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IMSA SportsCar Championship
IMSA SportsCar Championship
from Wikipedia

The IMSA SportsCar Championship, currently known as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship under sponsorship, is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada and organized by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). It is considered the pinnacle of sports car racing in North America, attracting top-tier manufacturers, teams and drivers. The championship features prototypes and GT cars competing across various classes and consists of both long-distance endurance races and shorter sprint races.

Key Information

The series traces its roots to the IMSA GT Championship, which began in 1971 and ran until 1998. From the late 1990s until 2013, top-level sports car racing in North America was split between the high-tech American Le Mans Series and the low-cost Rolex Sports Car Series. These two series were merged in 2014 to form the United SportsCar Championship,[1] which was subsequently renamed as the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2016. Rolex SA's Tudor brand was the title sponsor of the championship in 2014 and 2015,[2] and WeatherTech has served as title sponsor since 2016.[3]

The season begins with its premier race, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the last weekend of January and ends with the Petit Le Mans, another North American Endurance Cup race, in early October.

History

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On September 5, 2012, it was announced that the Grand-Am Road Racing sanctioning body would merge with the Braselton-based International Motor Sports Association, and as such, both bodies would merge their premiere sports car series, the Rolex Sports Car Series and American Le Mans Series respectively, with plans to debut in 2014. On November 20, 2012, the merger committee announced that SME Branding were selected to develop the name, logo and identity of the new series.[4]

2014 Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen

On January 8, 2013, the two series' announced a preliminary class structure for the new merged series. Grand-Am's Daytona Prototype category and IMSA's P2 would combine into a single-prototype class, with allowances for the unique DeltaWing to also compete in the new class. The Le Mans Prototype Challenge class of single spec cars from the American Le Mans Series would continue as is, although the cars were to switch to Grand-Am's Continental Tires.[5] The GT class of the American Le Mans Series would remain unchanged, while Grand-Am's GT class would form another GT class, and be combined with the American Le Mans GTC category.[6] The only category of cars not represented in the new series is the American Le Mans Series' P1 category.

The reveal date for the new series was March 14, 2013 at the Chateau Élan Hotel and Conference Center at Sebring International Raceway, two days before the 12 Hours of Sebring. American Le Mans CEO Scott Atherton announced the new sanctioning body would remain IMSA while Ed Bennett revealed the new titles for the series' five classes. SME Branding Senior Partner Ed O'Hara then announced the new United SportsCar Racing title and logo, a name submitted through a contest won by Louis Satterlee of Florida, a racer in the Florida Karting Championship Series.[7]

2020 6 Hours of Road Atlanta

On August 9, 2013, Fox Sports 1 announced it had signed a TV contract with IMSA to televise the entire USCC season between 2014 and 2018.[8]

On September 12, 2013, Tudor was announced as the title sponsor for the series, which was named the United SportsCar Championship. On August 8, 2015, WeatherTech was announced as the new title sponsor for the series, renaming the series to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, starting with the 2016 season.[9]

Beginning with the 2019 season, the series is covered exclusively by NBC Sports in the United States. The NBC broadcast network will air nine hours of coverage annually, with the majority of the coverage airing on NBCSN. CNBC and the NBC Sports app will provide supplemental coverage.[10][11] Beginning with 2022, USA Network replaced NBCSN as the cable home to the series.

Michelin Pilot Challenge

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Originally based on a Canadian series before being acquired by Grand-Am, the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (originally known as Grand-Am Cup) is a production-based touring car series. The series is split into two classes known as Grand Sport (GS), intended for large capacity GT-style cars, and Street Tuner (ST), consisting of smaller sedans and coupes, some of which are front-wheel drive. The IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge until 2013 supported some Rolex Series races but also headlined some of its own dates. This series continued with the United SportsCar Championship after the merger and is somewhat comparable to the old Trans Am Series.

Class structure

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A chart tracking class changes, 2014 to 2027.

There are four classes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship series, featuring two sports prototype categories and two grand tourer classes. Some races may only use selected classes of cars, for example: Any class car may be permitted entry at Daytona, while at the Northeast Grand Prix only the GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro) and GT Daytona (GTD) are entered. Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) classes are compatible with regulations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Classes are also distinguished by regulations on driver lineups, using a rating system. GTP and GTD Pro have no restrictions; however, teams competing in LMP2 can only field one gold driver, and teams competing in GTD must field one "amateur" driver with a bronze or silver rating.[12]

Sports Prototype classes

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Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

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A BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP at Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.

The flagship class of the championship that replaced the DPi (Daytona Prototype International) class starting in 2023, featuring cars built to IMSA's LMDh and Automobile Club de l'Ouest's Le Mans Hypercar regulations.

Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)

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An Oreca 07 LMP2 at Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.

A class introduced since 2019 after being split from the DPi class (2019–2022), it features pro-am driver lineups. The class features cars built by Automobile Club de l'Ouest's (ACO) 4 licensed manufacturers (Riley-Multimatic, Ligier, Oreca and Dallara) to the specifications of the FIA/ACO 2017 Global LMP2 regulations.

Grand Touring classes

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GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro)

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An Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 GTD Pro at Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.

A class that utilizes the FIA GT3 specifications that replaced the GTLM class starting in the 2022 Season. No driver class restriction in the GTD Pro class.

GT Daytona (GTD)

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A BMW M4 GT3 GTD at Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.

A class since 2016 that uses same specification cars as GTD Pro, but at least 1 silver or bronze driver must be in a team. And more than 1 platinum driver in a team is prohibited.

Former classes

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There were five classes formerly used in the IMSA SportsCar Championship series, featuring four sports prototype categories and one grand tourer class.

Sports Prototype classes

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Daytona Prototype International (DPi)

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A Mazda RT24-P DPi at Petit Le Mans.

