When does Rolex 24 start?

Direct answer: The Rolex 24 at Daytona traditionally starts on the final weekend of January, with the 24‑hour race’s green flag dropping on Saturday afternoon Eastern Time. Exact start times vary year to year (typically in the early to mid‑afternoon ET), so always check the official IMSA/Rolex 24 schedule for the current year’s precise start time.

Detailed explanation

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is an annual endurance sports‑car race held at Daytona International Speedway. It serves as the season opener for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and is one of motorsport’s most iconic 24‑hour events. The event is staged over a race weekend: practice and qualifying sessions occur on Thursday and Friday, support races and final preparation take place on Friday and Saturday morning, and then the main 24‑hour race begins on Saturday afternoon and runs through to Sunday afternoon.

Because the race spans a full 24 hours, organizers have traditionally chosen a Saturday afternoon start so that the finish falls on Sunday afternoon local time. The typical Rolex 24 start time window is roughly between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), although the precise minute when the green flag is waved differs each year based on broadcast windows, track scheduling, and operational considerations. For example, a commonly seen clock time is ~1:30–1:45 PM ET for the green flag, but you should confirm the official start time for the specific year you’re planning to watch or attend.

Note: The table shows a sample conversion for a 1:40 PM ET start (EST, UTC‑5 in late January). Broadcast partners and IMSA publish the official start time and race weekend schedule each year—use those sources for planning travel or viewing.

Key reasons / factors

• Tradition and schedule: The Rolex 24 is the season opener and is set on the final weekend of January, so organizers choose a Saturday afternoon start to maximize weekend attendance and finishing on Sunday.
• Broadcast windows: TV and streaming partners influence the exact start time to align with peak viewing hours in North America and international markets.
• Daylight and safety: Starting in the afternoon gives teams daylight for the initial hours, then tests night‑time performance and endurance across changing track conditions.
• Logistics and support racing: Practice, qualifying and support series need to be scheduled earlier in the weekend, shaping the Saturday afternoon start.
• Weather and time zone impact: Daytona’s January weather and the Eastern Time Zone location affect spectator convenience and broadcast timing for global viewers.

Comparison

• Rolex 24 vs 24 Hours of Le Mans: Le Mans is usually held in mid‑June in France with a mid‑afternoon local start (often around 3:00 PM CET), meaning European viewers get a daytime start while U.S. viewers watch in the morning. Rolex 24 is a January event in Florida with a Saturday afternoon ET start so U.S. audiences get an afternoon kickoff and a Sunday finish.
• Rolex 24 vs 12 Hours of Sebring: Sebring (another U.S. endurance classic) typically runs in March and often has a morning start for a 12‑hour race, whereas Rolex 24 starts in the afternoon to time a full 24‑hour end on Sunday afternoon.
• Weekend format: Rolex 24’s schedule is more compressed on Friday/Saturday compared with some European endurance events that spread practice and qualifying across more days.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Afternoon start on Saturday is spectator‑friendly—arrival and set‑up avoid very early mornings.
  • Finishing Sunday afternoon is convenient for weekend travel and media coverage.
  • Television and streaming windows maximize U.S. prime viewing hours.
• Cons
  • Start time varies year to year depending on broadcast requirements—creates uncertainty for planning.
  • International viewers may face inconvenient hours depending on their time zone.
  • Weather in late January can be unpredictable, potentially affecting schedule adjustments.

FAQs

What day of the week does the Rolex 24 start?

The main 24‑hour race starts on Saturday (the last weekend of January). The event weekend includes practice and qualifying on Thursday and Friday, and often support races on Friday and Saturday morning.

What time does the green flag drop for the Rolex 24?

There’s no fixed minute that applies every year, but the green flag typically drops on Saturday early to mid‑afternoon Eastern Time (commonly in the 1:00–3:00 PM ET window). Check the official IMSA/Rolex 24 schedule for the exact green‑flag time for the current year.

How can I watch the Rolex 24 start live?

Broadcast and streaming rights change over time. In recent years, races have been covered on cable networks and streaming platforms—check the official IMSA/Rolex 24 site and the race’s broadcast partners for current TV and streaming information and exact kickoff times.

Does the start time change due to weather or other delays?

Yes. Severe weather, track incidents, or operational issues can delay the start. Organizers will announce any changes through official channels; spectators and viewers should monitor official race communications on race day.

When is the next Rolex 24 scheduled?

The Rolex 24 is held annually on the final weekend of January. For the exact date of the next running and the confirmed start time, refer to the event’s official calendar or IMSA announcements.