- April 28, 2024
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Ormond Beach resident Joao Barbosa will compete in the upcoming Rolex 24, at the Daytona International Speedway.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
Spending 24 hours in and out of a race, where cars are zooming at almost 200 mph, seems like something out of an action movie. But really, it’s just a day in the life of Ormond Beach resident, Joao Barbosa.
On Jan. 25, Barbosa will compete with his team, Action Express, in the Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway. The race lasts 24 hours, with Barbosa switching in and out with two other drivers in their No. 5 red corvette.
“It’s going to be a huge race this year,” Barbosa said. “All of our drivers are really experienced and fast, so this should be a no-brainer.”
Action Express won the Rolex 24 back in 2010 when the team made its debut. Barbosa said he will be competing in 11 races this year.
“I got started (racing) when I was 11 in Portugal, with go-karts,” Barbosa said. “It started as a fun thing to do on the weekends with my parents, and it ended up being much more serious then that. The results started to show up, and I started to be pretty good for a young age. One thing after another, and here I am after many years.“
Barbosa moved his wife and two sons from Portugal to Ormond Beach in 2010 to be closer to his job.
“I wasn’t spending enough time with family,” Barbosa said. “I was spending too much time in airports.”
The adjustment to life in America was easy in Ormond Beach, Barbosa said. His boys attend Saint Brandon Catholic School and love seeing their dad race. Barbosa said he’s excited for the upcoming year and can’t wait to see what his racing future holds.
“Every year is a new challenge,” Barbosa said. “Just to focus and try to win as many races as I can is a good enough incentive to be out there and practice.”
