This is the Statt Mann Baby!!  Time to Scatt a little bit.

What off-season?  This weekend alone there was the opening of Supercross, the Bodine Bodsled competition between NASCAR and NHRA drag racing stars, and the pre-season Grand-Am Rolex testing at Daytona.  Next Saturday there’s the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl that’s grown to HBO pay-per-view status.

But it’s the Rolex 24 that’s needs the spotlight.  For a couple years now we’ve seen drivers from every discipline joining forces for what’s become a reunion party in addition to the Grand-Am season opener.

As further proof of its importance, look at one team – SAMAX – with a driver lineup that includes several Audi factory drivers including Alan McNish, the two-time defending ALMS champion who won those titles driving an Audi supercar.

I was stunned to see Audi Alan’s name on the practice sheets.  There are no Audis in Grand-Am and the ALMS people consider the Grand-Am the dark side.  Some won’t even mention the name in polite conversation!

McNish happily talks about the privately sponsored drive on his website.  The Rolex 24 is one iconic victory that’s eluded his brilliant career.

You don’t have to be a sports car fan like me to find this mouth watering. The Rolex 24 at the end of the month is the best driver lineup of any race in the world making it an event winner worth watching.

So much for an off-season, huh?

Peace.