New Teams, Records, and Race-day Drama
Rolex 24 at Daytona 2026: What to Watch on Race Day
The green flag is nearly here, and with it comes the official start of the global motorsports season. Saturday’s 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona marks the opening round of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, bringing endurance racing’s biggest names, newest alliances, and record-chasing veterans to Daytona International Speedway.
Since its first running in 1966, the Rolex 24 has evolved into a world-class motorsport spectacle. This year’s edition features 60 cars, 228 drivers from 32 countries, and 12 automotive manufacturers, all battling across four classes in a full day and night of racing.
New Cars, New Teams, New Alliances
Change is a constant in IMSA, and 2026 delivers plenty of it.
In the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, BMW expands its global Hypercar presence with BMW M Team WRT, fielding two BMW M Hybrid V8 entries across international championships. Porsche Penske Motorsport sharpens its focus on IMSA competition with the No. 6 and No. 7 Porsche 963s, aiming for a third consecutive WeatherTech Championship—and potentially another Rolex 24 victory.
The Roar Before the Rolex 24 test already hinted at Porsche’s strength, with Penske cars topping four of six sessions. BMW also showed flashes of speed, particularly in night practice, suggesting the GTP battle will be anything but predictable.
GTD and GTD PRO: Fresh Faces, Familiar Threats
Several notable shifts headline the GT categories. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing returns to GT competition with the newly formed RLL Team McLaren, campaigning the McLaren 720S GT3 EVO in GTD PRO. Early practice pace indicates the program is already competitive.
Defending GTD PRO champions AO Racing debut a new driver lineup led by Nick Tandy, piloting the instantly recognizable No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R, affectionately known as “Rexy.” Meanwhile, three-time Rolex 24 winners DragonSpeed move to the GTD class with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Stability may also be an advantage. Vasser Sullivan Racing fields two Lexus RC F GT3 entries—one in GTD PRO and one in GTD—as the long-running platform makes what could be its final Daytona appearance in search of an elusive overall Rolex 24 victory.
Proven Partnerships Aim to Strike Early
Not every contender arrives with change. Acura Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing with Cadillac enter their second full seasons back with long-term manufacturer partners. With last year’s growing pains behind them, both programs are expected to be immediate threats.
The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac lineup returns with championship momentum and adds rising star Connor Zilisch, while Aston Martin THOR looks to build on its impressive rookie season despite mechanical challenges during Roar testing ahead of the Valkyrie’s Daytona debut.
LMP2: Execution Is Everything
With the LMP2 category operating as a spec class, success comes down to precision, teamwork, and driver consistency. The razor-thin margins from 2025 suggest another fiercely competitive race, with returning championship contenders and restructured lineups—most notably TDS Racing’s all-new driver roster—ready to challenge for class honours.
Records on the Line at Daytona
Beyond class wins, history is very much in play.
Felipe Nasr enters the weekend chasing a third consecutive Rolex 24 victory, while Scott Dixon, already a four-time winner, looks to add yet another Daytona triumph to his legendary résumé. Motorsport icons Hurley Haywood and Scott Pruett remain the benchmark with five overall wins apiece—records that continue to loom large.
The entry list also features a who’s-who of global racing talent, including IndyCar champions, NASCAR race winners, and international touring car stars, underscoring the Rolex 24’s status as one of motorsport’s most prestigious endurance events.
How to Watch the Rolex 24
The 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona goes green Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on NBC, Peacock, IMSA TV, and YouTube.
One race. One day. Endless storylines. Daytona is ready.
IMAGES: IMSA
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