IMSA - The Roar Before The 24

The Roar Before The 24 at Daytona International Speedway serves as the official pre-season test for IMSA's premier racing series. This three-day test session allows teams and drivers to fine-tune their race cars before the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The event takes place on the legendary Daytona road course in Daytona Beach, Florida, where teams from multiple IMSA series compete and prepare their strategies for the season ahead.

IMSA Series and Classes

The Roar Before The 24 features three IMSA racing series. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship headlines the event with four distinct classes. The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class showcases hybrid-electrified race cars that represent the cutting edge of sports car racing technology. The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class features prototype race cars built to international specifications. The GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro) class includes factory-backed teams racing GT3-specification cars, while the GT Daytona (GTD) class features customer teams competing in similar machinery.

The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge also participate in this test session. The VP Racing SportsCar Challenge includes two 45-minute sprint races during the weekend, providing competitive racing action alongside the testing sessions.

Circuit and Track Layout

Daytona International Speedway holds the title "World Center of Racing" and has hosted motorsports competition since 1959. NASCAR founder William "Bill" France Sr. built the facility to replace the former Daytona Beach Road Course. The first Daytona 500 took place on February 22, 1959, establishing the venue's place in racing history.

The sports car course measures 3.56 miles (5.729 km) and combines the high-speed banking of the NASCAR tri-oval with a technical infield section. The tri-oval portion spans 2.500 miles (4.023 km) with 31-degree banking in the turns and 18-degree banking at the start/finish line. The front straight extends 3,800 feet, while the back straight measures 3,000 feet. This 31-degree banking creates unique challenges for drivers as they transition between the banked oval and the flat infield sections.

The 180-acre infield contains Lake Lloyd, a 29-acre lake that sits within the circuit boundaries. This distinctive feature adds to the character of Daytona International Speedway.

Teams and Participants

More than 200 drivers participate in The Roar Before The 24 each year. The 2026 edition features 11 GTP entries, 14 LMP2 entries, 15 GTD PRO entries, and 21 GTD entries in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Top manufacturers including Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG bring their racing programs to this test session.

Teams use this opportunity to evaluate their cars' performance, test different setups, and develop race strategies. The extended track time allows engineers to collect data and make adjustments before the competitive season begins. Drivers learn the specific characteristics of their cars and build confidence on the demanding Daytona road course.

Technical Testing and Development

The cars competing at The Roar Before The 24 represent different approaches to sports car design. Each class has specific technical requirements that balance speed, aerodynamics, and endurance capabilities. The GTP class features hybrid powertrains that combine traditional combustion engines with electric motors, pushing the boundaries of racing technology.

IMSA officials conduct performance testing during the event, particularly for the GTD Pro cars. These tests help officials adjust the Balance of Performance regulations that keep competition close between different manufacturers and car models. Teams work closely with tire suppliers, fuel partners, and technical staff to optimize every aspect of their race cars.

Fan Access and Experience

The Roar Before The 24 provides open access to the IMSA paddock. Spectators can walk through the garage area, see race cars up close, and meet drivers from all competing series. This level of access differs from most race weekends and gives fans unique insight into how professional racing teams operate.

Admission to The Roar Before The 24 comes included with tickets to the Rolex 24 at Daytona. This bundled access allows fans to follow their favorite teams from initial testing through the main race. Scout Days take place during the weekend, welcoming scouts and their families to explore the facility and learn about motorsports.

Event Format and Activities

The three-day format includes multiple practice sessions for each series. Teams receive several hours of track time spread across morning and afternoon sessions. The WeatherTech Championship teams focus on long-run simulations to test reliability and fuel consumption. The Michelin Pilot Challenge and VP Racing SportsCar Challenge teams combine testing with their competitive sprint races.

While The Roar Before The 24 previously determined pit lane positions for the Rolex 24 through qualifying sessions, recent format changes have moved qualifying to the week of the main race. The test session now focuses primarily on practice and preparation, though pit assignments remain important for team logistics and strategy.

What Makes This Event Special

The Roar Before The 24 marks the beginning of the IMSA racing season. Teams arrive with fresh cars, new liveries, and updated driver lineups. The atmosphere combines serious testing work with the anticipation of competition to come. Engineers analyze data, drivers provide feedback, and team managers plan their approaches for the demanding Rolex 24.

This test session serves as the final opportunity for teams to identify and resolve issues before the season-opening race. The extended track time proves valuable for new teams, rookie drivers, and any program introducing significant technical changes. Established teams use the sessions to refine already competitive packages and search for small advantages that could prove decisive in the Rolex 24.

The Roar Before The 24 demonstrates IMSA's commitment to competitive balance and fair racing. The open test format ensures all teams have equal opportunity to prepare, while the paddock access strengthens connections between fans and the sport. As teams complete their final preparations at Daytona International Speedway, this event sets the stage for another season of sports car racing.