Powering A Distinct Vision: Andy Lally And The Rolex Series

Andy Lally

Like the rising sun that dispels shadows and brings with a sense of surging hope, Rolex the world celebrated watch manufacturing company led the world of motorsports racing in America to a new beginning. Collaborating with the organizations in the United States, Rolex co-created the famed Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series that brings together some of the best racers in the world. Known for its high level of competitiveness and challenges, the 12 races that form a part of the Rolex Series have all witnessed the rise of many competent race car drivers and the ascent of many teams.

Veteran race car driver recognized for his expert comprehension of the circuit, Andy Lally is all set to make an effort to qualify for Sprint Cup Series race that is going to be held at the Watkins Glen circuit on the 9th of August. Respected by competitors and spectators for an unmatched level of performance and determined action, Andy Lally has a list of tremendous accomplishments to his name. Three-time winner of the Rolex Championships varied classes that include the GT in 2006, the SGS in 2004 and the SRPII in 2001, Andy Lally was also involved with the GT class outperformed all the others to win the Rolex 24 Hour in February this year.

Sprint Car Series

Born in Northport, New York in 1975, Andy Lally is regarded as a champion with an extensive knowledge of road racing. Commencing his racing career with karting, Andy Lally won 2 WKA National Gold Cup Championships before getting into sports car racing in 1983 in the SCAA regional tournaments. Claiming the USF2000 Rookie of the Year award in the very first year of his professional racing career, Andy Lally had certainly set the tone for the astounding skills and accomplishments that were to follow. Temporarily driving the #7 Chevrolet for TRG Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Andy Lally is a formidable racer in the motorsports industry. Currently holding the record for the most number of top 3 and top 5 finishes, he is tied for second position with 19 victories in the series. Apart from the tremendous number of accomplishments already attained, Andy Lally also holds the record for the most number of consecutive Grand Am Rolex season participations with at least one victory from the years 2004 to 2009. This remarkable champion represents a different breed of champions becoming the first driver in the history of Rolex Series to start off the season armed with a win at every single track that plays host to the Rolex races.

Currently driving the No. 67 Porsche in the Rolex GT Series, Andy Lally has been able to perform consistently all the racing tournaments indicating that this prodigious racer is bent on re-shaping the way racing has been perceived. From the race tracks of the karting arena to the Rolex Series and the NASCAR, Andy Lally has been able to give a commendable number of performances for his team. Hoping to clinch the top spot for TRG Motorsports, Andy Lally will be driving the second car for the team at the Sprint Cup Series race.

Enthused fans all over the world will be anxiously waiting for the crowning of their champion, Andy Lally at the Sprint Series.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 31st, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »

In The Air: Grand-Am Rolex Series Weekly Radio Show

Burt Frisselle

The changing fortunes of the Grand-AM Rolex Sports Car Series can probably be credited to the steadfast support of Rolex. The celebrated Swiss Brand, Rolex has played a pivotal role in molding the Grand-AM Rolex Sports Car Series into a world class event. The Rolex Series has become equated with the best racing tournaments in the world. Enabling the drivers to reach for perfection, the coveted Rolex Series is an arena that witnesses some of the most spectacular driving skills in the history of motor sports racing. Every year the spectators line the stands of the Grand-Am Rolex Series waiting anxiously for the champions to roar past in an awesome display of skill. Branching out into all spheres of the media world, the Grand-Am not only receives extensive media coverage but had to launch its own medium for interacting with the increasing number of fans.

The surging popularity of the Rolex Series and the exceeding number of enthusiastic fans has driven the organizing committees to venture out into newer avenues. Right from webcasts to television programs and radio shows the Grand-Am committee is ensuring that the spectators have added opportunities to interact with their favorite racers and learn about other aspects of the series. The Grand-Am Weekly radio show and webcasts feature champion racers who partake in enhancing the fan experience. The most interesting aspect of the Grand-Am Weekly radio show is that it allows the skilled racers to interact directly with the fans and answer their queries regarding every aspect of this eminent sport racing tournament.

Reaching Out

This year the champion drivers of the Grand-Am Rolex Series Daytona Prototype Burt Frisselle and Brian Frisselle will together feature on the Grand-Am Weekly radio show and webcast along with Acxiom GT champion Kelly Collins. Driving the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Ford Dallara along with team mate Max Angelelli, Brian Frisselle is one of the most well respected racers of the Rolex Series and has many spectacular finishes to his credit. While, Burt Frisselle the rising star in the Rolex Series championships replaced his elder brother, Brian Frisselle to become a part of the AIM Autosport team. Representing the AIM Autosport team that currently stands at the sixth place in the series, Burt Frisselle along with team member Wilkins has three top-five finishes to his name. The other member of the Grand-Am Weekly radio show, Kelly Collins along with team mate Paul Edwards currently stands at the number two spot on the GT standings with five podium finishes to his name.

