The annual New Year event, the Roar Before the Rolex 24 took place at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, from 6 to 8 January. A total of 117 cars including 14 Daytona Prototypes and 46 GT cars participated in the three-day test event.

A brace of six Mazda RX-8 GTs tested at the Roar. Competitors enjoyed their test in ideal weather conditions and ran incident-free. While a Ferrari 458 took the fastest lap and Porsche 911 GT3s were next, Mazda RX-8 GTs steadily gathered technical data and set up for the 2012 season-opener.

The 2008 and 2010 Daytona-winning #70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 GT was watched closely by competitors and members of the media. It features new graphics, from black to a white-based Mazdaspeed corporate look. Marino Franchitti, driver of the #70 Mazdaspeed Mazda RX-8 GT, said confidently, "Obviously, the SpeedSource team knows how to get things done for the Rolex 24. I'm very lucky to be in a team at this level. It would be really nice to walk away from here with a Rolex." Marino, brother of IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti, has joined the SpeedSource team for this season.

The 2012 Rolex Series season opens with the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, to be held on Jan. 28-29. Opening practice and qualifying will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26. The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season-opening GRAND-AM 200 highlights the Friday schedule.