IMSA Sanctioned Test Set for Daytona: Key Driver Updates and Technical Insights
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has released an updated entry list for the upcoming Sanctioned Test at Daytona International Speedway, highlighting significant driver additions and technical configurations.
Driver Lineup Changes
Nico Pino, formerly with Proton Competition, will pilot the #85 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963 alongside Tijmen van der Helm, Bryce Aron, and Matt Campbell. Campbell’s involvement aims to help JDC establish a competitive baseline, utilizing the older configuration of the Porsche’s front splitter and rear diffuser for this session.
AJ Allmendinger joins the #60 Acura MSR ARX-06, marking his first GTP start and Rolex 24 appearance since 2021. In LMP2, Nolan Siegel returns to test the #43 Inter Europol Competition vehicle, while 2025 IndyCar Rookie of the Year Louis Foster is added to the lineup for the #8 Tower Motorsports car.
Technical Insights and Car Configurations
Notably, the LMP2 teams present at the test have retained their previous liveries, with Inter Europol appearing with a mix of wrapped and unwrapped components. Pratt Miller Motorsports unveils a new black and orange aesthetic for its #73 ORECA 07-Gibson, while Intersport Racing makes its debut in the IMSA LMP2 class, fielding a team based on a data-driven talent recruitment strategy.
The McLaren GT3 Evo, represented by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, arrives with a fresh crew, including GT driver Dean MacDonald and rookies Juri Vips and Max Esterson, as they prepare for the upcoming race season.
Driver Quotes and Team Confidence
Jon Field, team principal of Intersport Racing, expressed confidence in his team’s potential: “Some LMP2 teams strategize around, ‘how can we get our lap back during the race?’ We don’t have that problem. Jon is so quick and so consistent.”
Additionally, Winward Racing tests a second Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, featuring a strong driver lineup of Jason Hart, Scott Noble, Luca Stolz, and Maxime Martin, setting the stage for a competitive GTD PRO season.
Upcoming Entries and Debuts
Further driver announcements include Mikaël Grenier and Will Power for 75 Express, Franck Perera for Pfaff Motorsports, and Romain Grosjean joining Myers Riley Motorsports’ new #16 Ford Mustang GT3, sporting a livery that honors the 1985 Roush/Protofab Motorcraft Ford Mustang GTO.
The Sanctioned Test at Daytona serves as a critical precursor to the upcoming race season, with teams and drivers utilizing this opportunity to refine their setups and strategies ahead of competitive events.
