Ganassi named Grand Marshal of Daytona 24 Hours

Ganassi, whose first visit to Daytona was in 1965 as a crewman and who contested the race as a driver in 1986, has won the 24 hours overall six times as a team boss.

As part of the honorary role, he will give the famous 'Drivers, start your engines' command ahead of the race start.

"This is a really big honour for me to be recognized by a race that has meant so much to me over my career, both as a driver and an owner," said Ganassi.

"The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of motorsport's truly significant races. There are so many great cars, great drivers and manufacturers that all come together to make this a unique event.

"But it also requires so much work and coordination that when you ultimately make it to victory lane there is no greater satisfaction.

"I couldn't be more proud to be named Grand Marshal of this great race."

Chip Ganassi Racing is running two Ford GTs in the GTLM class in this year's race, one driven by Joey Hand, Dirk Muller and Sebastien Bourdais and the other by Ryan Briscoe, Richard Westbrook and Scott Dixon.

The team is chasing a second successive class victory, having won in GTLM last year.

"We are honoured to have Chip Ganassi serve as the Grand Marshal for the Rolex 24 at Daytona," said Daytona International Speedway president Chip Wile.

"Ganassi's success in motorsports as a whole is impressive and we are proud to have one of the most prestigious names in motorsports as Grand Marshal for the most prestigious sportscar race in North America.

"His accomplishments as a team owner are unmatched and we look forward to seeing what successes he adds in the future."