The highly capable race car drivers that will feature on the radio show ensure that every single fan is allowed to better comprehend the scope and range of the Grand-Am Rolex Series along with the finer aspects of motor sport racing. The extremely interactive radio show gives a better insight into the challenges faced by the drivers while racing along with the requisites that are required to becoming a champion racer. Hitting the air waves every Tuesday the radio show is a rare window into the elements and aspects that form the core of the Grand-Am Rolex Series.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 31st, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »

Claiming The Honor: Phil And Wendy Lotz Out To Represent The NYYC

NYYC

Determined to change the fortunes of sailing as a spot, Rolex has had a long standing relation with sailing al over the world. Forging a bond with US Sailing, Rolex aids this illustrious body in creating sailing events all across America. The New York Yacht Club has enjoyed the unwavering support of Rolex for a long time now. During this period the New York Yacht Club in association with Rolex has held a number of regatta challenges that illustrate the heritage and the glory of this historical association.

The most eminent and celebrated challenge of the New York Yacht Club is the Invitational Cup that is slated to begin on 15th of September this year. A total of nineteen teams representing fourteen different nations will be competing at the revered Invitational Cup. Amidst the illustrious teams that will be competing at this years event are two teams that will be representing the New York Yacht Club and the St. Francis Yacht Club of California. Regarded as an institution, the New York Yacht Club is probably the oldest yacht club in the United States. With such a tremendous history to its name representing this eminent club at the Invitational Cup is a great honor for sailors.

Phil And Wendy Lotzs Arethusa

Held over a period of four days, the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup has teams competing on the NYYC Swan 42s. Onboard the vessels the maximum crew that is allowed is 11 people who have to be a citizen of that particular country. The New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup is proud tradition in the sport of regatta and has been recognized as the proving ground for sailors everywhere. The rich heritage of this cup is one of the alluring aspects of this challenge. To compete in such a prestigious challenge is not only a great opportunity for sailors but also an immense honor. The team that is selected to represent the New York Yacht Club is determined on the basis of their performances in the matches that lead up to the Invitational Cup. This year Phil and Wendy Lotz from New Canaan onboard their vessel called Arethusa grasped the position of representing the club. After beating all the other rivals in an elimination series that comprised two regattas namely the NYYC Annual Regatta presented by Rolex, that was held from the 12th to the 14th of June and the Swan 42 National Championship that was held from the 16th to the 19th of July.

Beating out Andrew Fisher onboard the Bandit that was in the lead in the first race Phil and Wendy Lotz clinched the spot of participating on behalf of the club at the Invitational Cup. Even though a total of 20 boats were in competition for the spot Andrew Fisher’s team along with two other teams namely David K. Elwell Jr.’s team onboard the Conspiracy and Paul Zabetakis’s team with their boat called Impetuous that posed a threat to the Phil and Wendy Lotz team.

The close contested battle finally came to a close and saw a tremendous display of talent and technique. The New York Yacht Club team will be vying to bring home the trophy of the Invitational Cup and will be up against some of the best teams from around the world. As the Invitational Cup comes closer the anticipation to crown the champion is surging steadily.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 31st, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events, Rolex Marketing | No Comments »

Glory From The East: Banchalee Theinthong Wins AJGA Girls Division

AJGA

Celebrating attainment and the will to go beyond the ordinary, Rolex the world leader in manufacturing the finest watches has always believed that the capacity for greatness is present in every individual. In an effort to give action a direction, Rolex partners many eminent organizations like the American Junior Golf Association. Now in the third decade of its partnership with the AJGA, Rolex has helped it create a revolution in the world of golf. The primary aim of the golfing events of held by the AJGA is to help in the evolution of the young golfers while also granting them scholarships for their overall development. As the annual tournament for the AJGA came around the most excellent course that could play host to the illustrious annual tournament was the Flossmoor Country Club.