The former flagship class of the championship from 2019 to 2022, featuring cars built to IMSA's Daytona Prototype International regulations, which are based upon the 2017 Le Mans Prototype LMP2 cars. Previously, the DPi's had competed against their base LMP2 counterparts in the Prototype class from 2017 to 2018. Starting in 2019 the LMP2 cars were split into a separate class. The Prototype class had originally consisted of Grand-Am's Daytona Prototypes with the American Le Mans Series LMP2 prototypes, and the DeltaWing, before the original Daytona Prototypes, and the DeltaWing were phased out of competition at the end of 2016, and replaced by the new DPi cars. Starting in 2023, the DPi class was replaced by the GTP class in an effort to further improve the racing in the Prototype class, as well as create a closer bond to the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Prototype (P)

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A Coyote Corvette DP Prototype at Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

The former flagship class of the championship from 2014 to 2018 before splitting into two separate classes in 2019, featuring cars built to which included classes of prototypes carried over from the previous motorsport category series of the American Le Mans Series and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. These cars were Daytona Prototypes, LMP2 prototypes & the Nissan DeltaWing. Starting in 2017 the original Daytona Prototypes, and the DeltaWing were phased out of competition, and replaced by the new DPi cars. At the end of the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season this class would be split into two separate classes, DPi & LMP2 for the following season in 2019.[citation needed]

Prototype Challenge (PC)

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A Oreca FLM09 Prototype Challenge at Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

This was a one-make spec class in which all cars that drivers and teams used were Oreca FLM09 LMPC's powered by 6.2L Chevrolet V8 engines which made 430 hp each. This class would be used from the 2014 season until the end of the 2017 season.[citation needed]

Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3)

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A Ligier JS P320 LMP3 at Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.

Introduced in the 2021 season, having been in the IMSA Prototype Challenge category as one of the feeder series to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, this class of prototypes features cars built according to ACO's 2020 LMP3 Generation II ruleset specifications from manufacturers such as Ligier, ADESS, Ginetta & Duqueine Engineering. The class was removed after the 2023 season due to the growth in grid sizes.[citation needed]

Grand Touring classes

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GT Le Mans (GTLM)

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A Porsche 911 RSR GTLM at Petit Le Mans.

A continuation of the ALMS GT class, it consisted of cars matching the ACO's GTE specification and competed in the series between the 2014 and 2021 seasons.

Circuits

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Races in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship as of 2025.
  Red dots: current sprint circuits
  Orange dots: current North American Endurance Cup circuits
  Blue dots: former circuits
Course Years
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 20142019, 2022present
Charlotte Motor Speedway 2020
Circuit of the Americas 20142017
Daytona International Speedway 2014present
Detroit Belle Isle Street Circuit 20142019, 20212022
Detroit Downtown Street Circuit 2024present
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2014, 2023present
Kansas Speedway 2014
Lime Rock Park 20152019, 20212023
Long Beach Street Circuit 20142019, 2021present
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 2014present
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 20182022
Road America 2014present
Sebring International Raceway 2014present
Virginia International Raceway 2014present
Watkins Glen International 20142019, 2021present
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 2014present

Champions

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Drivers

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Season P PC GTLM GTD
2014 Portugal João Barbosa
Brazil Christian Fittipaldi
United States Jon Bennett
United States Colin Braun
Canada Kuno Wittmer United States Dane Cameron
2015 Portugal João Barbosa
Brazil Christian Fittipaldi
United States Jon Bennett
United States Colin Braun
France Patrick Pilet United States Townsend Bell
United States Bill Sweedler
2016 United States Dane Cameron
United States Eric Curran
Venezuela Alex Popow
Netherlands Renger van der Zande
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Italy Alessandro Balzan
Denmark Christina Nielsen
2017 United States Jordan Taylor
United States Ricky Taylor
United States James French
Mexico Patricio O'Ward
Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Italy Alessandro Balzan
Denmark Christina Nielsen
2018 United States Eric Curran
Brazil Felipe Nasr
Not held Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Bryan Sellers
United States Madison Snow
Season DPi LMP2 GTLM GTD
2019 United States Dane Cameron
Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya
United States Matt McMurry New Zealand Earl Bamber
Belgium Laurens Vanthoor
Germany Mario Farnbacher
United States Trent Hindman
2020 United States Ricky Taylor
Brazil Hélio Castroneves
United States Patrick Kelly Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
Germany Mario Farnbacher
United States Matt McMurry
Season DPi LMP2 LMP3 GTLM GTD
2021 Brazil Pipo Derani
Brazil Felipe Nasr
United States Ben Keating
Denmark Mikkel Jensen
United States Gar Robinson Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
Canada Zacharie Robichon
Belgium Laurens Vanthoor
Season DPi LMP2 LMP3 GTD Pro GTD
2022 United Kingdom Oliver Jarvis
United Kingdom Tom Blomqvist
Canada John Farano United States Jon Bennett
United States Colin Braun
Australia Matt Campbell
France Mathieu Jaminet
Canada Roman De Angelis
Season GTP LMP2 LMP3 GTD Pro GTD
2023 Brazil Pipo Derani
United Kingdom Alexander Sims
United States Ben Keating
France Paul-Loup Chatin
United States Gar Robinson United Kingdom Jack Hawksworth
United Kingdom Ben Barnicoat
United States Bryan Sellers
United States Madison Snow
Season GTP LMP2 GTD Pro GTD
2024 Brazil Felipe Nasr
United States Dane Cameron
France Tom Dillmann
United States Nick Boulle
Germany Laurin Heinrich Switzerland Philip Ellis
United States Russell Ward
2025 Australia Matt Campbell
France Mathieu Jaminet
United States P.J. Hyett
United States Dane Cameron
Spain Antonio García
United Kingdom Alexander Sims
Switzerland Philip Ellis
United States Russell Ward

