Jarett Andretti brings a big name and big hopes to another Rolex 24 at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH — He’s going his own way and doing his own thing, but it’s still within the racing world and he’s still attached to one of the most famous names in racing history.

“I think there are pros and cons to anything,” says Jarett Andretti. “I wouldn’t know any different, but certainly the name helps when you call people or talk to people. But there’s also the expectations that come with it as well.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m proud of the name and proud of what my family has accomplished. I’m proud to be a part of it and hope to add to it.”

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Jarett is the son of the late John Andretti and grandson of Aldo, Mario’s late twin brother.

While the Andretti name is mostly associated with IndyCar racing and the Indianapolis 500, it’s also part of Daytona history. Mario won the 1967 Daytona 500 during one of his rare visits to NASCAR, and the 1972 Rolex 24 with Jacky Ickx (the race was shortened to six hours that year).

John Andretti, who raced full time in both IndyCar and NASCAR, won the 1997 Firecracker 400 at Daytona, the first of his two NASCAR Cup Series wins.

Jarett, 31, has devoted his career to sports-car racing and is co-owner of Andretti Motorsports, not to be confused with second-cousin Michael's Andretti Autosport, which was recently rebranded as Andretti Global.

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Jarett will make this week’s Rolex 24 his fourth start in the endurance classic. He’s run the past two in the Le Mans Prototype (LMP3) Class, and his first, back in 2012, in a GT Mazda, with his father as a co-driver.

This season, he’s moved into a Porsche 911 in the GTD Class of IMSA’s WeatherTech Championship series. He’ll share the No. 43 entry this weekend and all season with Gabby Chaves. For the Rolex, they’ll be joined by Scott Hargrove and Thomas Preining.

“I really like the sports-car stuff,” Jarett said. “I’ve enjoyed the past couple of years and really enjoy doing it with our team, Andretti Motorsports. I think we’re gonna stick with this, keep doing this, try to improve a little each year.”

When is the Rolex 24?

• Start time: 1:40 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27

• End time: 1:40 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28

• How to watch: All 24 hours on Peacock. 1:30-2:30 p.m. (NBC). 2:30-8 p.m. (USA). 10 p.m.-midnight (USA). 6 a.m.-noon (USA). Noon-2 p.m. (NBC)

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Rolex 24 and Daytona no stranger to Andretti name, including Jarett