2026 IMSA Rolex 24 At DAYTONA | Automotive Experience
Endurance Racing
2026 IMSA Rolex 24 At DAYTONA
Daytona Beach, Florida, United States of America2026-01-21 to 2026-01-25
About This Event
North America's most prestigious sports car race, held since 1962 on the 2.5-mile, 31-degree-banked tri-oval Bill France Sr. built at Daytona International Speedway — extended to 24 hours in 1966. Sixty cars across four classes run the 3.56-mile sports car course layout combining high-speed banking with technical infield sections, with teams rotating three to five drivers through day and night.
What to Expect
HSR IMSA Classic tribute race on Saturday morning featuring historic Daytona entries from 1990-2010
Sixty cars competing across four classes: GTP, LMP2, GTD PRO, and GTD
Pre-race pit walk on Saturday lets spectators approach cars and watch driver introductions
Paddock and garage access included in general admission with Friday autograph sessions
BMW M Endurance Challenge support race runs Friday afternoon
Best Way to Experience It
Sections 380s in upper grandstand near Turn 1 offer complete circuit views
General admission permits unrestricted movement between grandstand and infield viewing areas
Good to Know
Free parking available for most Daytona speedway events
Re-entry permitted throughout event by scanning ticket out and back in
Soft-sided coolers permitted up to 14x14x14 inches; bags up to 18x18x14 inches
Shuttle service connects paddock, grandstand, and infield campgrounds during event
Daytona Beach experiences mild winter weather in late January
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value championship significance — IMSA season opener and unofficial Triple Crown leg alongside Le Mans and Sebring, first major North American automobile race of the year, 64th running since 1962.
Best fit if you enjoy multi-class racing — Four classes (GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro, GTD) with 60 cars and 220+ drivers racing simultaneously, teams rotate 3-5 drivers across 24-hour strategy battles on 3.56-mile combined road course.
Best fit if you like festival environments — Four-day event with garage tours, driver autograph sessions, paddock access throughout weekend, 180,000+ attendees create energetic atmosphere beyond trackside viewing, 31-degree banking transitions to 70-mph infield chicanes.
Not ideal if you prefer sprint racing formats — 24-hour continuous format with overnight racing sessions emphasizes endurance strategy and driver rotation rather than shorter sprint races with multiple standing starts.