INDIANAPOLIS — The Rolex 24 at Daytona has annually been the big event that kicks off the international racing season. It has attracted some of the greatest drivers from around the world to participate in the “twice around the clock” IMSA WeatherTech race on the road course at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway.
Another major name returns to the lineup for 2024.
It’s two-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion Alex Palou, who on Wednesday was named as one of the drivers to Chip Ganassi Racing’s Cadillac effort.
Palou, the reigning IdyCar Series champion, will return to race at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R.
Palou will round out a familiar four-man team consisting of Sebastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon and Renger van der Zande, who raced together as a group previously in the No. 01 Cadillac at the 24 Hours At Daytona in 2022.
“I’m very excited to return to Daytona after competing with the team in the DPi era in 2022,” Palou said. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the new Hybrid and it will be a great way to start the year early with such a great team and with such great teammates.
“I’ve had the privilege of racing with Scott, Sebastien and Renger and I’m sure with all the preparation and knowledge that the team has, we’ll be able to fight for a win and maybe bring home some new watches at the end of January.”
The Barcelona, Spain, native himself recorded the fastest lap time of any driver in the field (1:33.724/136.742 mph) during the 2022 endurance event.
Chip Ganassi Racing and Cadillac Racing are gearing up for the Roar Before The Rolex 24 qualifying weekend taking place Jan. 19-21, before turning the page to the Rolex 24 At Daytona where the IMSA SportsCar Championship season officially kicks off, Jan. 27-28.