When the race descends into the night at Sebring and Petit Le Mans, drivers disappear into the darkness with only their headlights to guide the way.

Here at Daytona International Speedway, the night driving is a totally different sensation. Not only is the oval floodlit, parts of the infield are also bathed in light from the extensive Musco lighting system at the track.

Muscle Milk Pickett Racing’s Klaus Graf got to enjoy his first opportunity to drive the Daytona course at night last night. This year will be Graf’s debut in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“Driving at night at Daytona isn’t really driving at night,” Graf said.

“The whole place is lit up so its not really a problem to be honest. It is such a special atmosphere when the night comes in and the lights go on. It changes a bit, the sound is different, it feels different in the cockpit too.

“It’s fun, I really like it. I can only imagine what it is like to race here in the Cup race in July where they race under the lights.”