I know, not really a tough question. Given where you’re reading this post, I’m sure you guessed; it’s Porsche. Out of the 49 entries for this weekend’s Rolex 24, 15 of them are from our beloved marque (1 DP and 14 911 GT3 Cup Racers).
Is there any significance to that number? You bet. With four more Porsches than last year, it’s a 36% increase over 2010. More importantly, it shows customer teams are returning the 911 Cup car and coming on strong (just look at TRG with 5 entries this year).
According to Jens Walther, president of Porsche Motorsports North America, “This is the largest gathering of Porsche driving champions in the world, and we are proud that our customers have chosen to field top-of-the-line Porsche race cars to compete in the Rolex 24. Our entries include seven factory drivers, 15 drivers who have won here in the past, four Porsche Mobil1 Supercup season champions, five Le Mans 24 winners, plus seven drivers who have won either Grand-Am or ALMS season championships. Add to that the expert preparation from our customer teams and the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the most produced race car by a street car manufacturer, and it gives Porsche entries a good chance for success.“
Rolex 24 Television Coverage
Television coverage for this year’s Rolex 24 starts with a one-hour pre-race show that will air four times on SPEED, including Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. (ET), just prior to the network beginning 14 hours of live coverage of the race. SPEED will also air the program on Sunday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (ET); and Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 p.m. (ET). SPEED will have live coverage of the Rolex 24 with a pair of seven-hour blocks. The race broadcast begins at 3 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, Jan. 29 (green flag is at 3:30 p.m), running until 10 p.m. (ET), and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Jan. 30 (checkered flag is at 3:30 p.m.). Fans can follow the entire race with live timing and scoring, plus up-to-date pit notes on www.grand-am.com.
Facebook and Twitter Coverage of the 2011 Rolex 24
PorschePurist has a group of writers and readers assembling for the race. If you want up to date information, behind the scene pictures, and stories from various drivers just be sure to check our Facebook page or Twitter feed frequently.
Win a FlatSixes.com T-shirt and a 918 RSR Poster
Anyone know the largest number of Porsche’s every run at the Rolex 24? First to give us the right answer on our Facebook page wins!!!
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[Source: PMNA]