The Grand-Am Road Racing Rolex SportsCar Series was a premier sports car racing series in North America that captivated fans with thrilling on-track action and intense competition. The series had a rich history and a loyal fan base, but it ultimately came to an end in 2013 when it merged with the American Le Mans Series to form the Tudor United SportsCar Championship.
The Grand-Am Series, as it was commonly known, was founded in 1999 by a group of racing enthusiasts who wanted to create a platform for professional sports car racing in the United States. Over the years, the series grew in popularity and stature, attracting top teams and drivers from around the world.
One of the key features of the Grand-Am Series was its partnership with Rolex, the renowned Swiss watchmaker. The series was officially known as the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, and Rolex served as the title sponsor, lending its prestigious name to the championship.
The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series featured a diverse range of racing cars, including prototypes and GT cars, competing on a variety of road courses and street circuits across North America. The series showcased some of the most iconic manufacturers in the world, such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Chevrolet, as well as up-and-coming teams and drivers looking to make a name for themselves in the world of sports car racing.
NASCAR also played a significant role in the Grand-Am Series, as the organization helped promote and support the championship. NASCAR's involvement brought a new level of exposure and recognition to the series, attracting more fans and sponsors to the sport.
Throughout its history, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series produced many memorable moments and thrilling races. From close battles for the championship to dramatic finishes on the track, the series provided fans with non-stop excitement and entertainment.
One of the highlights of the Grand-Am Series was the Rolex 24 At Daytona, a prestigious endurance race held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. The race was a true test of skill, strategy, and endurance, with teams and drivers pushing themselves to the limit to claim victory and the coveted Rolex Daytona watch awarded to the winners.
In addition to the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Grand-Am Series also featured other marquee events such as the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, the Grand Prix of Miami, and the Grand Prix of Baltimore. These races brought together the best teams and drivers in sports car racing for intense competition and thrilling battles on the track.
The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series was a breeding ground for future stars of the sport, with many drivers using the series as a stepping stone to higher levels of racing such as the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and even the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
As the 2013 season came to a close, the future of the Grand-Am Series was uncertain. Rumors of a potential merger with the American Le Mans Series had been circulating for some time, and in September of that year, it was officially announced that the two series would join forces to create the Tudor United SportsCar Championship.
The merger of the Grand-Am Series and the American Le Mans Series was met with mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders. Some saw it as a positive step forward for sports car racing in North America, with the potential to create a stronger and more competitive championship. Others were concerned about the loss of the unique identities and traditions of both series.
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