2012's Rolex Series includes the new look Daytona Prototype (Photo Credit: Grand-Am)
Next weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona will be the start of Motors TV's season long live coverage of the Rolex Series, taking in all thirteen rounds of the season.
“We're delighted to welcome Grand-Am as one of the flagships of our 2012 line-up,” said Frederic Viger, head of programming and acquisitions at the channel. “The Series has been growing over the years, the European interest consistently building up, and we believe Grand-Am will now get the coverage it deserves this side of the ocean.”
The historic 50th edition of the endurance race at Daytona International Speedway will be contested by one of most varied field ever. Not only will the race be the first for the new spec of Daytona Prototype, but the GT class will include entries from BMW, Ferrari and Audi staffed by works supported drivers brought into the Rolex Series.
“With an unprecendented number of European manufacturer and competitors participating in the 2012 Rolex Series we believe there has never been stronger interest in our racing from European race fans,” said Ed Bennett, Grand-Am CEO.
The digital TV channel, which broadcasts to over 20 million people across Europe, will show 15 hours of live coverage from Daytona, only missing the racing during the Floridian night.
Other highlights of the Rolex Series season include races at Detroit's Belle Isle, Road America, Mid-Ohio and Lime Rock Park, which hosts the season finale on September 29.
The schedule includes a first visit to the road course of Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a three hour race there the final part of the three part North American Endurance Championship after the Rolex 24 and the Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen, New York on July 1.
“This announcement coincides with the most attractive schedule in the history of the Rolex Series,” said Grand-Am president Tom Bledsoe. “This year we're going to great race tracks, historic race tracks, which will resonate with European fans because they know their road racing. It's going to translate into some compelling television.”