Teams

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Season P PC GTLM GTD
2014 United States #5 Action Express Racing United States #54 CORE Autosport United States #93 SRT Motorsports United States #94 Turner Motorsport
2015 United States #5 Action Express Racing United States #54 CORE Autosport Germany #911 Porsche North America United States #63 Scuderia Corsa
2016 United States #31 Action Express Racing United States #8 Starworks Motorsport United States #4 Corvette Racing United States #63 Scuderia Corsa
2017 United States #10 Wayne Taylor Racing United States #38 Performance Tech Motorsports United States #3 Corvette Racing United States #63 Scuderia Corsa
2018 United States #31 Whelen Engineering Racing Not held United States #3 Corvette Racing United States #48 Paul Miller Racing
Season DPi LMP2 GTLM GTD
2019 United States #6 Acura Team Penske United States #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Germany #912 Porsche GT Team United States #86 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian
2020 United States #7 Acura Team Penske United States #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports United States #3 Corvette Racing United States #86 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian
Season DPi LMP2 LMP3 GTLM GTD
2021 United States #31 Whelen Engineering Racing United States #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports United States #74 Riley Motorsports United States #3 Corvette Racing Canada #9 Pfaff Motorsports
Season DPi LMP2 LMP3 GTD Pro GTD
2022 United States #60 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian United States #8 Tower Motorsports United States #54 CORE Autosport Canada #9 Pfaff Motorsports United States #27 The Heart of Racing
Season GTP LMP2 LMP3 GTD Pro GTD
2023 United States #31 Whelen Engineering Racing United States #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports United States #74 Riley Motorsports United States #14 Vasser Sullivan United States #1 Paul Miller Racing
Season GTP LMP2 GTD Pro GTD
2024 Germany #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Poland #52 Inter Europol by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports United States #77 AO Racing United States #57 Winward Racing
2025 Germany #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport United States #99 AO Racing United States #3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports United States #57 Winward Racing

Manufacturers

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Season P GTLM GTD
2014 United States Chevrolet Germany Porsche Germany Porsche
2015 United States Chevrolet Germany Porsche Italy Ferrari
2016 United States Chevrolet United States Chevrolet Germany Audi
2017 United States Cadillac United States Chevrolet Italy Ferrari
2018 United States Cadillac United States Ford Italy Lamborghini
Season DPi GTLM GTD
2019 Japan Acura Germany Porsche Italy Lamborghini
2020 Japan Acura United States Chevrolet Japan Acura
2021 United States Cadillac United States Chevrolet Germany Porsche
Season DPi GTD Pro GTD
2022 Japan Acura Germany Porsche Germany BMW
Season GTP GTD Pro GTD
2023 United States Cadillac Japan Lexus Germany BMW
2024 Germany Porsche Germany Porsche Germany Mercedes-AMG
2025 Germany Porsche United States Chevrolet Germany Mercedes-AMG

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is the premier professional sports car racing series in North America, sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and featuring multi-class endurance and sprint races with prototype and grand touring cars at 11 major venues across the United States and Canada. IMSA, originally founded in 1969 by John Bishop and Bill France Sr. to promote sports car racing, traces its competitive roots to the inaugural IMSA GT Championship event on April 18, 1971, at Virginia International Raceway, marking the start of a tradition focused on high-performance automobiles and manufacturer involvement. Over the decades, the series evolved through various formats, including the IMSA GT Championship until 1998 and the American Le Mans Series merger in 2014, culminating in the current WeatherTech-sponsored iteration launched in 2016 to unify top-tier prototype and GT racing under one banner. The championship comprises four distinct classes: Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), which features purpose-built hybrid prototypes from manufacturers like , , , and , emphasizing cutting-edge automotive technology and speeds exceeding 200 mph; Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), utilizing spec chassis with Gibson engines for professional and gentleman drivers; GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), a professional-only class with factory-supported GT3-spec cars from brands such as , Ferrari, and ; and GT Daytona (GTD), an amateur-inclusive class with similar GT3 machinery from , , and others, allowing customer teams to compete alongside pros. These classes race simultaneously, with overall victories determined by the fastest prototypes while class-specific championships reward performance within each category. The 2025 season featured 11 events, blending iconic endurance races like the (January 25-26), Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring (March 15), and Motul Petit Le Mans (October 11) with shorter sprints such as the (April 12) and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix (May 31), all broadcast on , , and Peacock to reach a global audience. This format highlights IMSA's commitment to accessible, high-stakes competition that draws top international drivers, fosters technological innovation, and engages fans through on-site experiences like open grids and manufacturer displays.

Overview

Series Format

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship serves as the premier sports car racing series in , sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (), and is characterized by multi-class racing where and grand touring (GT) cars from different performance categories compete simultaneously on the same track. This format allows for diverse competition, with vehicles divided into distinct classes that run together during races, enabling strategic overtaking and class-specific battles while maintaining overall race flow. Races in the series encompass a variety of formats, including sprint events typically lasting 100 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, such as the 100-minute race at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, and longer endurance challenges extending up to 24 hours, exemplified by the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Endurance races emphasize reliability, fuel strategy, and driver stints, often requiring multiple driver changes, while sprint races focus on outright speed and fewer pit stops. Under adverse conditions like , employs flag-to-flag rules, allowing teams to change to wet tires or make adjustments without a full race stoppage; instead, a full course yellow (FCY) is deployed, bunching the field behind a to facilitate safe pitting. procedures during FCY periods include phased pit access—prototypes first, followed by GT classes—to minimize time loss and maintain competitive integrity, with all cars required to slow down and hold position until the resumes racing. To ensure equitable competition across classes with varying power, aerodynamics, and technologies, implements a (BoP) system, which adjusts parameters like minimum weight, air restrictor sizes, turbo boost levels, and ride heights based on data from testing, simulations, and prior races. The BoP is determined by 's Technical Committee and applied per event or season, aiming to equalize lap times within and between classes without altering core vehicle designs. Team participation requires adherence to stringent entry protocols, including submission of applications through IMSA's online MERG , which covers entrant and entry forms for specific events. Drivers must possess a valid IMSA Professional License or an equivalent FIA International C or higher grade, demonstrating requisite experience in , while all vehicles must comply with IMSA's technical regulations outlining , safety standards, and class-specific specifications enforced through pre- and post-race inspections. Teams are also required to maintain IMSA membership, secure event-specific credentials, and follow operational rules for personnel and equipment to participate.

