Rolex 24 at Daytona Prepares for Intense 2025 Endurance Race

The highly anticipated Rolex 24 at Daytona is just two days away, with the green flag set to drop at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. However, the action kicks off Thursday with key events leading up to the endurance classic. From qualifying to support races, here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, broadcast information, and highlights.


Thursday: Rolex 24 Qualifying and Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 1

Qualifying for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship takes center stage Thursday, setting the grid for the 61 teams competing across four classes in the 24-hour marathon. All qualifying sessions will take place between 2:10 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. Fans will also be treated to the first race of the Mazda MX-5 Cup later in the day.

Thursday Schedule:

  • 10:05-11:35 a.m.: Rolex 24 practice 1 (all classes)
  • 11:55 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Mazda MX-5 Cup qualifying
  • 1:15-1:50 p.m.: Michelin Challenge qualifying
  • 2:10-3:40 p.m.: Rolex 24 qualifying
  • 4:00-4:30 p.m.: Historic Sportscar Racing practice
  • 5:30-6:15 p.m.: Mazda MX-5 Cup race 1
  • 6:30-8 p.m.: Rolex 24 night practice (all classes)

How to Watch Thursday’s Action:

  • Qualifying livestream: Peacock (subscriber only)

Friday: BMW M Endurance Challenge and Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 2

Friday features the second Mazda MX-5 Cup race and the BMW M Endurance Challenge, a four-hour showdown for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

Friday Schedule:

  • 8:55-9:10 a.m.: Historic Sportscar Racing qualifying
  • 9:25-9:55 a.m.: Michelin Challenge practice 3
  • 10:15-11 a.m.: Mazda MX-5 Cup race 2
  • 11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: Rolex 24 practice 2 (all classes)
  • 1:45-5:45 p.m.: BMW M Endurance Challenge
  • 6:15-6:45 p.m.: Historic Sportscar Racing qualifying race

How to Watch Friday’s Action:

  • BMW M Endurance Challenge livestream: Peacock (subscriber only)

Saturday: Rolex 24 Green Flag

Saturday begins with Historic Sportscar Racing action before fans can enjoy ballfield access and driver introductions. The main event, the Rolex 24, starts at 1:40 p.m.

Saturday Schedule:

  • 8:50-9:20 a.m.: Historic Sportscar Racing race
  • 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Driver introductions and pre-race festivities
  • 1:40 p.m.: Rolex 24 green flag

How to Watch:

  • TV: NBC (1:30-2:30 p.m.), USA (2:30-6:30 p.m.)
  • Livestream: Peacock (subscriber only)

Sunday: Rolex 24 Conclusion

The 24-hour endurance race wraps up Sunday afternoon at 1:40 p.m.

How to Watch:

  • TV: NBC (Noon-2 p.m.)
  • Livestream: Peacock (subscriber only)

Don’t Miss a Moment

From Thursday’s qualifying to Sunday’s thrilling finish, the Rolex 24 promises excitement at every turn. Be sure to catch all the action live on Peacock or tune into NBC and USA for key moments. For those looking to dive even deeper, support races like the Mazda MX-5 Cup and BMW M Endurance Challenge will showcase additional talent and competition.

Stay tuned for updates as the 2025 Rolex 24 weekend unfolds!

Photo: Nigel Cook/News-Journal

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