IMSA Prepares for a Major Comeback at Road America
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is set to make a notable return to Road America, with a compelling lineup of 54 entries for its upcoming six-hour race. This isn't just another weekend event; it marks a significant moment for both drivers and fans alike. Road America is known for its challenging layout and scenic views, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts. What’s especially intriguing is the sheer number of entries, underscoring the event's appeal and the keen interest from teams. A competition with 54 entries promises fierce battles on the track, providing plenty of action for spectators. If you're involved in this sector, be prepared for a weekend filled with high-stakes racing and incredible skill on full display. Check out the full entry list for the next round of the championship at Road America. It’ll provide insight into which teams and drivers are ready to make their mark in this exciting showcase. This level of participation indicates that Road America can expect a thrilling atmosphere, as teams vie for top honors in one of the sport's prominent events. In the lead-up to the race, questions arise around how this entry count will impact performance and strategy. Will the competition be a showcase of dominance from certain teams, or could underdogs surprise everyone? This race isn't just another date on the calendar; it’s a crucial chapter in the championship narrative, illustrating the tremendous enthusiasm surrounding endurance racing. Mark your calendars for this exciting event; it’s shaping up to be one for the ages.The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is about to take over Road America, transforming the historic track into a battleground over the long weekend of July 30 through August 2. This year, the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix gains new prominence, morphing from a familiar format into a true endurance test with a grueling six-hour race slated to unfold across the scenic terrain of “America’s National Park of Speed.”
Road America’s reputation isn’t built overnight; its roots trace back to 1956, where it hosted its first six-hour race—a tradition that's taken on fresh energy as this classic venue embraces the 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. Since 2014, this venue has predominantly featured sprint races, but the current adjustment marks a pivotal moment in its storied history.
This year’s event is poised to attract a packed field of 54 cars across four classes. Participants will navigate the challenging 4.048-mile, 14-turn course divided into the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), and GT Daytona (GTD) categories—providing a canvas for intense competition.
Notably, the expanded race duration has sparked interest among teams, with LMP2 welcoming back Era Motorsport, Intersport Racing, and JDC-Miller MotorSports into the fold. The GTD PRO class sees the entry of endurance-specific teams like Risi Competizione and Triarsi Competizione, elevating the stakes further as drivers prepare for a day filled with strategic depth and high-velocity racing.
Tension is in the air as championship standings are tight across all divisions. The GTP class showcases fierce competition, particularly for the #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R, which is riding high on a streak of podium finishes—six in a row, to be exact. In the GTD PRO category, 2025 victors Paul Miller Racing are leading the pack by a significant 108 points, yet the battle for the next positions remains tightly contested, with just 60 points separating the second-placed contender from the sixth.
Moreover, LMP2 also remains within striking distance; a mere 113 points separate the top four teams, making every lap critical. In the GTD class, Eduardo “Dudu” Barrichello finds himself in the spotlight, looking to fend off challengers while maintaining his lead after a recent hard-fought sixth place at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. All these dynamics set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling race experience.
Fans can catch the action live on Peacock, with streaming coverage kicking off at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 2, leading into the race start at 11:40 a.m. ET.
Entry List Overview
| CLASS | CAR NO. | DRIVERS | TEAM | CAR | ENGINE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTP | 5 | Tijmen van der Helm, Laurin Heinrich, Kaylen Frederick | JDC-Miller MotorSports | Porsche 963 | Porsche |
| GTP | 6 | Laurens Vanthoor, Kevin Estre | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Porsche 963 | Porsche |
| GTP | 10 | Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque | Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing | Cadillac V-Series.R | Cadillac |
| LMP2 | 2 | Phil Fayer, Hunter McElrea, Mikkel Jensen | United Autosports USA | ORECA LMP2 07 | Gibson |
| GTD Pro | 1 | Neil Verhagen, Connor De Phillippi | Paul Miller Racing | BMW M4 GT3 EVO | BMW |
| GTD | 27 | Dudu Barrichello, Tom Gamble, Zacharie Robichon | Heart of Racing Team | Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo | Aston Martin |