What's Happening?
IMSA President John Doonan announced the entry lists for the 2026 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Michelin Endurance Cup during the annual IMSA State Of The Series conference at Road Atlanta. The full-season WeatherTech Championship will feature 45 entries across four categories, while the Endurance Cup will see 54 cars competing in five rounds, including Road America for the first time. The GTP class will have 11 cars from manufacturers such as Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Notably, Porsche Penske Motorsport will return with two 963a cars after exiting the FIA WEC Hypercar class. The LMP2 category remains strong with 12 full-season cars from 11 teams, including United Autosports USA as the only two-car team. The GTD PRO class will feature eight full-season entries and four Michelin Endurance Cup entries, with notable teams like Corvette Racing and Ford Multimatic Motorsports continuing their efforts.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of the entry lists for the 2026 season highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The inclusion of Road America in the Endurance Cup schedule marks a significant change, potentially attracting more fans and increasing the event's prestige. The return of Porsche Penske Motorsport to the GTP class is a notable development, as it strengthens the competition among top manufacturers. The robust participation across all categories underscores IMSA's appeal to teams and manufacturers, ensuring high-quality racing and maintaining its status as a premier sports car racing series. The diverse lineup of teams and cars promises exciting races and strategic battles, benefiting fans and stakeholders alike.
What's Next?
With the entry lists confirmed, teams will begin preparations for the 2026 season, focusing on car development, driver lineups, and strategic planning. The season-opening Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is expected to feature over 60 cars, setting the stage for a competitive and thrilling start to the championship. Teams will also adapt to the new Endurance Cup schedule, including the debut of Road America, which may require adjustments in strategy and logistics. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate intense rivalries and dynamic racing across all categories, with manufacturers and teams vying for titles and recognition.