Bejeweled with a rich history and tremendous heritage, the Flossmoor Country Club was created 110 years ago. As one of the oldest golfing clubs around the Flossmoor Country Club was witness to the victory of Chick Evans in the national tournament that was held in 1909, the PGA Championship held in 1920 along with the U.S. Amateur Open that was held in 1923 when Max Marston had triumphed over Bobby Jones and Francis Ouimet. The last major event that was held at this historical golf course was the Women’s Western Amateur, way back in 2000. The Flossmoor Country Club has been renovated recently and offers added features for better functioning.

Chosen by the AJGA to hold the annual tournament for 2009, the Flossmoor Country Club is a layout of 6,984-yards that is dotted with challenging situations. At this year’s edition of the AJGA annual tournament the talented young golfer Banchalee Theinthong from Bangkok triumphed over Ashley Armstrong of Flossmoor Illinois. Beating Ashley Armstrong in a three-hole playoff, Banchalee Theinthong claimed her title of the AJGA tournament. Posting a total score of 8-over-par 227 points, Banchalee Theinthong beat all the other rival girl golfers to claim her first victory.

Banchalee Theinthong

This debutant player was competing in America for the first time and even though some of the players had a home advantage, Banchalee Theinthong focused on her game and clinched the title for the annual tournament. Securing the second place was Ashley Armstrong finished the game at 8-over-par 227 while Alyssa Elliott from Madison, Wisconsin secured the third place with a total score of 16-over-par 235. The riveting finish to the annual tournament enthralled the spectators who seemed to be stunned by the improved level of game play.

The win at the AJGA tournaments is eagerly sought after as the aspect of becoming a part of the illustrious golfers who have graduated from AJGA to participate in professional tournaments is immensely alluring. The list of prolific golfers who have attended the AJGA tournaments includes Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, Cristie Kerr, Pat Hurst, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Morgan Pressel and Julieta Granada.

The AJGA tournaments not only provide added opportunity for improving the game of golf but also grant the young golfers college golf scholarships on the basis of their performance.

Rolex is proud to support the AJGA and its activities in ensuring that the world gets a whole lot of incredibly talented golfers.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 31st, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events, Rolex Marketing, Rolex Sports | No Comments »

Quintessence Of A Champion: The Spirit Of Daytona Team

Antonio Garcia

A sea of people crowds the stands to witness the blazing wheels that roar ahead in a battle to the finish at the Porsche 250. As a part of the illustrious Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Rolex, the Porsche 250 is one of the most significant driving challenges in America. Bearing the conspicuous elements of the Rolex brand the Porsche 250 is a stage for showcasing spectacular talent. As the principal partner for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Rolex ensures that every single race of this tournament evolves into a world class racing challenge.

The 2009 version of the Porsche 250 turned out into a major spectacle with all competing racers striving to gain the lead. The tremendous level of skill was evident by the sheer competition in the racing circuit. The Barber Motorsports Park transformed into an arena of champions on the 19th of July this year as skilled racers revved their engines at the starting line. Like the other races of the Rolex Series, the Porsche 250 is also credited with some remarkable performances. Braving every odd and surmounting over every challenge determined racers push every boundary to attain the heights of perfection.

Spirit of Daytona’s Coyote

This year turned out to even more riveting with the highest number of photo finish ends in the history of the sport. Every team was out to clinch the top honors and in this process they triumphed over a variety of hindrances. The Spirit of Daytona team from Birmingham has been performing increasingly well at every single race. Slowly taking on the form of a formidable racing team the Spirit of Daytona team represented by drivers Antonio Garcia and Buddy Rice clinched its best finish for Daytona Prototype in the history of the team. On Sunday the Barber Motorsports Park bore witness to the remarkable driving skills of Antonio Garcia and Buddy Rice who finished at the fourth place in the Porsche 250 presented by Legacy Credit Union on their No. 09 Porsche V8-powered Coyote car.

Even though the Coyote car did not have the cutting edge features that were onboard some of the cars of the rivals and utilized an old Coyote chassis, the talented racers Antonio Garcia and Buddy Rice pushed the car to perform and stayed above most of the other racers. Winners of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the duo representing the Spirit of Daytona adapted to employ the machine’s capacity in several low grip situations.

Buddy Rice

The Porsche powered car from the stables of the Spirit of Daytona team achieved the best finish that any Porsche-powered Daytona Prototype had ever attained. At one point early during the race Antonio Garcia who was on the fifth place on the grid moved up to the second position before handing over the car to team mate Buddy Rice. The Arizonian native Buddy Rice maintained the lead of the car at number four. Learning from the competition and the circuit Buddy Rice swiftly adapted to the requirements of the race.

