2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona: IMSA Releases Preliminary Entry List
The anticipation for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona is already building, even though the green flag won’t drop for quite some time. For race fans, the release of the preliminary entry list is like Christmas morning. It’s the first real glimpse at who will be battling for the coveted watches when the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship kicks off its season at the World Center of Racing.
This isn’t just a list of names and numbers. It’s a storyboard for the drama that will unfold over 24 grueling hours. From the top-tier prototypes down to the fierce GT battles, the grid is shaping up to be one of the most competitive we’ve seen in the GTP era. Let’s break down what we know so far and what storylines are already emerging from the garage.
GTP Class: The Clash of Titans
The GTP class remains the crown jewel of IMSA, and 2026 looks no different. The preliminary entry list suggests we are in for a heavy-hitting battle among the manufacturers committed to the LMDh platform. Porsche Penske Motorsport is expected to return with their 963s, looking to maintain the momentum they’ve built over the last few seasons.
Their rivalry with Cadillac Racing remains one of the fiercest in modern sports car racing. Cadillac, with its roaring V8s, brings a visceral excitement to the banking that fans absolutely adore. We also have to keep an eye on Acura and BMW. Both manufacturers have faced their share of reliability gremlins and BOP (Balance of Performance) struggles, but a 24-hour race is the great equalizer.
The preliminary list indicates they are bringing full factory efforts, meaning no one is coming to Daytona just to participate. They are coming to win. The question remains: can the privateer entries in the GTP class, like JDC-Miller or Proton Competition, play spoiler to the factory giants?
LMP2: The Backbone of the Grid
While the GTP cars grab the headlines, the LMP2 class often provides the best wheel-to-wheel racing on the track. This category is a mix of seasoned pros and hungry up-and-comers, all piloting technically identical Oreca 07 chassis. Looking at the entry list, the depth of talent here is staggering.
You have teams like United Autosports and CrowdStrike Racing by APR, who have proven they can execute flawless endurance strategies. The LMP2 class is where races are often won or lost in the pits or during the treacherous night stints. With a massive field expected, traffic management will be a nightmare for the faster prototypes, and the LMP2 drivers will be right in the thick of it.
GTD Pro and GTD: Manufacturer Warfare
If you love production-based racing, the GTD Pro and GTD classes are where your heart lies. This is where Ford, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and Aston Martin go to war. The entry list highlights the continued evolution of the Ford Mustang GT3 and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. These American icons going head-to-head at Daytona is the stuff of legend. But they’ll have to contend with the European powerhouses.
The preliminary list shows strong entries from Pfaff Motorsports (McLaren) and Vasser Sullivan (Lexus), teams that know exactly how to win at Daytona. In GTD Pro, the all-pro driver lineups mean qualifying laps for 24 straight hours. In standard GTD, the Pro-Am dynamic adds a layer of strategy that can flip the race on its head in the final hour.
The Human Element of Endurance Racing
Scanning this entry list, what stands out most isn’t the hardware, but the people. We are seeing legendary drivers potentially returning for “one last go,” alongside teenagers making their Rolex 24 debuts. There is a palpable emotion attached to this race. It’s physically punishing and mentally exhausting.
Drivers will battle sleep deprivation, cold tires in the middle of the night, and the blinding sunrise over Lake Lloyd. The entry list is the first step, but the race itself is a test of human will. Every name on this list is signing up for a marathon that demands sprint speeds.
What to Watch For Next
Remember, this is a preliminary entry list. In the world of motorsport, deals are signed and broken right up until the transporters park in the paddock. We can expect driver announcements to trickle out over the coming weeks, filling in the “TBA” slots next to some car numbers.
As we get closer to the Roar Before the 24, we’ll get a better idea of who has the raw pace and who is sandbagging. But for now, this list gives us plenty to dream about. The road to the 2026 Rolex 24 has officially begun, and if this grid is any indication, we are in for a classic.
