Rahal Outlines “Intention” to Remain in IMSA for 2026

Photo: BMW

Bobby Rahal has outlined his “intention” for Team RLL to remain in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year, with the squad currently in discussions with multiple manufacturers for a potential GTD Pro program, or a fallback LMP2 effort.

The Indianapolis-based team, which sees its 17-year factory partnership with BMW come to an end following Saturday’s Motul Petit Le Mans, is understood to have held discussions with multiple GT3 manufacturers, including McLaren and Lamborghini, for possible works-supported programs next year.

It comes despite Team RLL not appearing on the 2026 WeatherTech Championship entry list that was released earlier today.

Sportscar365 understands that IMSA has held left several places open for additional entries that could be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“We’ve spoken to IMSA and it’s certainly our intention to remain in IMSA,” Rahal told Sportscar365. “We may know in the next week or two, in what capacity in IMSA, which category.

“But it’s certainly our intention to remain in IMSA because that’s a series I love. For me personally and professionally, sports cars have been a big part of my life and my career.

“We’ve had discussions with numerous manufacturers since we were informed that we would no longer be continuing with BMW [in GTP].

“I still think there’s some possibilities. We’re not there yet. But we’re working hard to try to put something together.”

With no options to remain in the GTP class as a factory team, Rahal has set his sights on GTD Pro, although hasn’t also ruled out a LMP2 effort if a deal with a manufacturer doesn’t come together.

“At this point, I don’t think there’s any GTP factory deals available but that’s alright,” he said. “We came from GTLM and that’s great racing.

“There’s a lot on the line in those programs on behalf of the companies that are participating.

“If it’s not with a manufacturer, although being with a manufacturer would be my first priority, then I like the LMP2 class. I think it’s a great category.

“That would be nice to be involved in. We’ve got some really strong people on the team, John Hennek, who is our technical director on the IMSA side, ex-Ganassi Ford GT program, etc.

“We’ve got good people. I think we can provide some real value for somebody who wants to go sports car racing.”

Rahal said he believes his team would be able to bring a significant amount of expertise to a manufacturer program, given its long-standing partnership with BMW.

“I really do think that having a relationship like we did with BMW over many years helped us as a team, across all lines, not just IMSA but even IndyCar,” he said.

“I think we have a good feel for what manufacturers are looking for in a racing program because that’s a little bit different than what you see with an independent or amateur team.

“Selfishly for us, it’s great to be involved with a manufacturer because we learn a lot of things and it improves us but I think we can also bring value to any program as well. That’s something of great interest to us.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John