Season Structure

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship typically spans 11 races over a season running from January to October, providing a balanced calendar that tests teams across diverse track conditions and race formats. This structure allows for progressive championship buildup, with points awarded based on finishing positions in each event to determine manufacturer, team, and driver titles in the four competing classes. The season opens with the Rolex 24 At Daytona, a flagship 24-hour endurance race held at in late January, which serves as the premier event drawing global attention and setting the tone for endurance-focused competition. Mid-season highlights include the Twelve Hours of Sebring in , another grueling endurance test on the challenging , emphasizing reliability and strategy over two days of racing. The calendar concludes with the at Raceway Road Atlanta in early October, a 10-hour endurance finale that crowns the season champions across all classes. Event weekends feature a mix of five endurance races—part of the separate Endurance Cup standings—and six shorter sprint races, typically lasting 100 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, which prioritize outright speed and qualifying performance. These WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events are supported by undercard races from companion series such as the Michelin Pilot Challenge and VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, enhancing the weekend's appeal with multi-class action on shared tracks. (BoP) adjustments are applied per event to ensure competitive equity among classes. The series maintains a primarily North American focus but incorporates international elements, including an annual sprint race at in Mosport, , , typically in mid-July, marking the sole non-U.S. venue and broadening the championship's reach post-2023 expansions in global partnerships. While no additional guest events outside are currently scheduled, ongoing alliances with organizations like the facilitate cross-promotion with events such as the .

History

Founding and Early Development

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) was founded on June 23, 1969, by , a former executive director of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), along with his wife Peggy Bishop and founder , with the primary goal of promoting professional sports car racing across the by providing a more supportive sanctioning body for racers and events. The organization emerged in response to frustrations within the SCCA's amateur-focused structure, aiming to foster competitive endurance and GT racing with an emphasis on manufacturer participation and spectator appeal. The first IMSA-sanctioned event occurred on October 19, 1969, at Pocono International Raceway, featuring and races that drew modest fields but set the stage for broader expansion. In the early 1970s, shifted its focus toward GT cars and emerging prototypes, launching the in 1971 as its flagship series to showcase production-based sports cars in endurance formats. The inaugural race, the Danville 300, was held on April 18, 1971, at , where Peter Gregg and won in a , highlighting the series' emphasis on reliable, high-performance machinery from European and American manufacturers. This period saw events grow in popularity, with races at tracks like and attracting diverse entries, including Porsches, BMWs, and Chevrolets, while prototypes began appearing in support classes to test innovative designs. A pivotal development came in 1972 with the evolution of the IMSA GT Championship into the Camel GT series, sponsored by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company through its Camel cigarette brand, which injected significant funding to elevate manufacturer involvement and professionalize the competition. The sponsorship enabled rule changes, such as permitting turbocharged engines, allowing teams like Porsche to introduce advanced technology that mirrored road car advancements and drew factory-backed efforts from brands including Mazda and Alfa Romeo. This era marked IMSA's rise as a premier U.S. sports car series, with events like the 24 Hours of Daytona gaining national television exposure and emphasizing endurance racing's blend of speed and strategy. The 1980s brought challenges for amid broader economic downturns, including the that reduced sponsorship dollars and manufacturer budgets, leading to fluctuating entry levels in GT and prototype classes. Despite introducing the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class in 1981 to attract cutting-edge designs from , , and , faced financial strains that prompted a greater reliance on professional teams over amateur entries to sustain event quality and attendance. By the late 1980s, global economic pressures further intensified, contributing to a decline in GTP participation as costs escalated for developing competitive prototypes, though the series adapted by tightening regulations to balance innovation with accessibility.

Key Mergers and Rebranding

In 1999, underwent a significant revival when automotive entrepreneur acquired the organization and repurposed it as the sanctioning body for the newly formed (), marking a shift from its previous standalone championship operations to supporting a broader platform aligned with international standards. This move integrated 's legacy into the structure, which emphasized multi-class and events like the , helping to stabilize and expand professional sports car in during a period of financial challenges for the sanctioning body. A pivotal merger occurred in 2012 between the —sanctioned by —and the GRAND-AM Road Racing series, culminating in the formation of a unified North American sports car championship that launched in 2014 as the Tudor United SportsCar Championship. This consolidation, announced by founder and GRAND-AM president , combined the endurance-focused with GRAND-AM's sprint-style , creating a single premier platform with shared rules for prototypes and GT cars to reduce costs and increase manufacturer participation. The merger enhanced operational efficiency, drawing on 's historical expertise while incorporating GRAND-AM's commercial strengths, and set the stage for greater media exposure and event coordination across major venues like Daytona and Sebring. The 2014 season also reflected IMSA's deeper integration with NASCAR's ecosystem, as GRAND-AM had been acquired by NASCAR Holdings in late 2008, effectively bringing IMSA under the France family's control and leading to improved sponsorship deals, broadcasting partnerships, and facility investments. This alignment bolstered IMSA's and reach, with resources facilitating enhanced fan engagement and between stock car and , though IMSA maintained operational independence. In 2016, the series underwent a major rebranding from the Tudor United SportsCar to the WeatherTech SportsCar , following a multiyear title sponsorship deal with WeatherTech that took effect on November 1, 2015, and introduced unified technical regulations to streamline competition across classes. The emphasized IMSA's central role as the sanctioning body and highlighted WeatherTech's commitment to elevating visibility through increased prize funds and marketing support, coinciding with the debut of new specifications. Throughout the 2010s, IMSA pursued greater global alignment with the (FIA) and (ACO), particularly in prototype classes, culminating in the 2017 regulations that adopted LMP2 chassis and engines standardized by the ACO for and the . This shift introduced the (DPi) class alongside LMP2, designed to match LMP1 performance levels while using shared constructors like , , and Riley/, fostering cost efficiencies and enabling easier cross-competition between North American and European series. By harmonizing and technical specs with FIA/ACO guidelines, IMSA enhanced international manufacturer involvement and positioned its top class for potential convergence with global endurance racing formats.

