Live from Trackside: 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Sunday, January 25
3:10 p.m.
First, a big congrats to the crew of the No. 02 Target/Ford EcoBoost car, the four drivers and all of the team members. It’s quite a feat to win a 24-hour race, and the team did a great job all day long. Second, I really wish the No. 01 Ford EcoBoost/Target car had been there at the end. I think we could have gone 1-2 for the finish. The challenge with endurance races like this is always reliability. I really enjoyed driving alongside Joey and Sage, and learning from the experience of Scott. Now I’m even more than ready to get the IndyCar season started!

Saturday, January 24
4:30 p.m.
We’re green, green, green here at Daytona for the Rolex 24! Scott Pruett started out the race for us in the No. 01, and I’ll likely go in around 9 or 10 p.m. tonight. I’m in the motorcoach now, resting up for my stint. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @racewithinsulin for updates throughout the race!

Friday, January 23
2:20 p.m.
Last practice is in the books! Scott ran a few laps, then I went in for about 30 minutes or so. We were able to improve, but I’m not sure we’re where we want to be still. After the on-track practice, we had a group photo opp and media availability, then a quick lunch before a driver change practice. We’ll have our team meetings this afternoon to go over race strategy and timings. As we’ve all said before, it’s a long race… plenty of time for things to go wrong, or right!

Thursday, January 22
6:45 p.m.
Both of the CGR Scott’s (Dixon and Pruett, that is) did a great job getting the No. 02 and No. 01 cars into P2 and P3 during qualifying this afternoon. We made a lot of changes between practice and qualifying, and I think we’re headed in the right direction for the race. Both cars are undergoing scheduled engine changes, so we’re sitting out this evening practice. I’m grabbing a bite to eat here at the track then headed out on the golf cart to watch the session under the lights!

No. 01 Ford EcoBoost/Target Riley before qualifying

4:15 p.m.
We’re two practice sessions in today, and we’re working on trying a lot of different things with the car, to figure out what’s best overall for 24 hours this weekend. It’s funny because very rarely in these long, 24-hour races does the fastest car win. Usually it’s the most consistent car; one that all four drivers can get in, get comfortable, run the same pace. So, right now the focus is getting a good setup for that direction.

Next up is qualifying at 5:15, then we’ll head out for our final practice of the day at 6:30. Check out live timing and scoring here!

Wednesday, January 21
2:30 p.m.

Well, it’s finally here… the officially-official start of racing season! I’ve just arrived at Daytona International Speedway and am doing a few gear and supply checks before heading into engineering meetings.

I’m really excited to get started here in the No. 01 Ford EcoBoost/Target Riley car. We had a good test for the Roar and I think we know where we need to make improvements, which can be half the battle sometimes. The forecast is showing a good chance of rain for Friday and Saturday. We’ll just wait and see how the weather plays into things. With it being my second Rolex appearance, I definitely have a better grasp of the event going into it this time around. When you’re playing for 24 hours, there’s a lot that can happen!

Someone posted on my Facebook page recently, noting the fact that I have one Rolex from 2013 but two wrists… so it’s time for another win. I couldn’t agree more!

If you’d like to follow along this race weekend, check the schedule below. Also follow me on Twitter @racewithinsulin for more at-track updates!

Thursday, January 22:
9:25-10:25 a.m. TUDOR Championship Practice 1
1:20-1:50 p.m. Practice 2
5:15-5:30 p.m. Qualifying
6:30-8 p.m. Practice 3
Friday, January 23:
11:25 a.m.-12:25 p.m. Practice 4
Saturday, January 24:
11:30 a.m. Autograph session
2:10 p.m. Green flag

Click HERE for a full event schedule and broadcast information.