IMSA Enters “Another Golden Era” as John Doonan Reflects on 2025 Momentum and an Electrifying 2026 O
During Race Industry Week, John Doonan, President of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), delivered an in-depth look at the current state and future direction of North America’s premier sports car sanctioning body. With the countdown clock already showing just 47 days until the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Doonan described an IMSA organization riding unprecedented momentum across manufacturers, competitors, fans, and partners.
“What we experienced in 2025 was electrifying,” Doonan said. “There’s so much energy in the paddock and on the grid walk. The momentum just kept building all year—and now we’re already staring at the start of another season.”
A Stacked and Evolving GTP Golden Era
IMSA’s flagship GTP class remains one of the most competitive and technologically advanced categories in global motorsport. Doonan confirmed that the grid will once again be stacked with powerhouse manufacturers in 2026:
- Porsche Penske Motorsport returning with factory support
- WRT entering IMSA full-time with BMW
- Meyer Shank Racing fielding two Acura ARX-06 entries
- Cadillac returning strong with multiple entries
- The Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar, fresh off a podium at Motul Petit Le Mans
- Rising young talent including Connor Zilisch testing in the top category
- Veteran stars such as AJ Allmendinger returning to prototype competition
IMSA’s carefully managed LMDh–LMH convergence continues to allow FIA Hypercar entries to compete directly with LMDh machinery.
“Back in 2020, we made a commitment that both platforms could coexist and be balanced—and we’ve stayed true to that,” Doonan explained. “We hope to welcome more LMH manufacturers like Ferrari, Toyota, and Peugeot in the future.”
Looking ahead, IMSA is also preparing for the anticipated arrival of Ford, Genesis, and McLaren into the top category around 2027.
Manufacturer Engagement at an All-Time High
IMSA now boasts 18 active automotive manufacturers across its sanctioned championships, a number that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
“A few years ago we could’ve had a table for four in the hotel restaurant—that’s how many OEMs were involved,” Doonan joked. “Today, a challenging day could put you 10th or 11th in class. That’s how deep the field is.”
Beyond competition, IMSA has become a powerful global marketing and technology platform for manufacturers:
- Nine OEMs hosted large consumer activations at Motul Petit Le Mans
- Several manufacturers conducted ride-and-drive programs alongside IMSA events
- Road-to-race technology relevance remains central to IMSA’s DNA
“We have truly become a new-era auto show,” Doonan said. “These cars are battling on track, but also in the marketplace for share of mind with consumers.”
GT Racing Thrives with New Global Debuts
IMSA’s GTD and GTD PRO landscape continues to expand with major developments for 2026:
- Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) returns to IMSA competition with McLaren
- Lamborghini’s all-new GT3 program will make its global race debut at Sebring
- FAF Motorsports and Lamborghini deepen their partnership
- Expanded McLaren presence strengthens the GT paddock
“GT racing has become the bridge between race fans and showroom floors,” Doonan said. “Manufacturers are unveiling road cars at IMSA races. That connection has never been stronger.”
LMP2: A Global Hotbed of Competition
IMSA’s LMP2 category has evolved into what many now consider an unofficial world championship for the class, with grids growing to 12–14 cars.
“A few years ago, we barely had enough cars for a podium,” Doonan noted. “Now the class is thriving.”
Programs such as PR1/Mathiasen with Brian Herta Autosport involvement, and AO Racing’s championship-winning efforts, highlight how LMP2 serves as both a competitive destination and a development pipeline toward GTP.
Stability and Strategic Growth for the 2026 Calendar
IMSA’s long-term event and broadcast partnerships allow the sanctioning body to plan two to three seasons ahead:
- 2026 calendar announced nearly a year in advance
- 2027 calendar planned for announcement at Sebring 2026
- Strong partnerships with NBC, WeatherTech, Michelin, and VP Racing Fuels
- Michelin Endurance Cup expanded to five major endurance events
A major calendar highlight for 2026 includes moving the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup race from Indianapolis to Road America, creating a six-hour endurance showcase at one of America’s most iconic road courses.
“Stability is the key,” Doonan said. “But we also want to keep things fresh for the fans.”
Endurance Racing DNA Remains IMSA’s Cornerstone
At a time when many racing series are shortening race formats, IMSA is leaning fully into its endurance identity with the Rolex 24, Sebring 12, six-hour races, and more.
“The variety of race lengths gives fans a full-length motion picture one weekend and a short story the next,” Doonan said. “That diversity is captivating.”
From 100-minute sprint formats to 24-hour marathons, Doonan emphasized IMSA’s commitment to being a test bed for manufacturers and a showcase for technical resilience under extreme conditions.
A Complete Motorsport Development Ladder
IMSA now operates one of the most comprehensive development ladders in global motorsport, spanning from single-make championships to top-level prototypes, including:
- Mazda MX-5 Cup
- Michelin Pilot Challenge
- VP Racing SportsCar Challenge
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo
- Ferrari Challenge
- Mustang Challenge
- Porsche Carrera Cup & Porsche Supercup
“We sketched out a clear ladder where drivers, engineers, mechanics, teams, and PR professionals could all find a path to the top,” Doonan said. “Today, that pipeline is fully alive.”
Teams continue to advance through these ranks into WeatherTech competition, reinforcing IMSA’s ecosystem as both a professional destination and a talent incubator.
Looking Ahead: A Global Future Built on Stability and Innovation
With GTP at capacity, GT racing expanding, and manufacturers lining up across every category, IMSA enters 2026 positioned as one of the strongest sports car championships in the world.
“We’re in another golden era,” Doonan concluded. “The grids are full, the manufacturers are fully engaged, the fans are energized, and the racing has never been stronger.”
As the countdown to the Rolex 24 continues, IMSA stands ready to launch another season that will further cement its status as the global standard in North American sports car racing.
