When most people think of the annual 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway, the image to the right is probably not the picture they imagine. But when I think of the Rolex 24, that's what I see — my memories as a young kid trying to sleep in the middle of the night in a strange RV inside a track that's louder and brighter than day.

Looking back, I find my distaste for the night of this race kind of comical since it seems to hold so much anticipation and excitement for other people. Even now, activity is bustling before the Rolex 24 at Daytona, which begins Jan. 24.

Because I am the daughter of team manager Cole Scrogham, I tend to gravitate to wherever he has been in case I need an insider's scoop on racing news. That means, for this year at the Rolex 24, I'm looking straight at GB Autosport. Recently, the team unloaded for a weekend of testing at Daytona called Roar Before The 24.

While it's too late to catch this event now, in the future, it's a great thing for fans and curious spectators to keep in mind. The entry fee was a low $15 and has been called "one of the best bargains in racing." Fans were allowed to go through the garage and paddock, and watch team members prepare the cars for the track. That means Roar was a great chance to snap a selfie with a car or driver when the action slowed.

Roar had the relaxed feel of a spectator event, while simultaneously having the excitement of a full race weekend. The only thing Roar really didn't offer at the end of the day was trophy presentations.

But, for teams participating in the practice Roar offered, the live timing and scoring data was invaluable during the weekend. For a race this long at Daytona, it's critical to get as much of an advantageous edge as possible. From my experience at previous Rolex 24-hour races, I know that things can change in a heartbeat. In the words of Cole Scrogham, "You never really know what the 24 is going to throw at you."

How is the Rolex 24 looking for GB Autoport at this point in time? GB Autosport is looking for a chance to make an impression. Cole explained that, as a first-year team, GB Autosport learned a lot. But this year, the team plans to take those learning experiences and convert them into successes.

"The competition of this season really ranks up there," driver Damien Faulkner said. "So it's definitely going to be a monster challenge for everyone, but one we as a team are looking forward to immensely."

Even though the GT Daytona (GTD) class is expected to be one of the most competitive categories, Cole thinks GB Autosport has a great lineup to take on the race. GB Autosport was seen consistently among the top-five cars within a half-second of the fastest time during Roar.

"Coffee Rocket" takes to the track in preparation for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.


As if the new championship and new rules weren't enough to spark your anticipation for the Rolex 24 — what about a new car? Last year, Porsche Motorsport exclusively built a new racecar for the new GT Daytona class based on the Porsche 911 street car: the Porsche 911 GT America.

A new era in sportscar racing is coming alive, and we as the fans get to watch history being formed. During the third session of the Roar weekend, GB Autosport's "Coffee Rocket" took the lead and showed good pace.

"This year," says Cole, "we know the car has the speed. It's just a matter of making sure we're able to make it the full 24 hours to be fighting at the end. We had some small issues, but that's why we're here. We feel good after this test. The drivers were all very comfortable with the car and were acclimated right away."

Who will be steering the "Coffee Rocket" to success during the Rolex 24? Right now, the driver lineup for GB Autosport includes Faulkner, Kuba Giermaziak, Mike Skeen, Rory Butcher and Michael Avenatti. Each is a strong and capable candidate for the Rolex 24. Only Butcher will be making his Rolex 24 debut.

"There are a lot of unknowns as we get ready for the 24, but I think the level of excitement is probably higher for this race than any other I've ever been a part of," Cole said.

Whether you find yourself, like me, sleeping at the track overnight during the Rolex 24 or traveling back and forth from a hotel, remember to keep comfortable shoes. Experienced race fans know being at the track involves a lot of walking, so newcomers take note. Keep your camera pocket-ready, because you never know when that perfect moment is going to arrive.

I also suggest a light backpack, especially for carrying water because, whether the race was in January or July, I never drank enough. And finally, even if you aren't rooting for GB Autosport, get excited, because this will be a race worth watching.