From Autoweek · Jonathan Ingram · · 1m 30s
IMSA Faces GTP Grid Shrinkage
IMSA's GTP grid shrinks as manufacturers pull out, raising questions for 2027 season.
In brief
IMSA's GTP grid shrinks as manufacturers pull out, raising questions for 2027 season. IMSA faces reduced GTP entries and manufacturer withdrawals as it prepares for 2027 season with fewer than 10 premier class cars. Originally reported by Autoweek.
IMSA Grid Shrinks
IMSA's WeatherTech Championship faces a 2027 season with just four GTP manufacturers and fewer than 10 premier class cars.
GTP Manufacturers Withdraw
Ferraris and Toyotas have not shown up for GTP, with Genesis, Ford, and McLaren planning new prototypes for Le Mans and WEC.
Porsche Leaves WEC
Porsche is confining itself to IMSA and will not resume WEC and Le Mans until proposed new rules in 2030.
WEC Hypercar Entries
The WEC will have 18 factory entries in Hypercar class at Le Mans in 2027.
IMSA Show Model
IMSA is a private enterprise owned by the France family where the 'show' has always been the watchword.
Contact Issues
Too much contact and penalties occur in IMSA, as seen in recent races like Road America and Petit Le Mans.
TV Ads Highlight Crashes
IMSA's TV ads show events like Action Express Racing's Cadillac being run off the track by Porsche Penske Motorsport.
Championship Concerns
IMSA officials worry about the 'show' being perceived as unworthy due to contact and full-course cautions.
Jim France's Role
Jim France has built IMSA and LMDh into its current high standing but faces challenges with contact and GTP entries.
The one thing
IMSA faces reduced GTP entries and manufacturer withdrawals as it prepares for 2027 season with fewer than 10 premier class cars.
