NASCAR drivers take time for 24

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The cars are exotic and the engines whine rather than growl. It’s sports car time at Daytona.

This year, the Rolex 24 seems somewhat like a stock car race rather than an endurance event.

At least part of the reason for the added excitement at the traditional opening of Daytona’s Speed Weeks this weekend is a lineup that includes nine NASCAR Nextel Cup stars as well as top drivers from the Champ Car World Series and the Indy Racing League.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth, making his debut in a sports car. “You come here and feel like a rookie. I never even knew where the road course was here.”

Part of the 3.56-mile circuit will be familiar to the NASCAR drivers, who will race here in two weeks in the Daytona 500. The road course uses three-fourths of the 2 1/2 -mile, high-banked oval, then snakes through the infield.

Kenseth will drive a Ford Multimatic Daytona Prototype, sharing the ride with two Roush Racing teammates, Cup champion Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle. They’re joined by Canadian sports car ace Scott Maxwell.

“The biggest thing for us is to come here and have fun,” said Busch, also a sports car newcomer. “We’re going to have a team meeting later today to get to understand more about a 24-hour scenario. But, really, we’re going to learn as we go.”

Biffle appeared the most excited of the trio.

“Every time I get in the car, I get faster,” he said. “I really can’t wait for the green flag. I’m really enjoying this experience.”

Other NASCAR regulars entered in the race are Jimmie Johnson, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte and Tony Stewart.