IMSA 2026 Update: Key Developments and Testing Highlights from Daytona
Spotter Guide Launched for Rolex 24 and M Endurance Challenge
Andy Blackmore’s Spotter Guide for the Rolex 24 at Daytona and BMW M Endurance Challenge is now available online and in printed form at the event. Blackmore designed four notable liveries for this year’s Rolex 24, including Magnus Racing’s Virtual Energy and Turner Motorsport’s split livery. Fans can also purchase Spotter Guide merchandise at the IMSA stores at the circuit.
Strong Streaming Engagement During Roar Before The 24
The Roar Before The 24 garnered exceptional viewer engagement, with the Saturday stream peaking at over 12,000 simultaneous viewers and accumulating 105,000 views. The Sunday morning session, despite technical difficulties, achieved a peak of 10,000 viewers with 94,000 total views.
Testing Mileage Leaders Revealed
In preparation for the Rolex 24, TDS Racing and CrowdStrike Racing by APR led testing mileage, each completing 284 laps over the three-day period. In the GTD classes, Winward Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO and Manthey’s Porsche 911 GT3 R also displayed strong performance, running 236 and 268 laps respectively. Cadillac’s #31 Whelen V-Series.R led the GTP class with 240 laps logged.
Driver Jack Aitken reflected positively on the team’s performance, stating, “Roar week has been good for us… Nothing reliability-wise has gone awry… I’m very confident we’ll be in a good window.”
Upcoming IMSA Technical Symposium
On January 23, IMSA will hold its Technical Symposium at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Hosted by NBC’s Leigh Diffey, the symposium will address advancements in mobility solutions in motorsport with industry leaders from Bosch, GM, Honda Racing, Michelin, and NASA.
New Drivers Selected by Porsche Motorsport North America
Porsche has announced Ryan Yardley and Tom Sargent as their Selected Drivers for 2026. Yardley, who recently claimed the Porsche Carrera Cup North America title, will make his IMSA debut with Mühlner Motorsports, while Sargent will return to Wright Motorsports in the Michelin Endurance Cup. Both drivers expressed enthusiasm about their roles within the Porsche family.
Final Pilot Challenge Test Results
In the Michelin Pilot Challenge final test, the #19 Stephen Cameron Racing Ford Mustang GT4 achieved the fastest time with a lap of 1:53.590, leading a Mustang sweep of the top three positions. The best overall lap of the testing days was set by Morgan Burkhard, who recorded a 1:52.800 in a Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport.
TCR class leader Bryson Morris clocked a 1:58.156 in the #33 Hyundai Elantra N, leading a BHA 1-2 finish.
This weekend’s BMW M Endurance Challenge promises to be an exciting kick-off to the 2026 IMSA racing season.