Recent Expansions

The significantly disrupted the IMSA SportsCar Championship in and , prompting substantial adjustments to the racing calendar and operational protocols. In , the season faced an unprecedented shutdown lasting over four months following the initial races, leading to the cancellation or postponement of several events and a condensed schedule that prioritized safety measures such as limited spectators and enhanced health screenings. These adaptations boosted digital accessibility, with reporting a 21% increase in viewership across telecasts compared to 2019. By , lingering effects resulted in further changes, including the cancellation of the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park round due to border restrictions, while the series adapted by shortening some events and emphasizing virtual fan engagement. Season-long viewership on was up 3% vs. . A major technological advancement came in 2023 with the introduction of (LMDh) regulations for the newly rebranded Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, standardizing hybrid powertrains to align with global goals and facilitate cross-series compatibility. Developed in with the (ACO), the governing body of the (WEC), these rules allowed manufacturers to integrate hybrid systems onto spec chassis from suppliers like , , and , reducing development costs while promoting innovation in . The debut of LMDh prototypes at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2023 marked a pivotal shift, replacing the prior (DPi) era and enabling closer technical harmony between and international prototypes. This regulatory evolution spurred expanded manufacturer participation, particularly in the GTP class, where established brands like , , , and committed to full-season programs with hybrid entries. Porsche fielded multiple 963 LMDh cars through Porsche Penske Motorsport, while Cadillac's V-Series.R and Acura's ARX-06 joined BMW's M Hybrid V8, fostering intense competition and attracting significant investment from automakers seeking to showcase electrified performance technologies. Complementing this, international teams enhanced the series' global appeal; for instance, Germany's Proton Competition entered 963s in GTP alongside their GTD efforts, and AO Racing (with ties to European operations) competed in both prototype and GT categories, broadening the entrant pool beyond North American squads. By 2025, had also intensified involvement with factory-supported GTD Pro entries, signaling sustained growth in OEM engagement. Looking toward 2024 and 2025, IMSA pursued deeper global integration through strengthened ties with the WEC, culminating in the extension of its strategic alliance with the ACO through 2032 to harmonize prototype regulations and encourage shared manufacturer programs. This partnership facilitated dual-series participation for teams and drivers, such as BMW's aligned lineups across both championships, and supported events like the WEC's Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of The Americas, which complemented IMSA's own North American rounds. While no entirely new venues were added to the 2025 calendar—maintaining staples like Daytona, Sebring, and Watkins Glen—the focus shifted toward enhanced endurance formats and potential for co-sanctioned hybrid prototype races, aiming to elevate IMSA's profile on the world stage. The 2025 season further demonstrated growth, with NBC Sports reporting an average viewership of 393,000 across linear channels, a 70% increase from 2024 and the highest since at least 2014.

Current Classes

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class represents the pinnacle of prototype racing in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, introduced in 2023 as a cost-effective evolution of (LMDh) regulations designed to align with the FIA World Endurance Championship's category. These flagship vehicles combine manufacturer-specific internal combustion engines with a standardized to deliver cutting-edge performance while promoting parity among competitors. GTP cars are built to stringent technical standards that emphasize , , and close racing, featuring advanced , systems, and lightweight construction to achieve lap times competitive with top-tier endurance prototypes. At the core of GTP specifications is the LMDh framework, which mandates a common hybrid powertrain integrated into a spec rear assembly. The , supplied by Bosch for the motor generator unit (MGU) and Williams Advanced Engineering for the high-voltage battery, provides up to 50 kW (67 horsepower) of continuous with a regeneration capacity of 200 kW, drawing from a 1.35 kWh operating at 800 volts. This is paired with manufacturer-developed internal combustion engines—such as Acura's 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6, BMW's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, Cadillac's 5.5-liter V8, Lamborghini's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, Porsche's 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8, and Aston Martin's 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12—resulting in a total system output capped at approximately 500 kW (670 horsepower) in race trim to ensure balanced competition. Chassis construction requires selection from approved suppliers including , , Multimatic Motorsports, or , providing a standardized "spine" or base upon which manufacturers add bespoke bodywork, suspension tuning, and aero packages while adhering to dimensional and weight minimums starting at 1,034 kg (2,280 lbs). Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments form a critical regulatory tool in GTP, with IMSA's technical committee applying event-specific tweaks to , power curves, ride heights, and aerodynamic elements like rear angles or splitters to equalize lap times across entries. These modifications, often announced via technical bulletins and informed by data from sensors, testing, and on-track simulations, aim to keep performance within a 0.3% tolerance band, preventing any single manufacturer from dominating while allowing for hybrid deployment strategies that influence during races. For instance, power output may be restricted via engine mapping or additions, and aero configurations adjusted for track characteristics, such as increased for high-speed venues. As of 2025, the GTP field features entries from six manufacturers— (via Honda Performance Development), , BMW M Team RLL, (via ), (via , limited to the Michelin Endurance Cup races), and —fielded by teams like , Heart of Racing, and Penske Motorsport, with several programs homologated for dual eligibility in both and the FIA WEC to facilitate global manufacturer participation. This diverse lineup underscores GTP's role as a bridge between North American and international endurance racing, building on the lineage of prior prototype classes like while introducing hybrid technology to enhance efficiency and spectacle.

Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)

The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class was introduced to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2020 as a cost-controlled alternative to higher-tier prototypes, featuring a spec-series format to promote parity and accessibility for teams. This addition aligned with global LMP2 regulations established by the FIA and ACO, allowing entries to share components and chassis designs across series like the (ELMS) and (WEC), thereby reducing development costs and enabling parts sharing among international teams. LMP2 vehicles utilize the chassis, a carbon-fiber measuring approximately 4.745 meters in length and 1.895 meters in width, powered by a spec Gibson GK428 4.2-liter naturally aspirated producing over 560 horsepower without any hybrid systems. The class emphasizes reliability and efficiency over raw performance, with (BoP) adjustments focusing on consumption limits and wear to ensure competitive racing in multi-class environments. Team lineups in LMP2 typically feature mixed professional-amateur (pro-am) configurations, requiring at least one Bronze-rated per entry to balance experience levels and encourage gentleman driver participation. For the 2025 season, implemented a slight evolution in tire specifications for LMP2, adjusting compounds and allocations to optimize durability across the schedule while maintaining spec-series consistency. This update supports ongoing alignment with ELMS and WEC standards, facilitating shared logistics and component sourcing for teams competing in multiple championships.

GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro)

The GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro) class represents the tier of grand touring competition within the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, featuring factory-supported teams fielding high-performance GT3-homologated vehicles derived from production road cars. Introduced in 2022, the class was established to replace the outgoing GT (GTLM) category, shifting focus toward intense manufacturer rivalries while maintaining close racing through standardized technical specifications. Unlike the broader GT Daytona (GTD) class, GTD Pro entries are restricted to fully lineups, emphasizing elite talent from works programs. Vehicles in GTD Pro adhere to the FIA's global GT3 technical regulations, adapted with IMSA-specific Balance of Performance (BoP) measures to ensure parity across diverse models. These include power restrictions typically capping outputs at approximately 500 to 600 horsepower, adjusted per manufacturer and engine type via restrictors and electronic mapping, alongside minimum weight requirements that vary by car—often ranging from 1,300 to 1,400 kilograms to balance naturally aspirated and turbocharged powertrains. BoP also governs fuel flow, ride heights, and aerodynamic elements, with updates issued per event to maintain competitive equilibrium based on testing data. Eligible manufacturers for the 2025 season include Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet (Corvette), Ferrari, Ford (Mustang), Lamborghini, Lexus (RC F), and Mercedes-AMG, each supplying homologated models like the Ferrari 296 GTB, Porsche 911 GT3 R, or Lexus RC F GT3. Technical features emphasize endurance suitability, with GT3-homologated aerodynamic kits providing downforce optimized for high-speed stability on circuits like Daytona and , while prohibiting excessive modifications to preserve road-car relevance. Electronic systems such as anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control (TC) are standard, with software calibrations fine-tuned under oversight to enhance drivability during long stints and wet conditions without compromising the class's raw performance ethos. This setup fosters wheel-to-wheel battles among factory entries, as seen in the 2025 season where Chevrolet secured the manufacturers' title through consistent Corvette Z06 GT3.R performances.

GT Daytona (GTD)

The GT Daytona (GTD) class serves as the primary customer racing category within the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, featuring production-based GT3-homologated sports cars designed for pro-am lineups that blend professional and amateur drivers. Unlike the professional-only GTD Pro class, GTD mandates at least one Bronze- or Silver-rated driver—classified as an under FIA guidelines—in each two- or three-driver entry to ensure accessibility for less experienced racers while maintaining competitive integrity. This structure emphasizes teamwork and strategic driver management, particularly in endurance events where amateur involvement adds layers of challenge and inclusivity. Introduced in its modern form in alongside the GTD Pro class, GTD adopted unified FIA GT3 technical specifications to standardize competition and broaden participation among customer teams, allowing non-factory programs to compete on without the need for extensive manufacturer support. The class's pro-am focus was preserved to foster greater entry diversity, enabling amateur drivers to share the grid with seasoned professionals and promoting the sport's growth through varied team compositions. A wide array of manufacturers contributes to the field's parity, including , , , , Ferrari, , , and others, with up to 11 brands represented in recent seasons. To equalize performance across these diverse GT3 models, employs a data-driven (BoP) system that adjusts factors like power output, weight, and based on real-race data, ensuring close racing without favoring any single constructor. Endurance racing in GTD highlights strategic depth, as teams must navigate driver rotations, , and tire management over long distances, with the pro-am requirement amplifying the need for balanced stints to accommodate varying skill levels. For the 2025 season, has retained core driver combination rules, requiring a minimum of two drivers (up to four for the Rolex 24 at Daytona) while introducing separate qualifying sessions and grid positioning for GTD to better distinguish it from GTD Pro. Stint limits remain critical for safety and fairness, capping continuous driving at 4 hours and 30 minutes per driver in the 24 Hours of Daytona for GTD entries, with an overall maximum of 13 hours per driver across the event and no more than four hours during any four-hour "darkness" period. These regulations underscore GTD's role in blending high-performance machinery with inclusive, strategy-driven competition.

Former Classes

Daytona Prototype International (DPi)

The (DPi) class served as the premier prototype category in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship from the 2018 season through 2022, designed to attract major automobile manufacturers by offering a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive LMP1 regulations used in other series. Announced in 2015 and debuting with the first manufacturer entries in 2018, DPi emphasized manufacturer involvement through custom bodywork and powertrains while standardizing core components to control development expenses and promote close competition. This approach successfully drew entries from brands like , , , and , revitalizing prototype racing in with visually distinctive cars that echoed road car design cues. DPi vehicles were constructed around existing LMP2-specification chassis from constructors such as Dallara, Multimatic, and Oreca, allowing teams to focus resources on branding and performance tuning rather than full ground-up development. Power came from manufacturer-specific engines limited by Balance of Performance (BoP) measures to approximately 600 horsepower, ensuring parity across diverse configurations like naturally aspirated V8s and turbocharged inline-fours. Notable examples include the Cadillac DPi-V.R, which utilized a Dallara DW12 chassis paired with a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing around 600 hp, and the Mazda RT24-P, built on a Multimatic/Riley chassis with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine also rated at 600 hp. These cars weighed roughly 930 kg including driver and fuel, prioritizing reliability for endurance events. Key features of DPi included manufacturer-developed aerodynamic packages optimized for high-downforce performance suited to IMSA's diverse track layouts, particularly the banking and ovals like , which influenced the class's name and design philosophy. While plans for optional spec hybrid systems were explored in 2019 as part of a potential DPi , they were ultimately not implemented, preserving the class's focus on conventional powertrains. The regulations encouraged innovation in aero efficiency and engine mapping within strict BoP limits, resulting in cars capable of speeds exceeding 220 mph on straights while maintaining stability in traffic-heavy races. The DPi class was discontinued after the 2022 season, with its final race at the in October 2022, to make way for the (LMDh) regulations debuting in 2023 as the new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) category. This transition aimed to standardize hybrid powertrain components across and the , reducing overall costs for manufacturers through shared spec parts like systems and chassis while enabling global convergence and broader participation. The shift addressed rising development expenses in DPi while building on its success in attracting OEMs, paving the way for a more sustainable top-tier prototype formula.

