My first 24 was at VIR and was miserable. I said I'd never do another, but time has a way of softening the memories, so I took the Supra to Homestead 2 years later. Not so miserable but definitely more difficult than usual because we raced from Midnight (Dec 31st) to Midnight (Jan 1st). No sleep for more than 36 hours. The car had a few issues but took the checkered flag and it felt great, but I told myself "never again".
Riiiiiight. 2 years later Lemons scheduled Joliet and I HAD to do it! After a long tow from Atlanta we had a great time with only 4 drivers and no crew - by this time we knew what to expect during a 24. It's a mental test more than a physical one, and you learn more about your car than any race less than 15 hours.
As others have mentioned it's hell on a car. My engine was on it's way out anyway due to water loss, but my transmission got crunchy after 20 hours and I blew up the diff at 2am. We replaced the diff and soldiered on to 6th place. THAT was a great feeling. You will find weak spots in your car in these races that result in better reliability in any future race. DO NOT take an unproven or unreliable car to a 24.
The one thing missing from Autobahn was the socializing, but we knew there would be compromises and enjoy the 24-hour format.
Peter St Pierre #63 Hong Norrth "C" Supra
5th Place: 2016 CMP Fall
6th place: 2015 Autobahn 24 hour
2nd place: 2014 CMP Fall : 17th place: 2014 CMP Southern Discomfort Spring