IMSA Shifts VIR Date Back One Week to Aug. 26-28

Officials from the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) today announced a modification to its 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship scheduled aimed at maximizing benefits for all stakeholders.

The date for the Oak Tree Grand Prix at VIRginia International Raceway has been moved back one week from its originally announced weekend to avoid a conflict with the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The new date for the WeatherTech Championship race at VIR – which again will be a showcase for the GT Le Mans (GTLM) and GT Daytona (GTD) classes – is Sunday, Aug. 28.

“This slight alteration to our 2016 IMSA WeatherTech Championship schedule was necessary and was made possible through outstanding collaboration among many different entities,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton.

“We are grateful to all those involved for their cooperation. Removing the date conflict with the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion was vital to ensuring strong activation from stakeholders who have expressed interest in participating in both events.”

“We always strive to be great partners and, when this conflict came to light, we were open to looking at options” added VIRginia International Raceway Owner and CEO, Connie Nyholm.

“While date equity is important, with more series/OEM activation at our IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event, the fans will be the ultimate winners. That’s what we all want.”

This schedule alteration also made it possible for live FS1 television coverage of the Oak Tree Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 28. Complete television broadcast details for the 2016 WeatherTech Championship will be announced at a later date.

Several 2016 WeatherTech Championship competitors currently are participating in a two-day, IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway.

The 2016 season opens with the 54th Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31, 2016. It will be the first event to be held in the new Daytona International Speedway motorsports stadium after the completion of the $400 million DAYTONA Rising project.