Le Mans Prototype Challenge (LPC)

The Le Mans Prototype Challenge (LPC), operating within IMSA as the Prototype Challenge (PC) class, represented a spec-series entry point for prototype racing from 2009 to 2017, utilizing the Oreca FLM09 carbon-fiber monocoque chassis paired with a Chevrolet LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine producing approximately 430 horsepower. This configuration emphasized affordability and parity, with the sealed engine and Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission limiting development costs to support emerging teams and drivers transitioning from lower formulas. Introduced in the American Le Mans Series as LMPC to bolster field sizes without the expense of full LMP2 machinery, the class carried over into the merged United SportsCar Championship, where it competed in events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Petit Le Mans until its final race in October 2017. Preceding the PC era, IMSA's predecessor organizations featured diverse prototype categories before 2010, including the open-engine Daytona Prototypes in GRAND-AM and LMP1/LMP2 cars in the , which laid the groundwork for unified rules but lacked the spec standardization of later lower classes. The PC class evolved from these, initially allowing limited engine variations in 2009 before adopting the spec LS3 for greater equality and focus. Building on the PC foundation, the 3 (LMP3) class debuted in IMSA's support series in 2017 with closed-cockpit coupes from constructors like , Ginetta, and Norma, before elevating to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2021 through 2023. These spec cars employed a standardized VK56DE 5.6-liter delivering around 470 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox, to promote accessibility for customer teams while adhering to ACO-homologated dimensions and weight minimums of 950 kilograms. LMP3 provided a stepping stone for developmental programs, with balanced performance specs ensuring close racing in endurance events. Both PC and LMP3 served as cost-effective gateways for teams and manufacturers to gain experience, fostering talent pipelines toward higher classes like LMP2 without the financial barriers of custom builds. Their discontinuation stemmed from strategic consolidation to streamline the ladder, achieve operational cost savings amid rising logistics for multi-class fields, and harmonize with ACO's global standards by 2023, redirecting LMP3 to the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge while emphasizing LMP2 as the primary entry level. This shift enhanced overall series efficiency and supported broader manufacturer involvement in top-tier s.

GT Le Mans (GTLM)

The GT Le Mans (GTLM) class served as the premier professional grand touring category within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship from 2014 to 2021. Introduced as part of the 2013 merger between the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, which formed United SportsCar Racing (later rebranded IMSA), the class integrated the ALMS's GT endurance focus with GRAND-AM's sprint racing elements to create a unified professional GT division. GTLM vehicles adhered to the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and (ACO) Grand Touring Endurance () homologation standards, modified by IMSA's (BoP) system to equalize competition across manufacturers. This BoP process involved adjustments to weight, engine restrictors, fuel flow, and aerodynamic elements, ensuring no single car dominated while prioritizing endurance reliability over outright speed. Factory-supported teams dominated the class, with prominent entries including the from , the from Risi Competizione, the from Porsche GT Team, and the from BMW Team RLL. Powertrains in GTLM cars emphasized durable, naturally aspirated V8 configurations producing around 500 horsepower, balanced for long-stint reliability in endurance events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona. For instance, the Corvette C8.R featured a 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine rated at 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, while the Ferrari 488 GTE employed a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 detuned via BoP to approximately 490 hp for parity. Aerodynamic designs were central, with wide bodies, low-slung chassis, and adjustable rear wings optimized for high-downforce stability on circuits, though strictly regulated to prevent excessive drag or grip advantages. These elements underscored the class's focus on strategic racing, where tire management and fuel efficiency often decided outcomes in multi-hour races. The class's legacy is marked by high-stakes manufacturer rivalries that elevated IMSA's global profile, including epic duels between and at tracks like and between Ferrari and at . However, by 2021, dwindling factory commitments—exemplified by Ford's withdrawal of its GT program and reduced entries (often just three full-season cars)—prompted to discontinue GTLM after the finale. The move to replace it with the GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro) class in aimed at GT3 unification, lowering development costs and expanding participation beyond a shrinking pool of GTE specialists.

Race Venues

Endurance Circuits

serves as the iconic home of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the season-opening endurance event in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This 24-hour race utilizes a unique hybrid layout combining the venue's high-banked with an infield road course, creating a challenging 3.56-mile circuit that demands versatility from drivers and teams. The configuration incorporates high-speed sections on the oval banking, where prototypes can exceed 200 mph, alongside tight infield corners that test precision and setup balance. In 2025, the track hosted the Rolex 24 without reported major resurfacing, though a pre-season test in November prepared teams for the 2026 configuration using the standard road course layout. Sebring International Raceway hosts the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, a grueling 12-hour endurance classic renowned for its demanding conditions. The 3.74-mile, 17-turn circuit, originally built on a former airfield, features and asphalt surfaces that create notorious bumps and elevation changes, punishing car suspensions and requiring specialized setups to manage vertical loads. These historic imperfections, stemming from the track's 1950s origins on runways, add to its character, often leading to unpredictable handling and strategic tire management during night stints. For the 2025 event, no significant resurfacing occurred, maintaining the circuit's traditional roughness that has defined races there since the series' inception. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is the venue for the Motul , a 10-hour endurance finale that crowns multiple championships. This 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course in , stands out for its technical layout, blending long straights like the backstretch with challenging elevation shifts and high-speed corners such as Turn 10A, which demands precise braking and throttle control. The circuit's flowing design rewards aerodynamic efficiency and cornering speed, making it a favorite for GT machinery while providing overtaking opportunities in endurance formats. In 2025, implemented adjustments specific to the track ahead of the event, but no physical resurfacing or layout modifications were noted.

Sprint and Regional Tracks

The IMSA SportsCar Championship incorporates a diverse array of sprint and regional tracks to complement its endurance-focused events, offering shorter races typically lasting 100 minutes to six hours that test driver precision, strategy, and adaptability on varied layouts across the . These venues emphasize regional accessibility and unique challenges, such as tight corners, elevation shifts, and urban settings, fostering intense competition in a more compact format compared to multi-day endurance races. Watkins Glen International, located in upstate New York, serves as a cornerstone sprint venue with its 3.37-mile, 20-turn road course that features high-speed straights, the demanding "Esses" section, and an iconic inner loop. The track hosts the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen in June, a 360-minute race that highlights the facility's flowing design and elevation changes exceeding 100 feet, drawing on its history since joining IMSA in 1971. VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, , offers a 3.27-mile circuit with over 450 feet of elevation change, earning its nickname "America's " for its rollercoaster profile of 40 turns and sweeping vistas. This regional track hosts the GT Challenge at VIR in late August, a 160-minute sprint focused on GT classes that amplifies the venue's demanding climbs and descents, as utilized in since 1997. The , a 1.65-mile (2.66 km) temporary layout weaving through , , with 9 turns and unforgiving concrete walls, presents urban racing challenges like narrow straights and heavy braking zones. It features the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic in late May, a 100-minute sprint that integrates racing with the broader Grand Prix weekend since 1982, testing and risk management in a high-stakes environment. As of 2025, the series expanded its regional footprint with the addition of the road course, a 2.439-mile, 14-turn configuration that combines infield technical sections with access to the famous oval's banking. This venue hosts the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks in mid-September, a six-hour event marking IMSA's return to the historic Indiana site and enhancing Midwest accessibility.

