IMSA - Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix

The Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix brings IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship racing to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This edition features a new six-hour endurance race format, making it the longest IMSA sports car race ever held at this historic circuit. Motul serves as the title sponsor for this premier racing weekend.

About the Race

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race runs for six hours, marking a significant change from previous race formats at Road America. This extended endurance format places the event among North America's most challenging sports car races. All four championship classes compete together on track: Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD).

The race weekend includes support series such as Porsche Carrera Cup, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. These additional races provide fans with multiple days of competition across various racing categories.

The Circuit

Road America is a permanent road course that spans 4.048 miles with 14 turns. The track opened in 1955 and has maintained its original configuration for nearly seven decades. Known as "America's National Park of Speed," the facility sits on 640 acres of park-like grounds.

Track Characteristics

The circuit features significant elevation changes and long straights where cars reach speeds near 200 mph. "The Kink" on the back section of the track stands as one of the most challenging corners in North American motorsports. The track holds an FIA Grade Two classification.

Road America was built on a former gravel quarry, which contributes to the smooth track surface. The facility sits at N7390 State Highway 67 in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Natural hillsides around the circuit provide excellent viewing areas for spectators.

Racing Classes and Cars

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

GTP cars represent the top category in IMSA racing. These prototypes follow Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) and Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) specifications. Many GTP cars use hybrid powertrains that combine traditional engines with electric motors.

Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)

LMP2 cars use a spec Gibson GK428 V8 engine. All LMP2 chassis must meet controlled standards set by IMSA. Teams in this class receive 12 test days for the season.

GT Daytona Classes

Both GTD Pro and GTD classes race modified production-based sports cars built to FIA GT3 regulations. GTD Pro features professional driver lineups, while GTD requires amateur drivers. Teams in these classes get six test days for the season. Bronze-rated drivers who wish to compete in GTD Pro must receive IMSA approval and meet specific minimum drive time requirements.

Teams and Drivers

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship attracts manufacturers from around the globe. Nearly 20 different car makers participate in the series, including Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche.

The Heart of Racing has confirmed their participation at the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix. Their entry includes the No. 23 Valkyrie with drivers Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis, plus the No. 27 Vantage driven by Dudu Barrichello, Tom Gamble, and Zacharie Robichon. Additional team and driver announcements will come as the race approaches.

Technical Regulations

IMSA's 2026 Sporting and Technical Regulations govern all competing classes. Michelin provides tires exclusively for the WeatherTech Championship. Teams must share tire performance data with IMSA officials.

Pit stop procedures follow strict safety protocols. The regulations include a "Short FCY" protocol for full course yellows that occur within 30 minutes of the race start or within 15 minutes of a green flag restart. During a Short FCY, the pit lane stays closed initially.

The six-hour race format tests both car reliability and driver endurance. Teams must manage fuel consumption, tire wear, and driver rotations throughout the race. Strategic decisions about pit stops often determine final results in endurance racing.

History at Road America

Clif Tufte, a highway engineer, founded Road America in 1955. The track replaced public street racing in Elkhart Lake after safety concerns led to a ban. The circuit has hosted SCCA, Can-Am, Trans-Am, and IndyCar events over the decades.

IMSA racing returned to Road America in 1979 when the IMSA GT Championship held its first event at the venue. David Hobbs won that inaugural race. The track became part of the unified WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule in 2014. The expansion to a six-hour race format represents a new chapter for IMSA at this venue.

What Makes This Event Special

Road America generates approximately $74 million in direct economic impact each year for Sheboygan County and Wisconsin. The facility attracts over 800,000 visitors annually across all its events.

The circuit has drawn celebrities including David Letterman, Tom Cruise, Patrick Dempsey, Tim Allen, Ashley Judd, and the late Paul Newman. The scenic grounds and high-quality racing create an appealing destination for both serious racing fans and casual visitors.

The new six-hour race format elevates the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix to a major endurance racing event. Multi-class racing means different categories of cars share the track simultaneously, creating complex racing scenarios as faster prototypes navigate through slower GT traffic. This format tests driver skill, team strategy, and car durability over an extended period.

Fans at Road America enjoy viewing options from multiple vantage points around the circuit. The natural terrain provides clear sightlines to different track sections. The extended race duration allows spectators to watch teams adapt their strategies as conditions change throughout the day.