THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

The centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that celebrates endurance and motor sport excellence, took place on June 10 and 11. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of this legendary event since 2001.

Accurate timing is paramount to a race car driver’s performance. A driver’s watch must withstand the challenge of strenuous, demanding conditions at the racetrack, especially during a 24 hour race like Le Mans. Rolex watches are built for performance and accuracy in challenging circumstances, and in doing so offer reassuring support for drivers pursuing twice-around-the-clock victory.

It’s a natural fit, then, that Rolex is aligned with the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans as the race’s Official Timepiece, recognizing the values at the heart of this ultimate challenge: prestige, durability, dedication and excellence. CD Peacock is pleased to share Rolex’s continuing enthusiastic support of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

A century of legendary racing

Created in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and one of the most prestigious car races in the world. A stern test of the reliability of the machines as well as the physical and mental stamina of the drivers, Le Mans attracts some of the greatest names in motor sport. On the 13.6-kilometre (8.4 miles) Circuit de la Sarthe in north-west France, some 62 cars, each with teams of three drivers, race against each other, divided into two Prototype and one GT Class. The winning team is the one which covers the greatest distance in 24 hours, some 5,300 kilometers (3,293 miles). Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the race since 2001.

100 years of innovation

Since its inaugural edition, the mythical event has been an ideal testing ground for the many advances in motor sport technologies. The trialing of a new road surface in 1922 (still viable today), improvements to safety, engines and aerodynamics, as well as, since 2022, the requirement for all cars to run on 100 percent renewable biofuel, are among the notable developments marking a century of progress supported by this legendary endurance race.

Tom Kristensen: ‘Mr Le Mans’

Tom Kristensen has well earned his nickname. The most successful driver in the legendary race’s history, he won it a record nine times, starting with his debut in 1997. A Rolex Testimonee since 2010, the Danish racing driver was FIA World Endurance Champion in 2013 and, a decade later, is the ambassador of the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary. “You carry a win at Le Mans with you forever. I feel proud and humble reflecting on the race’s legacy and Rolex’s involvement with motor sport. Together they are the perfect combination; both striving for excellence through persistence, technical innovation and human endeavor.”

The Cosmograph Daytona: a singular prize

The winners of the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans receive an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, specially engraved for the occasion. A legendary watch whose characteristic design has become iconic, the Cosmograph Daytona is emblematic of Rolex’s expertise. Equipped with a movement entirely designed and produced by the Rolex manufacture, it stands out by virtue of its chronometric precision as well as its unfailing reliability.

Chicago Will Host a NASCAR Race for the First Time in 2023

Chicago’s streets will be transformed into racetracks in the NASCAR competition scheduled for early July. A course traversing many of our city’s beloved landmarks will serve as a track, making for an exciting speed match that will be thrilling to watch. At CD Peacock, we’re excited to witness this extraordinary race in our hometown.

Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button will be competing in the Chicago race as a NASCAR driver for the first time. Button raced in Formula 1 for 17 years and won the world championship in 2009. Recently, Button decided to compete in a wholly different series – NASCAR.

“A lot of people think I’m crazy for doing this because it’s so different, but that’s why I love the challenge of it. For me, it’s not about how quick the car is, it’s about how close the racing can be. It’s definitely going to be a shock to the system, but a toe in the water, so to speak, and hopefully help me be more competitive the next time I do it.”

Button said in a statement.

In taking on this new challenge, Button exemplifies the ongoing pursuit of pushing performance boundaries to their limits.

Undoubtedly, Button will be wearing his Rolex Daytona during the competition. Not only does the Daytona embody superlative timekeeping and robustness, the Daytona’s design is elegant and timeless, making it perfect for everyday wear on and off the track.