Your Guide to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2026
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship roars into action this week with its first official race event of 2026 – the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona.
If you’re new to IMSA or simply want a refresher ahead of the new season, here’s your quick guide to what makes this series so special.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of WeatherTech’s partnership with IMSA. Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of supporting one of the world’s most exciting racing championships — witnessing incredible highs, tough lows, and countless unforgettable moments along the way.
Below, we break down how the series works, who takes part, and how you can get involved this race weekend.
What Is IMSA?
The IMSA (International Motor Sport Association) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is the premier sports car racing series in North America. Across the season, teams compete in a mix of classic endurance races and shorter sprint events held at iconic venues such as:
- Sebring 12 Hours
- 6 Hours of Watkins Glen
- Petit Le Mans
The series features four racing classes, all competing simultaneously on track:
- GTP – Top-tier hybrid prototypes
- LMP2 – Identical-spec prototype racers
- GTD Pro – Professional GT teams
- GTD (Am) – Pro-am driver line-ups in GT cars
With grids often exceeding 50 cars, the racing is always intense. Faster prototypes weave through packs of GT cars, strategies evolve lap by lap, and even during 24-hour races the action rarely slows.
Who Takes Part?
Teams from around the world assemble their best drivers, engineers, cars, and crew members to fight for championship glory.
Prototype Classes: GTP & LMP2
The GTP class features cutting-edge, hybrid-powered prototype race cars from major manufacturers such as:
- Porsche
- BMW
- Aston Martin
- Cadillac
These machines are piloted by some of motorsport’s most accomplished drivers, including Kevin Estre, Jack Aitken, Felipe Nasr, and the Vanthoor brothers.
In LMP2, every team runs the same chassis, creating a pure test of skill, teamwork, and strategy. Expect ultra-close finishes and familiar faces, including former F1 drivers Logan Sargeant and Paul di Resta joining the 2026 field.
GT Classes: GTD Pro & GTD
The GTD categories feature race-prepared versions of high-performance road cars such as:
- Porsche 911
- Corvette Z06
- Ferrari 296
GTD Pro teams run all-elite driver line-ups, while GTD pairs seasoned pros with rising sportscar talent. Despite being the “slowest” category, these GT cars produce over 500 horsepower and can exceed 150 mph, making for dramatic moments lap after lap.
How Can I Experience the Action?
This weekend marks the season’s curtain-raiser: the iconic Daytona 24 Hours. First held in 1966, Daytona is adored by fans worldwide and sets the tone for a dramatic year of racing.
The Daytona International Speedway, best known for its NASCAR oval, transforms for the 24-hour race. Additional infield sections — including the thrilling “bus stop” chicane — create a challenging and technical layout that pushes both drivers and machines to their limits.
Watch Live in the UK
UK fans can watch the entire Rolex 24 at Daytona for free on YouTube. Coverage begins at around 6pm (UK time) on Saturday 24th January.
As the title sponsor, keep an eye out for WeatherTech branding throughout the event — from trackside banners to featured TV segments and more.
Protect Your Own Drive
Just as IMSA teams prepare their cars for the toughest conditions, you can protect your own vehicle with WeatherTech’s premium interior and exterior solutions.