IMSA SHATTERS RECORDS: 61 CAR GRID READY FOR 2026 DAYTONA 24!
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showdown as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has officially unveiled its entry list for the highly anticipated Rolex 24 at Daytona! With a staggering 61 entries, this year marks an electrifying fifth consecutive occasion that IMSA has hit the maximum capacity. Racing enthusiasts, buckle up—this is set to be a spectacle like no other!
From January 16-18, all eyes will be on the iconic Daytona International Speedway as teams gear up for the Roar Before the 24, leading into the ultimate endurance race weekend from January 22-25. This year’s entry list features an impressive variety of classes: 11 fierce competitors in GTP (Grand Touring Prototype), 14 in LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2), 15 in GTD Pro (Grand Touring Daytona Pro), and a staggering 21 in GTD (Grand Touring Daytona).
What’s even more thrilling? A dozen renowned manufacturers are ready to battle it out, including automotive giants like Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. This diverse lineup guarantees an exhilarating clash of speed, skill, and engineering prowess!
The star-studded driver roster is set to ignite the track, featuring powerhouse names from across the motorsport spectrum. Leading the charge is none other than Alex Palou, the four-time IndyCar Series champion and defending Indianapolis 500 victor, who will pilot the No. 93 Acura ARX-06 in the GTP class alongside Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly. Not to be outdone, six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon joins forces with NASCAR sensation AJ Allmendinger in the Acura’s No. 60 sister car.
In a historic first, Will Power, a two-time IndyCar Series champion and 2018 Indy 500 winner, is set to make his Daytona 24 debut behind the wheel of the No. 75 Mercedes AMG GT3 for 75 Express in GTD Pro. Add to that the formidable presence of former Indy 500 champion Marcus Ericsson, and you’ve got a recipe for a mind-blowing race!
Five-time IndyCar race winner Kyle Kirkwood is also back in action with Vasser Sullivan’s Lexus squad in GTD Pro. Formula 1 is represented too, with reserves Frederik Vesti (Mercedes-AMG) and Colton Herta (Cadillac) in the No. 31 Whelen and No. 40 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.Rs, respectively. The roster of former F1 driver Kevin Magnussen, who will take the wheel of the No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8, adds even more star power to this already electrifying lineup.
The last decade has seen fierce competition for the overall victory at Daytona, with Cadillac clinching four consecutive wins from 2017-20, followed by Acura’s three wins from 2021-23, and Porsche taking home the trophy in the last two years. The GTD Pro class, characterized by its unpredictability, witnessed wins from Porsche in 2022, Mercedes-AMG in 2023, Ferrari in 2024, and Ford in 2025—each manufacturer eyeing the coveted title in 2026.
A standout contender to watch is AO Racing’s “Rexy,” driven by Nicky Tandy, the reigning Daytona 24 overall winner with Porsche Penske Motorsport. Tandy will share the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R with Harry King and Alessio Picariello, promising a fierce challenge.
With over 20 competitors in GTD, the class is a melting pot of talent and ambition, and the last four years have seen winners switch from Porsche (2022) to Aston Martin (2023), then to Mercedes-AMG (2024), and Chevrolet (2025). Defending class champions AWA have rebranded to 13 Autosport, retaining three of their victorious drivers from last year—Orey Fidani, Matt Bell, and Lars Kern—while welcoming newcomer Ben Green in the No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Additionally, Ford’s revamped No. 16 Myers Riley Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3 will feature ex-F1 and IndyCar driver Romain Grosjean among its drivers. With no single manufacturer dominating the field, the competition is wide open, ensuring a thrilling race for fans and drivers alike!
As anticipation builds for this monumental event, fans are left wondering: who will emerge victorious in the 2026 Daytona 24? Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of racing as history awaits at the legendary Daytona International Speedway!
