Marathon race attracts 61 sports cars
Each year, the international motorsports scene waits with great anticipation the arrival of the Rolex 24 at Daytona – the annual green flag for the racing season around the globe.
The eagerness is even greater in 2022, with the historic 60th running of the iconic 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 29-30. A whopping 61 cars were entered for the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test session last weekend. It’s the most entries since 2014.
“The racing world turns its eyes to the Rolex 24 every year since it typically kicks off the season for everyone in the industry and draws such an immense amount of international driver and team talent together,” IMSA President John Doonan said. “That’s even truer in 2022 with more cars on the grid than we’ve seen at Daytona in the last eight years. It shows that the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and sports car racing around the world continues to grow and thrive. We’re very excited for what should be a memorable 60th Rolex 24 at Daytona and the season ahead.”
The Taste of the 24, annually on the Saturday evening after the drop of the green flag for the Rolex 24, will benefit the NASCAR Foundation. It features dining experiences, featuring local restaurant fare in the Midway Suites as part of the frontstetch seating.
Select tickets are online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.
NASCAR legal counsel named to world group
Gary Crotty, NASCAR executive vice president and chief legal counsel, has been elected by the FIA General Assembly as one of 36 judges to serve on the FIA Courts.
A member of the NASCAR Board of Directors, Mr. Crotty is the first NASCAR representative to serve the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile. His term, which began Jan. 1, runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
The General Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the FIA. It is composed of automobile and touring clubs and national sporting authorities representing 245 member organizations.
Mr. Crotty joined NASCAR as secretary and general counsel in 1996. He oversees the company’s legal department in the corporate headquarters in Daytona Beach,
College Sports
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona State College sports teams have games this week.
ERAU women’s basketball will face Saint Leo at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 and Florida Tech at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 2.
ERAU men’s basketball will face Saint Leo at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 Florida Tech at Wednesday Feb. 2. Time for the Feb. 2 game is still to be determined.
Games are at the ERAU Sports Complex, 601 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach.
For more information, visit erauathletic.com/tickets.
Vendors needed
The Halifax Sport Fishing Club will host its second annual Fishing Expo and Swap Meet Saturday, Jan. 29.
The meet will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. at the HSFC clubhouse at 3431 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange.
New and used fishing, diving, boating equipment and nautical related items will be offered for sale by various vendors and private individuals.
A vendor table is $25 per table and a tent vendor is $50.
There will be guest speakers throughout the day, and lunch will be available.
For more information, contact Scott Ibison, program director, at programs@hsfc.com or (386) 589-6468.
City offers three youth sports clinics in February
The City of Daytona Beach is offering three free co-ed youth clinics for soccer and baseball from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7.
The T-Ball clinic for youth ages 4 to 5 will be at Derbyshire Park and Sports Complex at 849 Derbyshire
Road. The clinic will teach children the fundamentals of baseball and sportsmanship. Participating youth will need to wear rubber cleats and provide their own glove.
Little League Baseball for youth ages 6 to 12 will be at Bethune Point Park at 11 Bellevue Ave. and provide an opportunity to learn hitting, catching, throwing, fielding and base running. Participating youth will need to wear rubber cleats and bring a baseball glove.
The Daytona Tortugas Care Foundation is a sponsor of the T-Ball and Little League Baseball clinics.
A soccer clinic for youth ages 4 to 11 will be at Municipal Stadium at 3917 LPGA Blvd. Participants will
learn the fundamentals of soccer, including passing, dribbling, trapping, receiving a pass, goalkeeping, precision and shooting. Participating youth will need to provide their own shin guards.
For more information, contact Charles Bethune at (386) 453-0315 or bethunecharles@codb.us.
Me Strong race Feb. 5
Me Strong will host its 5K run at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, starting on East Indiana Avenue in DeLand.
Me Strong 5K 18 and younger victory lap entry will cost $20 and for those older than 18 the cost will be $35.
This is a USATF race certified 5K through DeLand. For information to to register, visit thedriven.net/event-registration/site.race_reg/eid/39964012389/?&&/.
Deltona recreation leagues
Deltona Parks & Recreation has added new recreation options for families.
•Youth Flag Football will play March and April. Registration deadline is Feb. 11. The cost is $50 per child for ages 5-12. At Wes Crile Park, 1537 Norbert Terrace. Games will be Saturday mornings with one practice during the week. Coaches needed.
•Adult Basketball League will play in March and April. Registration deadline is Feb. 18. The cost is $400 per team or join an interest list and be placed on a team (available at Wes Crile). Age 18 and older. Wes Crile Park, 1537 Norbert Terrace.
•Adult Kickball League will play March and April. Registration deadline is Feb. 28. The cost is $350 per team or join an interest list and be placed on a team (available at Wes Crile). Ages 18 and older. Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex, 1200 Saxon Blvd.
Space is limited. For more information, call (386) 878-8940.
Tennis club meets
The Redneck Tennis Club for seniors 55 and older plays tennis at 7:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Detwiler Park, 701 Horton Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
New members welcome. Participants should bring racket and something to drink. All experience levels welcome. Free to play.
For more information, call (386) 663-4918 or (386) 847-8759.
