The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship features two styles of cars – Prototype, which showcases the latest automotive technology and are uniquely designed for the racetrack, and GT, which is based on road-going production models. These two styles of cars make up the series’ four classes – Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) and GT Daytona (GTD).
To help fans follow the on-track action, the WeatherTech Championship uses a Leader Light System. It allows fans to easily identify the position of each car in its respective class. The position of the car is displayed on an LED panel mounted on the side of the car and the color of the LED number corresponds with the class. For instance, an illuminated LED red number 5 on a GTD PRO style car means that car is in 5th position in the GTD PRO class.
Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)
The newest and most technologically advanced Prototype race car took to the track for the first time in 2023, featuring a common hybrid powertrain for all entries that takes kinetic energy gained in braking and stores it in batteries for later use when needed. Six global automotive manufacturers – Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Lamborghini and Porsche – are entered in the class. Each manufacturer developed its own unique internal combustion engine and bodywork styling to take on this cutting-edge challenge.
Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)
The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) is a closed-cockpit car developed by four approved constructors. In addition to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, LMP2 cars are eligible to compete in other global series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO)
GTD PRO, which debuted in 2022, include race cars built to FIA GT3 technical regulations and offers the opportunity for factory teams and driver lineups to compete in the class. Manufacturers competing in this class in 2025 include Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.
GT Daytona (GTD)
The GT Daytona cars are enhanced (not defined by) technology and utilize the global FIA GT3 specification. The GTD class consists of cars from leading manufacturers such as Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.
Since 1962, racing legends from around the world have come to DAYTONA to compete in a grueling 24-hour marathon. The Rolex 24 Hours of DAYTONA is notoriously merciless on both driver and machine as sleep-starved crews perform mechanical miracles. From sunrise to sunset, fans will watch drivers battle an army of rivals that span the auto racing universe in the first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race of the season.
1. Start/Finish Line Perhaps the most famous checkered-line in all of racing, DAYTONA's start-finish provides you with terrific views of the cars as they race for home.
2. FANZONE FanDeck A great place to watch the race is from atop the FANZONE FanDeck, which overlook all of the garages. In addition to an insider birds-eye view of garage activity, you’re in a great location to enjoy frontstretch track action.
3. International Horseshoe This famous turn has been a staple of DAYTONA's 3.56-mile road course since its inception. With a setup of infield bleachers, you can watch much of the early passing as drivers try to navigate the course’s first hairpin turn.
4. Carousel Turn Following the International Horseshoe, this turn begins with a tight hairpin turns and ends with drivers having to negotiate a sharp left turn in order to get back on the high banks. You can also find plentiful bleacher seating in this part of the infield.
5. Ferris Wheel At 150-feet, the highest Ferris Wheel on the East Coast gives you unmatched views of the on-track action. You’ll have a beautiful 360-degree view of the entire track and will be able to see the Atlantic Ocean from your high perch.
6. Pit Road Patio Be in the heart of the action! This unique viewpoint is offered as a two-day admission package overlooking pit road and DAYTONA's frontstretch. Garage access, food and beverages on Saturday, giveaways and infield parking are included.
7. Lake Lloyd Nestled amid the high-banked turns and perpetual infield activities sits 29-acre Lake Lloyd. Grab some food at the concessions and take it out to Lake Lloyd to sit shore side and watch the cars blur over the horizon of the lake. The intensity of the race mixed with the placid atmosphere of the water surely makes for an unique combination unlike anything else in motorsports.
8. Sprint FANZONE By walking up to the gates in the Sprint FANZONE you are located a mere 10-15 feet behind the pits. Observe as teams fight fatigue in order work together to perform mechanical miracles on cars that need to race for 24 consecutive hours. This is the spot where you’re right on top of the action. You can hear the growl of the engines, see the track kick up rubber from the tires and feel the energy of race teams going all out for the win.
9. The Kink The infield kink is the part of the Daytona International Speedway course that connects the two horseshoe turns. As a driver exits the International horseshoe turn, the asphalt makes a slight kink to the left before the west horseshoe turn. Grab a spot on the infield grandstands and watch cars attempt bold passes as the infield course begins.
10. Stadium Seating The brand new seats, concessions and neighborhoods are NOW OPEN at the Daytona International Speedway! We have approximately 40,000 wider and more comfortable seats available along with two of the five injectors/entrances ready for use with breathtaking views. Don’t miss the opportunity to be some of the first fans to sit in our new seats and experience the brand new amenities.
Portable Radio Tune into WNDB in Daytona Beach for the MRN broadcast. Hearing the action will help you to figure out who is driving in what cars and how to distinguish between classes. In addition, download the IMSA app for access live timing and scoring. Twitter is another great place to get up to the minute information from the speedway, teams and drivers.
Dress in Layers Weather is always great for the 24; however, since you’re here for 24 hours the weather does fluctuate a bit throughout the day and night. Expect temperatures to move anywhere between the low-50’s and low-70’s. Recommendations are to bring clothing that can be easily removed or added in order to keep you comfortable during any time of day.
Binoculars While you will be very close to the racing actions and certainly don’t need them, a pair of binoculars will come in handy if you want to focus on a specific group of drivers on a certain part of the 3.56-mile course. As the sun sets, you’ll be able to use the binoculars to keep tabs on race positions via the LED panels on the front and sides of each car.
Comfortable Shoes With so much to do and so much to see a comfortable pair of shoes will be your best friend for this event.
Ear Plugs If you’re sitting in the front few rows, it’s a good bet that things will get rather noisy. Bring along a pair of ear plugs so you can enjoy the race at a comfortable decibel level.
Sunscreen Even in January, this is the Sunshine State. Sitting out and watching racing all day will definitely attract some rays and while you want a nice tan, make sure you keep your skin protected.
Sharpie and Memorabilia You’ll have a chance to meet all of your favorite drivers and collect signatures in a giant autograph session held in the Sprint FANZONE. Bring anything and everything you’d like to get signed as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
GRM Experience at the Rolex 24 Schedule Announced
This weekend the Rolex 24 takes over Daytona International Speedway as IMSA kicks of its 2018 season. We will once again welcome all to our big Grassroots Motorsports Experience tent, right on the shores of Lake Lloyd. Look for it just west of the Ferris wheel. The Rolex 24 weekend is pure sensory overload, so we made a schedule just for you that includes all of the happenings at the Grassroots Motorsports Experience. Note that our dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings on Friday night is open to everyone, whether they have a ticket or not.
Daytona Classic 24 Cars & Coffee Parade Lap