Championships

Driver and Team Titles

The IMSA SportsCar Championship awards championship points to drivers and based on finishing positions in each race, with a maximum of 35 points for a class victory in sprint events, scaling down to 17 points for tenth place. Additional bonuses include 1 point for securing the and 1 point for setting the fastest lap in class during the race. Endurance events apply multipliers to these base points: 1.5 times for the six-hour races at Watkins Glen and , and the 12-hour race at Sebring and the 10-hour race at (), while the receives a double multiplier. Several drivers have achieved multiple IMSA championships, demonstrating consistency across seasons and classes. Pipo Derani secured back-to-back Prototype driver titles in 2021 (DPi) and 2023 (GTP) with Action Express Racing's , amassing key victories at endurance events like the , where he has won four times. Jordan Taylor holds four championships, including the 2017 Prototype title alongside his brother Ricky for , as well as GTD Pro wins in 2018 (GTLM) with and in 2023, spanning both prototype and grand touring disciplines. Team championships are contested separately by class, with points accumulated similarly to driver standings but aggregated per entry. In GTP, Penske Motorsport dominated recent seasons, clinching the 2024 team title with consistent podiums across the 11-race calendar and defending it in 2025 through strategic reliability and race wins at venues like and . The GTD Pro class features professional lineups, where by Pratt Miller Motorsports captured the 2025 title with drivers Antonio García and Alexander Sims, edging out rivals through strong qualifying performances and avoiding mechanical issues in tight point battles. The GTD class emphasizes pro-am dynamics, pairing professional drivers with gentlemen amateurs to score points collectively, fostering mentorship and accessibility. Winward Racing's No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 secured the 2025 GTD team championship, with drivers like Philipp Ellis and Luca Stolz contributing to victories in sprint races while navigating the class's diverse entrant field. In the 2024 season, intense point battles defined the championships, with Penske's No. 7 entry overcoming mid-season setbacks to claim the GTP driver crown for and by a narrow margin over rivals like the No. 01 of Renger van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais. The 2025 campaign saw even closer contests, as Campbell paired with Mathieu Jaminet to defend the GTP title for Penske amid fierce competition from and teams, culminating in a decisive performance at the .

Manufacturer Championships

The Manufacturer Championships in the IMSA SportsCar Championship award titles to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) based on the cumulative performance of their vehicles across the season in eligible classes, such as GTP and GTD Pro. Points for manufacturers are calculated separately from and standings, with each brand receiving the sum of points earned by its top two finishing in the class per race, using the same scale as class finishing positions (e.g., 350 points for a class win, decreasing incrementally). This approach incentivizes OEMs to field multiple competitive entries and promotes parity through IMSA's regulations, which adjust vehicle specifications to ensure close . Qualifying points, awarded to the top three in session (35, 32, and 30 points respectively), also contribute to manufacturer totals via the highest-placing car per brand. Historically, the prototype manufacturer rivalries evolved significantly from the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) era (2017–2022), where Cadillac secured four titles through consistent dominance with its DPi-V.R, amassing 27 race wins and intense duels against Acura and Porsche entries. Acura claimed the 2019 crown, highlighting the close competition among American and Japanese-German OEMs in that spec-homologated category. The transition to the Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) GTP class in 2023 broadened participation to include European manufacturers like BMW and Porsche on equalized hybrid platforms, shifting focus to powertrain innovation; Cadillac retained the title in 2023, but Porsche emerged victorious in 2025 after a season-long battle, clinching the championship with strong results from Penske and customer teams. In the GT categories, particularly GTD Pro introduced in 2023 for professional driver lineups, Ferrari established early dominance with back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, leveraging 488 GT3 machinery to outpace rivals like and . However, by 2025, Chevrolet capitalized on improved and multiple entries to win the GTD Pro manufacturer championship, sweeping titles with Corvette entries at the . These championships offer OEMs key benefits beyond the track, including exposure—evident in record attendance and media coverage—and advancements in hybrid and GT technologies that inform road car development, as seen in 's heritage yielding numerous class wins since 2014.

Records and Milestones

holds the record for the most Rolex 24 At Daytona overall victories among teams, with eight triumphs in the event's . This achievement underscores the team's dominance in endurance racing, including notable wins in 1998, 2000, 2013, and 2015. In the driver category, Hurley Haywood and Scott Pruett share the mark for most overall wins with five each, highlighting individual excellence in the series' flagship race. A significant technological milestone occurred in 2023 when Meyer Shank Racing's secured the first Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, marking the debut success for hybrid-powered prototypes in . leads all manufacturers in championship titles, amassing over 20 victories across the series' evolution, including consecutive GTP manufacturer crowns in 2024 and 2025. This tally reflects 's enduring impact, bolstered by recent sweeps of all GTP titles in 2025 with the Porsche 963. Diversity milestones include Christina Nielsen becoming the first woman to win a full-season IMSA class championship in 2016, capturing the GT Daytona title with P1 Motorsports. Earlier, Lyn St. James achieved the distinction of being the only woman to win an IMSA GT race solo, securing six GT victories overall. International driver representation reached a high in 2025, with the Rolex 24 field featuring competitors from 31 countries, showcasing the series' global appeal. In 2025, Penske Motorsport made history by claiming back-to-back 24 overall wins, the first such streak for the team and contributing to owner Penske's record 48th auto racing championship. The season finale at Motul drew record-breaking attendance, further elevating IMSA's profile. In the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC), claimed the 2025 GTP title, with other classes seeing victories by TDS Racing in LMP2, in GTD Pro, and in GTD.

References

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