Rolex gave us the chance to immerse ourselves in the world of Petit Le Mans.
Endurance racing is one of the oldest traditions in motorsports and has been one of the most revered challenges behind the wheel of an automobile for over a hundred years, almost as long as the production automobile has been around. For many decades in which endurance racing has defined the pinnacle of motorsports, Rolex has been a close partner to the races and the people who bring them to life. Thanks to an expanded partnership between Rolex and IMSA, we now had the opportunity to take part in the 2025 Petit Le Mans race and our experience was as deep an immersion into the world of endurance racing as one can get.
Our experience began with two hot laps before race day, giving us a comprehensive look at the legendary Road Atlanta circuit and a personal feel for the thrill of the dramatic elevation changes and challenging corners. We were at the mercy of two professional drivers who took us for hot laps in the Lexus IS 500 sports sedan and the Ford Mustang GTD, the new race-ready, performance-oriented, ultra-premium version of the legendary Ford Mustang.
With the hot laps ahead, we then had the privilege of speaking to some of the teams, including the Whelen Cadillac team that would end up winning the race. We learned how profound the strategy and intensive work must be in order not only to drive long-distance races, but also to win. As we spoke, crew members worked tirelessly to assemble and set up the car for qualifying, and we learned about the immense amounts of data the teams and IMSA use to optimize their cars and ensure safety and fair competition on the track. The V-Series.R we stood next to had two O2 sensors: one for the team and one for IMSA. Kilometers of fiber optic cables are laid throughout the entire track to transmit data between the teams and IMSA and to provide the teams and race management with accurate information about the cars.
Next up was race day and during the fan walk spectators had the opportunity to see the cars and drivers up close before the start of the race. Just a few minutes after the green flag was waved, we had the opportunity to experience one of the very unfortunate but real moments in endurance racing: an accident forced several GTD vehicles out of the race. However, the passion and energy of the fans, teams, crew and staff running the race did not diminish as the atmosphere remained electric throughout the day and night. Tickets for the race were sold out and traffic stretched a mile from the track in each direction.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Scott Pruett, one of the most legendary endurance drivers who now works with IMSA racing management. He wore a special Rolex watch at Petit Le Mans, the season finale of the nearly year-long IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2025. Pruett bought the nearly 40-year-old watch as a gift to himself to celebrate a victory in IROC. His immense driving experience, as well as the extensive racing experience of other race control staff, helps IMSA ensure that the rules and race direction instructions during the race balance entertainment, safety and fair competition.
IMSA President John Doonan provided a glimpse into the rich heritage of endurance racing and showed how famous drivers from other racing series around the world come to IMSA to compete in the IMSA Arena and race at some of the world’s most famous tracks, particularly Road Atlanta. Doonan has his own personal history with the racing world, visiting racetracks growing up and falling in love with motorsports, which led to his current career.
As night fell, the track was illuminated by the headlights of race cars (some of which only had one working) as well as bonfires lit by fans camping at the track for the race weekend. A walkaround gave us views of the iconic Spectator Hill as well as some of the most exciting corners on the course: the Ess Curves, Turns 6 and 7, and Chicanes 10a and 10b. The anticipation grew as the race came to an end. Cadillac Whelen won the race overall and Porsche won the championship titles in the entire GTP class.
Our time at Petit Le Mans 2025 was the experience of experiencing an endurance race as closely as possible without taking part in it. That’s why our time at Petit Le Mans 2025 was not only an opportunity to witness one of the most exciting races on IMSA’s annual calendar and its season finale, but also a chance to gain an astonishingly deep understanding of endurance racing and the labor of love that is motorsports, with one of the sport’s most dedicated, iconic and committed partners: Rolex.
Image source: IMSA
