Images: Rolex
Tolex Testimonee, British racing driver Jamie Chadwick
Rolex Testimonee Jamie Chadwick has a history of shattering glass ceilings. The most recent? Her role as Grand Marshal at this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona marks another milestone for the 25-year-old motorsport sensation. For she now becomes the first female and active racer in recent history to don this prestigious mantle. Chadwick brought both her trailblazing spirit and undeniable charm to one of the most iconic endurance races on the calendar.
United Autosports USA races through the Kink during the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
For those unfamiliar with the Rolex 24 At Daytona, think of it as motorsport’s ultimate marathon. Over 24 relentless hours, drivers battle unpredictable conditions, mechanical challenges, and sheer exhaustion on their quest for glory. It’s a race that demands nothing short of excellence—a fitting stage for Chadwick’s debut into this hall of legends.
Against the roaring engines of Daytona International Speedway, Chadwick’s presence resonated far beyond the track. As Grand Marshal, it was she who gave the command, “Drivers, start your engines,” officially launching the event’s 63rd edition.
The midway point of the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Championing Women
But Chadwick’s role as Grand Marshal wasn’t just ceremonial; it was steeped in meaning. With Rolex as a long-standing patron of both motorsport and excellence, her appointment signalled the luxury brand’s endorsement of a more inclusive future for racing. It’s a testament to how motorsport is shifting gears, opening doors for women in a field long dominated by men. Much like the watches Rolex crafts—precision matched with timeless elegance—Chadwick herself symbolises a balance of grit and grace.
Racing action intensifies in the West Horseshoe as day breaks over the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Reflecting on her experience, Chadwick shared, “I’ve followed the Rolex 24 for many years, so to witness the race firsthand as Grand Marshal is something I will remember forever. It’s incredible to see how tough this race is—from the razor-sharp race strategies to the resilience required by the drivers. For me, it’s a dream to one day return as a competitor.” And why not? How poetic would it be if one day, Jamie Chadwick becomes the very first Testimonee to earn the coveted Rolex Daytona watch awarded to winners?
Rolex Testimonee, Jamie Chadwick, photographed at Daytona International Speedway, home of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The perfect synergy
Beyond recognising women in motorsport, since becoming the event’s Title Sponsor in 1992—after partnering with the event since the 1960s— Rolex has highlighted the artistry and precision embodied by the sport for decades. That sense of luxury and performance shared by both the timepieces and the race itself create the perfect synergy with Chadwick’s persona.
It also made for quite the show. This year’s winner, the #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport’s Porsche 963, took the chequered flag after 781 grueling laps. The winners walked away not only with victories etched in the Daytona record books. For awaiting them was also the ultimate trophy to solidify their triumphs—the specially engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona.
The specially engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch.
Beyond breaking barriers
There’s more to Jamie Chadwick’s presence at Daytona than just breaking barriers; it’s also about celebrating her relentless pursuit of greatness. It’s worth noting the British racing driver’s long list of accomplishments to date: three W Series Championships and a recent foray into Indy NXT. She will also be racing in the European Le Mans Series this year, which begins this month in Barcelona. For the women speeding onto motorsport’s main stage in her wake, she’s proof that ambition and resilience are a winning combination.
What’s also compelling about Chadwick’s moment at Daytona is the intersection of her trailblazing career with one of motorsport’s most storied races. Her presence bridged old and new. It invoked the heritage of icons like actor and racing driver Paul Newman (whose 100th birthday fell on this year’s event) while shining a light on the exciting, inclusive future motorsport seems to be steering towards. Regardless of her role and achievements, one thing is certain: Jamie Chadwick proves that carving your place in history isn’t about waiting for opportunity. It’s about racing toward it and creating it on your own terms. And for Chadwick, the finish line is just the start.
