In early January, over 2,500 scouts from across the country traveled to take part in Scout Days at Daytona International Speedway. This three-day annual test session known as the “Roar Before the Rolex 24” was the start to the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) racing calendar.

And although it was pretty cold for Florida…that didn’t stop Girl Scouts from showing up. Troops braved the freezing temperatures as they camped two nights in the tracks infield. Over the weekend scouts got up-close and personal with the teams and drivers from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.

Girl Scouts were given their own dedicated camping area, participated in special question-and-answer sessions, and went on tours with some incredible G.I.R.L.s. The female drivers, engineers, and mechanics that make it all possible.

For the first time in event history, a race was added to the “Roar Before the Rolex 24.” Above the track, Relationship Development Director, Kristen Bedard and Ambassador Girl Scout, Minnesota Crouch, waived the green flags as honorary starters for the IMSA Prototype Challenge season opener.

“To stand above the speeding race cars, motioning the start of their race while representing Girl Scouts of Citrus was a unlike anything I had ever experienced,” said Bedard.

The weekend ended in true Girl Scout fashion with a collectible fun patch earned by all!