Ried Plans IMSA Return Amid WEC Withdrawal
Christian Ried is swiftly regrouping following the recent termination of his privateer Porsche Hypercar program in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). This decision was prompted by Porsche’s withdrawal from its factory Hypercar initiative, leaving private efforts in a challenging position.
Despite the setback, Ried remains optimistic about the future, actively engaging in discussions aimed at a possible return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2026. “The discussions have been helpful and very positive,” Ried stated, indicating a strong intent to participate in IMSA’s top class.
Currently, entry for the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona is capped at 61 cars, potentially complicating their immediate plans. Nonetheless, Ried’s team is focused on entering multiple races during the 2026 season.
Additionally, when queried about a Proton Porsche entry in the Pro-Am Hypercar class for the 2026/27 season, Ried emphasized the commitment to field “either one or two” Porsche 963s, contingent on securing customers.
With BBM Sport poised to field two Peugeot entries, the competition to assemble a robust grid for the upcoming seasons is intensifying. As Ried explores opportunities in IMSA, his team remains proactive in assessing potential customer programs, signaling ongoing ambitions in global endurance racing.
