Tom Kristensen, known as one of the most successful sports car endurance racers of all time, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 54th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 30-31 at Daytona International Speedway.

The nine-time Le Mans winner will give the command, “Drivers, start your engines.”

The Danish ace retired after 37 years of race in after 2014. Along with his Le Mans wins, Kristen also won the 12 Hours of Sebring a record six times and took the FIA World Endurance Championship drivers title in 2013.

His commanding performance on the track led to Autosport Magazine awarding him the title SportsCar Driver of the Decade in 2010.  Tom Kristensen has also been decorated by the Queen of Denmark.

“We are honored to have such a decorated sports car driver as Tom Kristensen serve as the Grand Marshal for this much anticipated Rolex 24 At Daytona,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said.

“Tom’s achievements in sports car endurance racing are incredible and we look forward to having him help kick off the first event in our new motorsports stadium.”

Recognized as the fittest driver during his career, he now manages the physical and mental fitness practices for Audi’s factory drivers together with the medical department.