The incredible finish by the Spirit of Daytona team clearly indicated that the aspects of determination and focus played a pivotal role in achieving perfection. Rolex has actively supported events like the Rolex Grand-Am Series only due to the fact that they allow individuals to discover and understand the values of will, persistence and labor.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 31st, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »

Ushering In A New Dawn: Rolex Aids The Popularity Of Motorsports Racing

Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series

Rolex Backed with a history that almost looks like a legend has eternally been pursuing the aspect of attaining perfection. This particular aspect has in turn been the driving force behind shaping the operations of the world renowned Swiss brand, Rolex. Taking on the role of becoming the most integral sponsor of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Rolex has aided its development and its tremendous growth. Back during the end of the 1990s the lack of adequate sponsorship had almost led to the crumble of the entire motorsports racing industry in the United States. However the shift of the structure and the functional framework of the American racing organization allowed new sponsors to come forward and support the racing tournaments.

Free from the retrains of hesitancy and discouraging speculative thought, Rolex came forward to become an active part of the racing car industry. Now supporting the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series for almost a decade now, Rolex has been instrumental in creating a platform for the progress of talented racers. Racers representing an assortment of teams descend to the tracks of this proving ground in a bid to lay claim to the coveted title of the champion of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. Marked by the tremendous skill levels of the competing racers and endurance testing race tracks, the arena of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series has risen to become of one the most prestigious racing tournaments in the world. This incredible racing tournament comprises 12 races that are held all over the United States. The stands are filled to their brim with the numerous spectators that come to witness this event.

Porsche 250

The ever increasing number of the spectators at the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and the rise in viewership on televisions across the vast planet are definitely, an indicative of the rising popularity of this racing challenge. According to recent reports, the television ratings of the recently concluded eight race of Rolex Series, Porsche 250 presented by Legacy Credit Union at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama rose to 81 percent. The Speed group is covering the racing series and from its campaign in 2008 the number of households that are watching the Rolex Series has risen by an astounding 39 percent. The notable levels of performance and the superbly managed event at Rolex Series have played a significant role in the development of the racing challenge and its ever increasing popularity.

Earning a 0.29 coverage rating the fourth race of the Rolex Series bore witness to a dramatically increased viewership levels. The stands of the races in the series are packed with a sea of enthusiastic fans that come to c3elbrate the pursuit of excellence and bask in the revelry. Rising up from a mere thousand in the early 90s to almost 300,000 now, the promoters have to constantly increase the area of the stands in order to accommodate the surging spectatorship.

The 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series has ushered a new level of performance with the highest number of photo finish victories and seen a dramatic rise in popularity. The Rolex ambition to inspire seems to be going in the right direction and paving the way for a new era in motor sports racing.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 30th, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »

Ascension Of A Champion: Bernard Leonard Wins The AJGA Flossmoor Junior Open

AJGA

Rising to take on the role of the elemental force that drives forward the most eminent golfing events in the world, Rolex has helped in the transition of the game to an extremely popular event. A bond that was forged when Rolex first presented a Rolex watch to the legendary Arnold Palmer in 1967 has only grown stronger. Over the many years Rolex has become important part golf in America and has aided the process of its development in the United States. From venturing out to become a principal partner for events like the Masters to taking on the role the official timekeeper for events like the Solheim Cup, Rolex has played an essential role in American golf.

Flossmoor Country Club

Collaborating with the AJGA to create several tournaments for young golfers, Rolex helps in the formative development of many golfers. The primary aim was to develop the sport itself by improving the skills of the young golfers. As the leading organization of its kind, the AJGA has an annual junior membership of about 5,000 junior golfers who represent 50 states of America along with more than 30 countries from around the world. The added opportunities and the number of awards that are given to these young golfers fortify the vision of creating the highest standards of golf. The AJGA or the American Junior Golf Association is a pre-eminent golfing committee that has set new standards in the world of junior golf. The AJGA Flossmoor Junior Open is another one of the series of golfing events that are created with the sponsorship of Rolex.

The recently concluded AJGA Flossmoor Junior Open is a 54-hole stroke play tournament that was held at Flossmoor Country Club. A total of 74 boys and 23 girls, ranging from 14-18 years representing 14 states of America along with Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico and Thailand participated in this golfing challenge. The AJGA Flossmoor Junior Open was divided in to a boys as well as a girls division. While the boys division competed at the par-72 course of 6,999 yards, the girls division set the game rolling at the par-73 layout of 6,155 yards. Debutant golfer, Brendan Leonard from Cambridge, Ontario took home the top honors of the AJGA Flossmoor Junior Open after triumphing over a three way tie. Finally posting a score of 2-over-par 218, the talented Brendan Leonard focused on every shot and played his short game to outperform the others.

