Rolex 24 at Daytona Announces Groundbreaking Partnership with PlayStation for 2025 Race
Daytona Beach, FL – March 5, 2025
In an unprecedented collaboration between motorsports and gaming, the Rolex 24 at Daytona has announced a groundbreaking partnership with PlayStation, bringing an innovative new experience to the iconic endurance race. This alliance aims to bridge real-world racing and virtual competition, offering fans an immersive way to engage with the prestigious 24-hour event.
Virtual Meets Reality: A New Era for Endurance Racing
The partnership will see Gran Turismo 7, PlayStation’s critically acclaimed racing simulator, play a central role in the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona. A virtual endurance challenge will be introduced, allowing players worldwide to compete in a simulated Rolex 24 ahead of the real event, with winners receiving VIP access to the race and the opportunity to meet top drivers.
In addition, select professional drivers competing in the real Rolex 24 will participate in the virtual event, giving fans a chance to race against some of the world’s best endurance drivers.
Next-Level Fan Experience at Daytona
PlayStation will also have a major presence at Daytona International Speedway, with interactive racing simulators set up throughout the venue. These setups will feature Gran Turismo 7’s ultra-realistic recreation of Daytona, allowing fans to experience the track firsthand.
Additionally, PlayStation VR2 technology will provide an even more immersive racing experience, letting fans feel what it’s like to be inside a race car tackling the grueling 24-hour endurance challenge.
Bringing Sim Racing and Real Racing Together
This partnership highlights the growing synergy between esports and real-world motorsports. IMSA President John Doonan praised the collaboration, stating, “PlayStation and Gran Turismo have revolutionized how fans engage with motorsports. Bringing them into the Rolex 24 at Daytona elevates our event to a new level and introduces endurance racing to a whole new audience.”
Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo, added, “The Rolex 24 is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to connect virtual and real racing like never before.”
Exclusive PlayStation Liveries and Special Content
As part of the collaboration, PlayStation will design special liveries for select IMSA teams, featuring PlayStation branding and exclusive Gran Turismo elements. Additionally, a new in-game Rolex 24-themed event will be launched in Gran Turismo 7, allowing players to compete in their own endurance challenge.
A Historic Partnership for Racing and Gaming
With this partnership, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is embracing the future of motorsports, offering fans, gamers, and drivers a unique and unprecedented racing experience. Whether behind the wheel of a real race car or a PlayStation controller, the spirit of endurance racing has never been more accessible.
The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona is set for January 25-26, with PlayStation’s involvement ensuring that this edition will be one for the history books.
