LPGA Star Lexi Thompson to Serve as Rolex 24 Grand Marshal

Lexi Thompson, one of the foremost female golfers in the United States, will serve as the honorary grand marshal for the Rolex 24 this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Thompson will give drivers the command to start their engines on Saturday, minutes before they begin 24 hours straight of sports car racing at Daytona. In her golfing career, Thompson has earned 15 titles and 11 wins on the LPGA Tour. As of January 19th, Thompson is ranked No. 79 on the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings. Previously, she achieved as high of a placing as fourth on the LPGA Tour Rankings in 2015 and 2017. Thompson earned her first major championship in the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, winning by three strokes over Michelle Wie. Beyond the Rolex connection, she's also a fitting choice to kick off the Rolex 24 due to her Florida upbringing. Born in Coral Springs, Thompson began golfing at five years old while growing up next to a local golf club. "Lexi Thompson's journey from a rising star on the circuit to a certified LPGA Tour champion has inspired young athletes around the world," said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. "Her successes on the LPGA Tour make her the perfect pick for the Rolex 24 as she, like this iconic and demanding race, exemplifies values of excellence, determination and resilience on a global stage." Thompson is slated to give the command to start engines early Saturday afternoon, prior to the 1:40 p.m. start time of the Rolex 24. From there, four classes of sports car drivers will take shifts racing the road course layout of Daytona International Speedway until 1:40 p.m. on Sunday.