IMSA Introduces New Endurance Format for VP Racing SportsCar Challenge in 2026
In a significant evolution for the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, IMSA has announced that the new third-generation LMP3 prototypes will be eligible starting in 2026, alongside the introduction of a suite of endurance races to the series.
The LMP3 cars from Ligier, Duqueine, Ginetta, and ADESS, which have made their debut in the European Le Mans Series and Le Mans Cup this year, will race in the U.S. for the first time. This decision reinforces IMSA’s exclusive rights for LMP3 race cars in North America, part of a strategic alliance with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) extended through 2032.
The new LMP3 vehicles will be powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Toyota V6 and will compete alongside existing second-generation cars within the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Teams will have the option to continue using their current machinery for another year or transition to the new models, with all cars running to homologated performance levels without adjustments.
The endurance race format will consist of four two-hour events held during United States Auto Club (USAC) weekends at Sebring (March 6-8), Circuit of The Americas (May 7-9), VIRginia International Raceway (June 19-21), and Road America (August 7-9). These races will represent a distinct championship for LMP3 competitors, echoing the structure of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup within the overall IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Sprint races will maintain the inclusion of one FIA Bronze- or Silver-rated driver per entry, while the new endurance events will require a minimum of two drivers, ensuring at least one is rated either Bronze or Silver. Gold-rated drivers are allowed, but Platinum-rated participants are not.
Points earned in both sprint and endurance formats will contribute to the overall VP Racing SportsCar Challenge championship standings.
Further details on the endurance events and the complete 2026 schedule will be released in due course. IMSA is also considering the addition of a multi-class component, potentially integrating a production-based race car category into these endurance races.
