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The Daytona 24 Hours returns to a six-hour format

Autosport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 8:55 AM

Last updated Sep 20, 2026

The Daytona 24 Hours returns to a six-hour format

Summary

The Daytona 24 Hours, a key event in sportscar racing, is set to run for six hours instead of its traditional 24-hour duration. This change marks a significant departure in the race's format, which has been in place since 1966 after being modeled on the Le Mans 24 Hours. Originally conceived as a three-hour race, the endurance challenge has undergone several modifications throughout its history. This year's adjustment highlights a new direction for the event, which has typically been one of the signature races on the motorsports calendar.

Source Links

Autosport

Key Details

•Daytona 24 Hours scheduled for six hours instead of 24
•Race format has been unchanged since 1966
•Originally started as a three-hour event
•Significant for teams adjusting strategy
•Reflects evolving trends in endurance racing

Latest Updates

8:55 AMAutosport — The year the legendary Daytona 24 Hours ran to six hours

What they're saying

"
The Daytona 24 Hours is easily one of the highlights of the sportscar racing calendar, and its twice-round-the-clock format is a huge part of the charm. Modelled after the Le Mans 24 Hours, it was originally conceived as a three-hour race, before switching to the same format as the French endurance classic in 1966. Since then, every single Daytona endurance event was scheduled for 24 hours ...Keep reading
— Autosport

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