IMSA Commences 2026 Season Preparations During November Test at Daytona International Speedway
Things may have gone quiet for the 2025 season, but the roar is already building for 2026. This isn’t just any offseason lull. This is the calm before the storm. The IMSA paddock is descending upon the high banks of Daytona International Speedway for a crucial three-day test from November 14-16.
It’s our first real look at the battle lines being drawn for the upcoming IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For the teams, the drivers, and the fans, this is where the Rolex 24 at Daytona begins. The air in Daytona Beach is thick with anticipation. With 38 cars slated to hit the track, this is more than a shakedown.
It’s a statement of intent. We’re talking new teams, new cars, and new driver lineups all converging on the world center of racing. It’s a tantalizing preview of the machinery and talent that will fight for glory in just a few short months.
GTP: Unleashing the Beasts with New Tricks
The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class is where legends are forged, and all 11 full-season monsters are here to play. Porsche Penske Motorsport and JDC-Miller are rolling out their trio of 963s, while Cadillac is bringing the thunder with three V-Series.Rs from Wayne Taylor Racing and Whelen Engineering.
Not to be outdone, Acura Meyer Shank Racing is unleashing its two ARX-06s, and the stunning Aston Martin Valkyrie from THOR Team is ready to scream down the straights. But the real story is the arrival of the BMW M Team WRT.
After a long and storied history with other manufacturers, the legendary Belgian squad is bringing two BMW M Hybrid V8s to the party, packed with a roster of factory talent that should have every other team on high alert.
The Manufacturer Component
This test is also the first opportunity for manufacturers to deploy their “evo jokers,” strategic updates designed to enhance performance and reliability throughout the car’s lifespan. What exactly are they tweaking?
They’re keeping their cards close to their chest, but you can bet every team will be watching their rivals with eagle eyes, looking for any hint of a new competitive edge. And let’s talk about the names behind the wheel.
A Star-Studded Entry List
The entry list is a who’s who of global motorsport royalty. IndyCar stars like Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, and Alex Palou are trading their open-wheelers for prototypes.
Endurance legends like Scott Dixon are back, and we’re getting a glimpse of the future with young guns like Connor Zilisch and Colton Herta strapping into these high-downforce machines.
Herta, fresh off his IMSA endurance wins and with his sights set on F1, will be one to watch in the No. 40 WTR Cadillac. These sessions are critical for dialing in setups and building the chemistry needed to survive 24 hours of grueling racing.
GTD Pro and GTD: A Battleground of New and Evolved Machinery
If GTP is about raw, hybrid power, the GT classes are a showcase of brand warfare, and this year, the battleground has been completely redrawn. In GTD Pro, all eyes are on the debut of Pfaff Motorsports’ stunning new No. 9 Lamborghini Temerario GT3.
The “Plaid Piper” crew is known for wringing every last tenth out of their machinery, and their development work on this Huracan successor will be vital for Lamborghini’s global ambitions.
The drama doesn’t stop there. After a 17-year partnership with BMW, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is starting a new chapter, testing the No. 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO. It’s a massive shift for the iconic team, and their ability to get up to speed quickly will be a key storyline.
Winward Racing Steps Up
Also stepping up to the big leagues is Winward Racing, bringing their championship-winning Mercedes-AMG program into the GTD Pro class. And just to add another layer of intrigue, Manthey Racing is making its full-season debut with a brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 R, representing the next evolution of the legendary 992 platform.
Down in GTD, the field is just as fierce. AF Corse is rolling out an updated Evo package for its Michelin Endurance Cup-winning Ferrari 296. At the same time, Myers Riley Motorsports gives the formidable new Ford Mustang GT3 its first taste of Daytona’s high banks. Fresh off a Michelin Pilot Challenge title, RS1 is also stepping up with a new Porsche, ready to prove they belong with the GTD elite.
Final Thoughts
This November test at Daytona is where the stories of the 2026 season begin to be written. It’s about more than just lap times. It’s about new beginnings, reignited rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The road to the Rolex 24 starts now.
