DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Action Express Racing has assembled an all-star cast of drivers and, in conjunction with NASCAR Cup Series powerhouse team Hendrick Motorsports, has entered the No. 48 Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R for the 2021 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud, two-time Rolex 24 winner Kamui Kobayashi, and Rolex 24 and 24 Hours of Le Mans champion Mike Rockenfeller provide the star-studded driver lineup, as announced by the team on Friday.
"We’ve been talking to Jimmie about running with us for many months," said Gary Nelson, Action Express Racing team manager. "It all came together in November with the support of Hendrick Motorsports and their tremendous partner, Ally.
"Jimmie has a lot of experience at Daytona, not only on the oval, but turning into the infield as well. Simon brings a lot of endurance experience and Kamui adds a wealth of car setup knowledge and speed to the car. We won the Rolex 24 with Mike in 2010, so he is familiar with how we operate. I would like to thank fellow IMSA competitor Paul Miller for sharing the 48 number. We’re looking at having a great 10 days in Daytona starting with the Roar Before the 24."
The No. 48 Cadillac is the second Action Express Racing entry for the Rolex 24, running alongside the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac that is competing for the full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season in the Daytona Prototype international (DPi) class.
Johnson will be making his eighth start in the Rolex 24 but first in 10 years when the green flag drops at Daytona International Speedway’s road course on Jan 30.
"The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the marquee races in the world," Johnson said. "It’s such a challenging event for both team and driver and requires such a high level of concentration throughout. It’s just such a fun and unique race to compete in. This will be the first time I’ve raced with Action Express and have been very impressed with the team and its preparation.
"I’m also excited to have Ally on board and to be co-driving with Simon, Kamui and Mike, who are three world-class drivers with experience in this race and the DPi class. I’ve finished second in this event, so I’m looking forward to trying to get on the top step in 2021."
Pagenaud will be making his seventh start in the Rolex 24. He drove the past three years in an Acura DPi, finishing fourth this past season.
"I love taking part in this race!" Pagenaud said. "It’s exciting to get to start the year in Daytona, as it gets me ready for the season. Teaming up with Jimmie is an honor. He is a NASCAR legend; I’ve always looked up to him.
"I look forward to stepping in the Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R," added Pagenaud. "It’s a proven winning machine. I am ready to discover the strength of this race car with Action Express. They are a tremendous race team and I look forward to bringing my ‘A’ game to the Daytona 24 Hour and contend for the win!"
Kobayashi is aiming for a three-peat at the 2021 Rolex 24. He was part of the winning team the past two years with Wayne Taylor Racing in its Cadillac DPi-V.R.
"I think we have a big chance to win," Kobayashi said. "You have to stay on the lead lap and then the last couple of hours be ready to fight for the victory. I am confident with the Cadillac DPi-V.R. It is with a different team this year for me, but the same great car."
Rockenfeller won the 2010 Rolex 24 in an Action Express Daytona Prototype. Later that same year, he was victorious at Le Mans with Audi. He has six career IMSA wins.
"Super excited to be back racing in Daytona in the top category and in the AXR Cadillac DPi-V.R," Rockenfeller said. "It is the most successful car in IMSA and at Daytona. It is where I wanted to be again after racing in the GT category for a few years.
"I am looking forward to my first laps in the Cadillac. I don’t think it is that far from the LMP1 and the DTM cars I am used to driving. To be with Jimmie, Simon and Kamui is awesome. If you look at all of the titles and championships they have won, it is very cool. It is great to be a part of such a strong team of drivers."
The Roar Before the Rolex 24 runs Jan. 22-24 and includes testing and the Motul Pole Award 100 qualifying race to determine the starting grid for the Rolex 24. Track action for the Rolex 24 At Daytona begins Jan. 28, with the 24-hour race on the 3.56-mile road course set to start at 3:40 p.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 30.
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