cub and boy scouts were no where to be seen. In fact, all tent camping was eliminated for the event. It was a virtual ghost town in the UNOH FanZone, normally a hub of activity at the track.

All was not doom and gloom, however. Racers such as 7-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Two-time defending Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Kamui Kobayashi, and even a member of a legendary racing family, Jarrett Andretti, each took their cars to the limit, and beyond.