Fifteen Porsches sped around Daytona International Speedway for the official preseason test just over a week ago. The "Roar Before the 24" is mandatory for all participants in the Rolex 24 at Daytona race over the Jan. 28-29 weekend.

The practice runs provided an anticipatory glimpse of the newest car on the track: the Porsche 911 RSR. The car's debut is a great risk at the premier endurance race of North America, and it is also incredibly exciting. Will the 911 RSR fight its way to the top from the beginning of its career?

The 911 RSR was designed from ground zero. Compared to other models, the engine now sits in front of the rear axle. This freed up additional room at the back of the car for engineers to place a larger than normal rear diffuser and a rear wing that improved down-force and aerodynamics. What does that mean in application?

The faster an object goes, the more air it disturbs. This disturbance in the air is referred to as "drag" and slows down the object, in this case, the car. The shape of the diffuser at the back of the 911 RSR creates a space that air has to fill as it passes underneath the body of the car. This reduces drag, allowing the car to move faster using less power. Many other elements including wings and overall aerodynamic shape also help reduce drag.

Additionally, the 911 RSR is easier to service. Pieces of the body can be removed and added via quick-release fasteners. This could decrease time spent on repairs and refueling during the race itself. And as an added perk, this is the first racing model with a Collision Avoid System, among other added safety features.

"It is a nervous but exciting time whenever you introduce a new car," said Jens Walther, President/CEO, Porsche Motorsport North America.

So how did the 911 RSR perform at the Roar Before the 24? The Porsche GT Team introduced the new car to its stiff competition from other brands on the track and even got an opportunity to test rain performance in strong wind. Up to this point, the car has had little testing on a wet surface, and Porsche engineers were excited about the opportunity for new insights.

"We managed to tick off all the points we'd scheduled for ourselves and now we have a much better understanding of the car on this racetrack," said Marco Ujhasi, overall project leader at GT Works Motorsport. "In addition, we experienced changeable and very diverse track conditions. It was dry and wet, warm and cold — precisely what you need in race preparations to be primed for all eventualities.

"We feel very well prepared for the race and the premiere of our new 911 RSR. In this respect, these three days in Florida were very successful."

Porsche's new intelligent performance design is showing through with the new 911 RSR, and we will soon see if that's enough to fight back against the tough competition and make it to the top. FOX Sports will cover the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona, beginning with a three-hour FOX network telecast at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Or, if you are lucky enough to watch the race in person, you're in for a treat with Daytona International Speedway's recently upgraded facility.

Daytona has a lot of events planned as well as garage access and camping options for attendees. The infield hosts a carnival — why not watch a few laps of the race from the top of the Ferris wheel? You can walk the starting grid line up and tour through historical and futuristic vendors. Enter the fan zone to meet drivers and get autographs. Through "Taste the 24," you can experience great food alongside great racing, and even sing your heart out in karaoke at the fan zone.

During the day of the race, it might be handy to have a portable radio. Definitely don't forget the comfy shoes and sunscreen. Ear plugs and binoculars will help you be a happier viewer. (And maybe throw in a neck pillow for late-night support.)

"The Rolex 24 At Daytona has always featured an impressive list of cars, teams and drivers, but this year's lineup is unprecedented," IMSA President Scott Atherton said. "The combination of all new prototypes, the new GT cars and manufacturers and the long list of world-class drivers from nearly every form of motorsport is truly humbling.

"For IMSA and sports car fans around the world — this is what we've been waiting for."