IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship

IMSA MICHELIN ENDURANCE CUP

58 HOURS OF SPEED, SKILL, HEARTBREAK AND TRIUMPH

The IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup is a unique five-race competition encompassing the marquee endurance races on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule.

Points System

The winners in each of the five classes (Grand Touring Prototype, Le Mans Prototype 2, GT Daytona Pro and GT Daytona) are awarded points at specific intervals for drivers, teams and manufacturers.

ROUND 1 - For the Rolex 24 At Daytona, points are awarded at six hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and at the finish.

ROUND 2 - At the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, points are awarded at four hours, eight hours and at the finish.

ROUND 3 - At the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, points are awarded at three hours and at the finish.

ROUND 4 - At the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix, points are awarded at three hours and at the finish.

ROUND 5 - At Motul Petit Le Mans, points are awarded at four hours, eight hours and at the finish.

WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP THE CLASSES

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship features two styles of cars – Prototype, which showcases the latest automotive technology and are uniquely designed for the racetrack, and GT, which is based on road-going production models. These two styles of cars make up the series’ four classes – Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) and GT Daytona (GTD).

To help fans follow the on-track action, the WeatherTech Championship uses a Leader Light System. It allows fans to easily identify the position of each car in its respective class. The position of the car is displayed on an LED panel mounted on the side of the car and the color of the LED number corresponds with the class. For instance, an illuminated LED red number 5 on a GTD PRO style car means that car is in 5th position in the GTD PRO class.

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

The newest and most technologically advanced Prototype race car took to the track for the first time in 2023, featuring a common hybrid powertrain for all entries that takes kinetic energy gained in braking and stores it in batteries for later use when needed. Six global automotive manufacturers – Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Lamborghini and Porsche – are entered in the class. Each manufacturer developed its own unique internal combustion engine and bodywork styling to take on this cutting-edge challenge.

Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)

The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) is a closed-cockpit car developed by four approved constructors. In addition to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, LMP2 cars are eligible to compete in other global series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO)

GTD PRO, which debuted in 2022, include race cars built to FIA GT3 technical regulations and offers the opportunity for factory teams and driver lineups to compete in the class. Manufacturers competing in this class in 2025 include Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.

GT Daytona (GTD)

The GT Daytona cars are enhanced (not defined by) technology and utilize the global FIA GT3 specification. The GTD class consists of cars from leading manufacturers such as Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.

GTP

LMP2

GTD Pro

GTD

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a premier sports car racing series in North America, organized by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). It features a diverse range of manufacturers and teams competing in various classes, showcasing a mix of prototypes and production-based sports cars.

Key Features

• Classes: The championship includes multiple classes such as DPi (Daytona Prototype international), LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2), GTLM (Grand Touring Le Mans), and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).

• Events: The series consists of several endurance races throughout the season, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

• Manufacturers: Many well-known automotive manufacturers participate, including Acura, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Porsche, and BMW.

History

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has its roots in the 1971 formation of IMSA. Over the years, it has evolved through various formats and regulations, culminating in the current structure that began in 2014.

Season Structure

• Championship Duration: The season typically runs from January to October.

• Points System: Teams earn points based on their finishing position in each race, contributing to both driver and team championships.

Conclusion

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship continues to attract fans and participants with its thrilling races, technological advancements, and rich history in motorsport.