IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Prototypes and GT cars, day and night, all on one track.
2026 live
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The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is North America's top sports car racing series. Several classes share the track at once. Sleek prototypes and production-based GT cars run together, so there is always a pass for position somewhere. Drivers share each car and swap during pit stops, which means teamwork, strategy and pit-lane execution count as much as raw speed. Manufacturer pride, close racing and a mix of pro and amateur drivers keep fans coming back.
IMSA, short for International Motor Sports Association, was founded in 1969 by John Bishop with backing from NASCAR's Bill France Sr. It became the home of American GT and prototype racing, with Porsche, Nissan, Toyota, Audi and many others fighting for wins over the decades. The championship fans see today took shape in 2014, when the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am were merged under the IMSA banner. It combined two long-running racing traditions into one series.
How it works
- Multiple classes race on track at the same time, each with its own results and trophies.
- Cars are shared by two or more drivers, who swap in the pits during the race.
- Races are timed rather than set by lap count, from sprints to endurance runs of many hours.
- Strategy decides a lot: fuel stops, tire choices, driver changes and caution timing can swing the result.
2026 schedule
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Showing the most recent and next events. Full calendar: official site.
Fan tips
- Learn the class names and car shapes first. It makes the traffic much easier to follow.
- Bring good ear protection and a scanner or app for timing, so you can track your favorite car.
- At endurance races, walk the circuit. Each corner shows a different side of the race, and so does the paddock.
- Stay for the night hours. Seeing cars with glowing brakes in the dark is a big part of the appeal.
Legends of IMSA
Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.
FAQ
What does IMSA stand for?
It stands for International Motor Sports Association. The group was founded in 1969 and now sanctions top-level sports car racing in North America.
Why do different cars race together?
Multi-class racing puts fast prototypes and slower GT cars on track at once. Each class is scored separately, so you get several races within one event, plus plenty of traffic and passing.
Which races are the most famous?
The Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta are long-standing endurance classics. They are known for their length, their history and their atmosphere.
Do I need to know a lot about cars to enjoy it?
Not at all. Pick a car or a driver, follow them through the pit stops and driver changes, and the story of the race builds quickly. The broadcast and live timing help with the rest.