Rolex 24 vs. Le Mans: Two 24-Hour Races, Two Different Animals

The Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans are the two biggest endurance events in the world. Both last a full day. But they are very different races.

Held in late January at Daytona International Speedway. Tight competition, multiple classes, and Florida weather that can swing from clear skies to thunderstorms in an hour. The infield road course adds technical sections to the famous banking.

Held in June on the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. The Mulsanne Straight is over 3 miles long. Top speeds exceed 200 mph. Le Mans is the oldest active endurance race in the world, running since 1923.

Both work great. Set checkpoints at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Four scoring moments, plenty of lead changes, and enough time for everyone to check in on the board between stints.