Rolex Testimonee Jamie Chadwick is set to write the next chapter in her motor sport journey when she competes in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, the pinnacle of endurance racing as she lines up at 4.00 p.m. local time on Saturday 14 June at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
As the Official Timepiece and Exclusive Major Partner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001, Rolex recognises the endeavour and sacrifice it takes to cross the finish line – a journey defined by determination and the pursuit of the extraordinary. This philosophy extends across all of the brand’s associations in the sporting world, with the Swiss watchmaker having supported leading tennis tournaments for close to half a century and endurance racing for six decades.
Since the 1960s, Rolex has partnered with leading drivers and shared some of their most legendary moments and successes in endurance racing. Making her 24 Hours of Le Mans debut in the highly competitive LMP2 category with IDEC Sport, Chadwick will compete at the event as part of her inaugural season in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
“Every racing driver dreams of competing at Le Mans, and now that dream is becoming a reality. I have thrown myself into understanding every detail – from mastering the technical nuances of the car to fully syncing with the team. To be racing at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, where so much motor sport history has been written, is very exciting,” said Chadwick as the anticipation for the race builds.
Chadwick enters the twice-around-the-clock contest in exceptional form, having secured overall victory in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet in May. This triumph follows her historic win on her ELMS debut in Barcelona during the season-opener in April, where she became the first woman to win an LMP2 race.
“My preparation has focused on learning as much as possible about these new requirements. I’ve also been working on getting to know the team, learning the car, and familiarising myself with some new circuits. Racing in America was an amazing learning curve but I’m excited to come back to Europe and to race at some of the most historic tracks, such as Circuit de la Sarthe and at Spa-Francorchamps, which have witnesses some of the most iconic moments in motor sport,” said Chadwick.
Her fellow Testimonee Button returns to the event for a fourth time, competing in the Hypercar category with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in his second full season in the FIA World Endurance Championship, which Rolex has served as Official Timepiece since 2016. Reflecting on Rolex’s long-standing affiliation with motor sport and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Chadwick adds:
“Rolex has been so closely linked with motor sport for nearly a century, and its enduring presence at Le Mans reflects the brand’s deep respect for tradition and excellence. Being part of the Rolex family is a true honour. It has given me the opportunity to learn from legends like Tom Kristensen and Jenson Button, who have both achieved so much and know what it means to compete at this iconic race.”
In recognition of the skill and resilience displayed in the quest for victory, this year’s winning drivers will be awarded an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, one of the most revered accolades in motor sport.
Having orchestrated more than a century of crowning moments, the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains an emotional test of grit and determination, where leading manufacturers and teams chase glory while driving innovation within the automotive sector. Long known as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology and for breaking boundaries, the race continues to shape the future and create legacies for the next generation.
“I could never have imagined becoming a Rolex Testimonee. It feels incredibly special and I’m extremely proud to be part of the family. As the relationship has evolved, getting to know the other motor sport Testimonees has been a privilege; being able to tap into the breadth of experience among them is fantastic and to learn from their journeys through the sport is something I really treasure,” Chadwick concluded.
In Australia, the 24 Hours of Le Mans can be watched live and on demand on Stan Sport, which is part of the Stan streaming service. Alternatively, the FIA WEC TV app offers coverage of the race.
Photographs © Rolex.