IMSA - Rolex 24 Hours

The Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona represents one of endurance racing's most demanding competitions. This IMSA-sanctioned event takes place at Daytona International Speedway in Florida and serves as the opening round of the IMSA SportsCar Championship season. The race spans a full day and night, testing both driver skill and mechanical reliability across 24 continuous hours of competition.

Circuit and Race Format

Daytona International Speedway hosts the Rolex 24 Hours on its combined road course. This layout stretches 3.56 miles and uses the famous tri-oval banking along with the infield road course section. The circuit features 12 turns and includes banking of 31 degrees in the main corners. The front straight extends 3,800 feet, while the back straight measures 3,000 feet.

Approximately 60 cars compete in this endurance race. Each team fields three to five drivers who rotate throughout the 24-hour period. The race is part of the Michelin Endurance Cup within the broader IMSA championship structure.

Classes and Competitors

The 2026 race features four distinct classes. These include Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD). Each class operates under specific technical regulations and competes for its own championship honors.

GTP Class Competition

The premier GTP class showcases hybrid-powered prototypes from multiple manufacturers. Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche field updated "Evo" versions of their race cars for the 2026 season. The Aston Martin Valkyrie makes its debut in this edition, adding a new competitor to the field.

Teams like Porsche Penske Motorsport, Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing, BMW M Team WRT, and Acura Meyer Shank Racing bring experienced driver lineups. Notable competitors include Felipe Nasr, Ricky Taylor, Earl Bamber, Scott Dixon, and many other professional racing drivers.

Technical Specifications

GTP class cars use LMDh prototype specifications with hybrid powertrains. These systems combine electric batteries with traditional gas engines to produce maximum horsepower. IMSA monitors total energy usage and enforces regulations on hybrid engine deployment.

All GTP competitors use Michelin tires with improved warm-up characteristics. Car manufacturers implement various updates for the 2026 season. Acura modifies rear wheel covers, front dive planes, splitters, engine covers, and side pods. Cadillac redesigns rear wings and splitters to reduce drag and improve efficiency, plus installs new Brembo braking systems.

Race Heritage

The event began in 1962 as a three-hour race called the Daytona Continental. The format expanded to 24 hours in 1966. Rolex became the title sponsor in 1992 and continues in that role. The race forms part of the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Winning drivers in all classes receive a Rolex Daytona watch, a tradition that started in 1964. Porsche holds the record for most overall wins by a manufacturer with 20 victories.

What Makes This Race Special

The Rolex 24 Hours combines high speeds on the banked oval with technical infield sections. This creates unique challenges for teams. Weather changes between day and night add another variable. Teams must balance speed with reliability across the full duration.

The race opens Speedweeks and marks the start of the major auto racing season in North America. Many consider this event the American equivalent to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The tri-oval design of Daytona International Speedway provides excellent viewing angles for spectators.

The 2026 edition brings several new elements to the competition. Updated car specifications, the Aston Martin Valkyrie debut, and new tire designs create fresh dynamics for teams and drivers. The IMSA series continues to evolve its technical regulations while maintaining the core challenge of endurance racing.