The famed ROLEX 24 is getting underway with drivers from Indy, NASCAR, Formula 1 and others joining the standard series team drivers to run the 50th anniversary of this iconic and exciting race.

Of course we expect to see stars from the racing world in the cockpits of these machines such as Dario Fracnchitti from Indy, Michael Waltrip from NASCAR (in a Ferrari, nonetheless!) and Giancarlo Fisichella of Formula 1. However, how many know that Patrick Dempsey (TV / Movie Star) is a team owner and regular driver for this Grand-Am series? He’ll be among those in the driver’s seat for the ROLEX 24 in his GT Mazda.

Then we have the world of iconic Rock-N-Roll. The 50+Predator/Alegra team includes none other than AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson! Also taking laps behind the wheel of the #50 Daytona Prototype are Byron DeFoor, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Carlos de Quesada and Jim Pace. Johnson has been a speed and auto enthusiast for many years and has even made laps in the Top Gear (UK) “Reasonably Priced Car”.

The Johnson Team is aligned with the Austin Hatcher Foundation allowing fans to make donations through the “Highway to Help” program assisting children with pediatric cancer. Tune in, watch some laps and grab your phone. Throughout the race, fans can text “ACDC” to 501501 to donate $10 to the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

All in all, 24 hours of racing at Daytona is going to be a fun watch and a challenging drive for everyone. For drivers and teams with special fund-raising and awareness associations the race should prove to be a highlight! Let’s hope we see some good racing and some profits for these causes.