The filming activities at Daytona will center around the #120 Porsche 911 GT3 R, sporting the 992 shape, entered by the fictional Chip Hart Racing team. In reality, this team is managed by Wright Motorsports for drivers Adam Adelson, Elliott Skeer, Jan Heylen, and Frederic Makowiecki.
Interestingly, the actual drivers’ names do not adorn the car; instead, it showcases the names Sonny Hayes (Pitt’s character in the movie), C Kelso, and the veteran Porsche racer turned ambassador, Patrick Long. Geico Insurance and Peak Antifreeze are the sponsors for this cinematic racing venture.
This Porsche will play a crucial role in the yet-to-be-named Formula 1 movie produced by Apple Original Films. The film, spearheaded by director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment, and seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films, follows the narrative arc of a former driver’s return to F1, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Damson Idris joins the cast as his teammate on APXGP, a fictional 11th team on the grid.
Jerry Bruckheimer, known for his contributions to blockbuster films like Con Air, Black Hawk Down, and Armageddon, will have a special role as the Grand Marshal for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener, the 62nd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. This renowned producer, responsible for iconic franchises such as Top Gun, National Treasure, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Bad Boys, once again finds himself at Daytona, recalling his filming experiences for the 1990 movie Days of Thunder, starring Tom Cruise.
Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher expressed enthusiasm about Bruckheimer’s involvement, acknowledging his track record of delivering entertaining and action-packed content. Bruckheimer, reciprocating the sentiment, recognized the iconic status of Daytona International Speedway and expressed his honor in commanding the start of the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona, having previously experienced the atmosphere during major NASCAR races at the venue.
