Chris Baynes, Daytona International Speedway's Senior Director of Facility Operations, recalls his first day managing operations during the Rolex 24 race, where a severe guardrail incident caused the race to stop. With responsibility for ensuring the race's infrastructure is operational, Baynes emphasizes that accidents can happen at any moment, requiring quick decision-making and coordination among staff. The behind-the-scenes efforts during endurance races like the Rolex 24 include managing various unpredictable challenges, all while teams strive to maintain safety and efficiency, often running on little sleep to achieve success.
Baynes recalled, "I looked out that window... There’s a Porsche sitting on top of a guardrail... That was my first race being by myself in charge. Probably the most nervous I've ever been."
Hosting an event like the Rolex 24 at Daytona involves ensuring everything is fully operational throughout, from the fencing to the guardrails surrounding the course.
Accidents happen, things break, the unthinkable occurs—and it all can happen at any time of the day during the race.
It's a stressful, high-wire act as teams navigate challenges running on little sleep to ensure a successful event.
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