What’s wrong with the Daytona 24 hours classic?

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Not this weekend, but the next one, the 24 hours of Daytona take place for classic cars. This is perhaps the American equivalent of Le Mans Classic. Or not? Have a look at the film footage that the organizers have made available. You’ll find colourful images of fast moving racing cars edited with some rocking guitar sounds, it all looks fun. But look better and you’ll notice there are hardly any spectators on those huge stands. What’s the problem? Could it be the cars themselves?

The entry list (here) shows a large number of Porsches, the majority of them not too old, with cars up until 2016 and even 2017. Then there are the classes, which seem classified somewhat odd with not so many real classics at hand. There's a sole ’66 Lotus Elan classed in between 1990s BMW M3s, a 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena and a 2009 Cayman in Group F. A lone Volvo PV544 is jammed in between 350 cubic inch McLarens, Chevys and Lolas in Group A. There have to be more classics available for this event?

UPDATE: the organisation dropped us a line: "We actually think it’s a great event. We’ve sold every ticket we were able to sell both years so far. Daytona seats 167,00+ people, the stands are empty for the actual 24 Hours of Daytona. Most of the tickets we sell are actually in the infield. Group F is an open class we utilize for our regular HSR clients whom want to do the event but their car doesn’t necessarily qualify. We like to be inclusive like that. Notable entries this year are several 962’s, March 83G that Adrian Newey designed and ran in period he’s also scheduled to drive it, a Ferrari 333SP, Saleen S7R, class winning Corvette GTLM from ‘15, LMP1 Pescarolo that Joao Barbosa will be reunited with, several R8 Audi’s and XJR Jag’s. Monterey it’s first year had 9 cars. We’re in our 3rd year. It’s been a huge success. You should come. Keep in mind in addition to the 150 Classic 24 entries we have our regular HSR run groups for another 125+ cars. Thanks for the post." And thank you for the comment!

(Words editor, picture Classic 24 Hour at Daytona)

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