Junior Golf Tournament

Securing the second place was Jack Watson from Lincolnshire posting a total score after three days of 3-over-par 219. The fourth position was tied between JaMichael Jones from Chicago along with Ryan Tetrault from Orange, California with a total of 4-over-par 220. The 2009 edition of the AJGA Flossmoor Junior Open was delayed by a few hours due to the outbreak of heavy showers that forced the golfers of the playing field.

The tremendous level of playability at the junior tournament clearly showed the heights that these golfers would be able to attain in the years to come. In the third decade of its partnership with AJGA, Rolex has helped the events achieve the world recognition and the attention it deserves.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 30th, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »

Headstrong Ability: Team Beyer At The Rolex Series

Beyer Racing

The dawn of the motorsports racing industry in America came with the support of Rolex. Now completing almost a decade in sponsoring the motor sports racing events in the United States, the world renowned Swiss brand Rolex has played a fundamental role in transforming the racing as a sport in America. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in the years of its existence has become an arena that brings skilled racers to the forefront of achievement. Even though the races that form a part of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series have some of the most talented racers competing in them sudden change of circumstances can have a great impact of the performance as well as the final position secured.

The multitude of racing teams at the Rolex Series combine the best of technology with the best talent to make a formidable concoction that would manage to outrival all the other competitors. Devoting time, finances and technology to crafting the finest racing machines, the various teams try and ensure that they are fully ready before embarking on the quest to glory at the Rolex Series. However they also have to bear in mind that sudden occurrences can cause untowardly 3events and hamper the results of the competitors. At the Porsche 250 presented by Legacy Credit Union at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama on the 19th of July, the Beyer team represented by Rick Taylor and Mike Forest in the number 13 Lennox Chevrolet Riley along with a number 5 Lennox Chevrolet Crawford driven by Jared Beyer and Jordan Taylor showed a lot of promise initially.

Porsche 250

However their progress was marred by a series of mishaps that caused them varied setbacks through out the 2 hour and 45 minute, Porsche 250 race. Awarded the stop-and-go penalty for passing before the start-finish line on a restart the Rick Taylor and Mike Forest team were relegated to the 18th position almost an entire lap behind the leaders. Persistently trying to undo the effect of the penalty the duo strived to gain ground and finally reached the 12th position. This gain was cut short when a flat spot in the front part of the car caused the vehicle to slow down and lose ground. Taking over the wheel of the number 13 Lennox Chevrolet Riley, Mike Forest quickly adapted to the newer features on this car and after gaining the lost lead he finally drove it to the finish line securing the 12th position.

Coming forward, in the eight place with the number 5 Lennox Chevrolet Crawford, the duo Jared Beyer and Jordan Taylor had to suffer from their own setbacks while racing through the circuit at the Barber Motorsports Park. When only two laps were remaining for the completion of the race the number 5 Lennox Chevrolet Crawford was damaged on the right side by the number 76 Krohn car causing a great deal of bodywork damage long with a flat tire. This caused the Beyer car to lose its eight place and finally finish at the 13th position.

Though the Beyer team had to suffer quite a few setbacks they still managed to finish at credible positions at the end of this race of the Rolex Series. The performance of the Beyer team at the Rolex Series race was a clear indication of determination and the resolute spirit of the talented team members.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 29th, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »

Keen On Winning: Leh Keen At The Rolex Series

Rolex 24

An act to attaining perfection is only successful if it becomes an inspiration or a goal that others around the world hope to achieve. This vital element lies at the core of the Rolex principal that entails the need for evolving to follow a higher purpose and a greater ambition. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Rolex is recognized as a one of a kind racing event that draws tremendous talent from all over the world. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series consists of total 12 races led by the Rolex 24 at Daytona that is probably the most testing and grueling racing challenges in the world.

Inspired by the racers as well as the incredible history of motor sports racing, the young racer Leh Keen is turning out to a formidable racer at the Rolex Series. With a total of four wins to his credit this year that includes the win at Millville, New Jersey, Watkins Glen, New York, Lexington, Ohio and at Daytona, Leh Keen is determined to go beyond the other racers. Representing the younger generation of racers, this 26 year old racer is out to carve a name for him among the other seasoned racers. Living on James Island, Leh Keen tunes cars at the GSC Motorsports located in West Ashley whenever he does not have his itinerary filled with racing tournaments.

