Daytona 24: Nineteen nations represented by Rolex 24 entrants

The whole world kicks off the racing season in Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 17, 2002) -- Motor racing is a many faceted sport with plenty of individual disciplines and formats. But, once a year the broad spectrum of the sport comes together for the ultimate test of man and machine - the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

This year is no exception. With entries still coming in, the current field of 70 cars and more than 200 drivers has American entrants from 27 states and international drivers representing 18 countries from around the world.

Among that global list of racing talent are champions and participants from nearly every major discipline - sports car racing, Formula 1, Indy Car, Winston Cup, Busch Grand National, Craftsman Trucks, Trans-Am, USAC and off-road racing.

Thirteen drivers on the current entry list are former Rolex 24 At Daytona winners - Mauro Baldi (1998), Christophe Bouchut (1995), Rob Dyson (1997, 1999), Elliott Forbes-Robinson (1997, 1999), Paul Gentilozzi (1994), Hurley Haywood (1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1991), Jan Lammers (1990), Butch Leitzinger (1994, 1997), John Schneider (1997), Scott Sharp (1996), Didier Theys (1998), Andy Wallace (1990, 1997, 1999) and James Weaver (1997).

Of those former winners, three hold a special distinction. Only seven drivers in the history of racing have managed to earn victories at Daytona, Sebring and LeMans during their careers. Baldi, Haywood and Wallace are among that elite group. Another name could be added to that prestigious list if Steffan Johannson is able to capture the overall victory at Daytona.

Add in championship drivers like Jack Baldwin, Ross Bentley, Tommy Byrne, Alex Caffi, Jean-Luc Chereau, Wally Dallenbach Jr., Cor Euser, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Ralf Kelleners, Jan Lammers, Anthony Lazzaro, Geoff Lister, Sascha Maassen, Max Papis, Kyle Petty, Boris Said, Dorsey Schroeder, Jeret Schroeder, Tony Stewart and Eric van de Poele and the 2002 Rolex 24 At Daytona is set to be one of the best races ever.

The 40th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will kick off the 2002 Rolex Sports Car Series season, as well as SpeedWeeks at Daytona International Speedway. Tickets are currently on sale for the Rolex 24 At Daytona and may be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at 386-253-RACE. The Rolex 24 At Daytona will be broadcast on Speedvision.

More information on the Rolex Sports Car Series is available online at www.grand-am.com.

International drivers currently on the Rolex 24 At Daytona entry list include:

Australia - David Brabham
Austria - Dieter Quester, Horst Felbermayr Jr., Horst Felbermayr Sr.
Belgium - Eric Van De Poele, Vincent Voss
Costa Rica - Javier Quiros
Canada - David Shep, James Holtom, Klaus Bytzek, Robert Julien, Ross Bentley, Tony Burgess
England - Guy Smith, James Weaver, Johnny Mowlem, Martin Konig, Mike Youles, Oliver Gavin, Paul Knapfeeld, Peter Hannon, Rob Wilson, Andy Wallace, Calum Lockie, David Warnock, Graeme Langford, Grahame Bryant, Mark Sumpter, Mike Jordan, Paul Daniels
Finland - Kari Maenaa
France - Christophe Bouchut, Jean-Luc Chereau, Patrice Goueslard, Patrice Roussel, Romain Dumas, Thierry Perrier
Germany - Andre Ahrle, Franz Konrad, Mike Newton, Ralf Kelleners, Sascha Maassen
Ireland - Tommy Byrne
Italy - Fabio Rosa, Gabrio Rosa, Luca Capellari, Luca Drudi, Luca Riccitelli
Japan - Takashi Suzuki
Monaco - Alex Caffi, Lucas Luhr, Mauro Baldi, Michel Neugarten, Stephan Ortelli
Netherlands - Cor Euser, Jan Lammers, Mike Hezemans
Portugal - Joao Barbosa
Scotland - Marino Franchitti
Sweden - Carl Rosenblad
Switzerland - Paul Dawson , Fredy Lienhard, Toni Seiler

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