Rolex

In 2009 the skilled racer Leh Keen has had a good run, packing a few wins as well as gaining the attention of rivals and spectators alike. Principally racing on road courses Leh Keen sometimes races on oval tracks like the Daytona. Turning 26 this July, the skilled young racer, Leh Keen has his target fixed on gaining the upper hand and finding his foothold among other accomplished racers in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. For some the very though of racing in an event that has your icons racing too can be very unnerving. Even though Leh Keen has the utmost respect for the Porsche drivers, he still manages to keep himself away from getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the race or the racers.

The idols of Leh Keen are tremendously capable racers Wolf Henzler and Jorg Bergmeister who were hand picked by Porsche to test their new cars. The desire to burn the rubber and blaze the circuits is handed down to the talented racer, Leh Keen from his father who was a sprint car racer in Atlanta. In his second year as a driver for the Georgia based team Farnbacher Loles, Leh Keen used to compete for the Autometrics team from Charleston that had secured the third place in 2006 in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.

With a fifth place finish at the race track in Birmingham in Alabama, Leh Keen seems to have garnered a lot of points over the races to place him at a comfortable position in the race standings. Leh Keen’s greatest ambition is to win the Rolex Series and the grueling Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Considering the past performances and the resolute will to win the aspiration for becoming a top world class leader could soon turn into a reality.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 29th, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events, Rolex Marketing, Rolex Sports | No Comments »

Norah Jones And Cellini Cellissima; Redefining Tradition

Norah JonesThe word lineage has multiple connotations to it. It is not only a term bearing a rich tradition but an immense sense of responsibility is attached with it. Any lineage is enriched when the new generation carries it forward and gives it a new flavor. Rolex as a brand has evolved over the years; the Rolex watch has sauntered into new territories and introduced the Cellini Cellissima. Sharing a similar history Norah Jones being born to a famous father, sitar maestro Ravi Shankar has had to live up to a lot of expectations Norah’s talent is not only versatile but she has turned the phrase “star kid” over and made a mark for herself far away from the sitar but continuing in the world of music.

Sweeping five Grammy Awards with her debut album is a rare feat and Norah accomplished it with Come Away with Me. A mix of jazz blues and country folk the soulful rendition of songs in the Artist of the Year’s voice captured an instant fan following. To her credit Norah has sold more albums than any other female jazz artist of the 2000s.

Norah grew up listening to the likes of Billie Holiday, considering Willie Nelson her mentor. Studying jazz piano in the University of North Texas, Norah joined Jesse Harris and after leaving for New York started a band with Harris.

Norah’s talent comes across with riveting freshness in Come Away with Me, and the song Don’t Know Why hit number one on the US Billboard 200. Two years later Jones released Feels like Home which had a rich country feel to it. This was a far cry from the soul and jazz feel of the previous album. The second album doubled with Norah’s popularity sold over a million copies and became the highest selling album in the history of Blue Note Records. Norah was voted as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2004.

Rolex Cellini CellissimaHer third album Not Too Late that released in 2007 was Norah’s child all the way, she wrote and co-wrote every song in the album and the album reached the no. 1 position in several countries and became the 800th album to get to the top position on the UK charts.

Norah also forayed into the big screen, playing Elizabeth in Wong Kar-wai’s My Blueberry Nights, she also wrote a song for the film. She has also made an appearance twice on the PBS series Austin City Limits.

Jones will be living her dream when she gets to collaborate with the likes of Willie Nelson on the Hank Williams project. “How Many Times Have You Broken My Heart” was a song written by Williams that Jones was asked to put music to and she did justice to it. Understandably the young star’s tours have always been complete sell outs both home and abroad.

The Cellini Cellissima is an 18ct white gold masterpiece. The pink dial flashes radiance and shows time in roman numerals. The bezel dazzles and is set in brilliants and the quartz movement of the watch crystallizes in sapphire. With the Cellini collection you can choose between leather and a metallic strap and either comes with a gold folding clasp. Both Norah Jones and the Rolex Cellini Cellissima combine a passion for the non treaded path. They have a lineage that not many can boast of but they have taken the fame a step further and redefined the way the way the world looks at tradition.

Posted by Vanessa Puzio on July 21st, 2009 and filed under Rolex Culture, Rolex Events | No Comments »