Doonan: IMSA Could Tweak GTP Rules Post-2029

IMSA could introduce changes to its GTP technical regulations beyond the class’ current homologation cycle that is set to end in 2029, although Series President John Doonan stressed that it remains a “100 percent”committed to convergence with the ACO.

On Friday, the ACO confirmed that it will extend its own homologation cycle for its Hypercar category to 2032, adding three further years to a ruleset that was already increased by several years previously.

When the initial expansion of the homologation cycle to 2029 was confirmed ahead of last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, IMSA quickly followed in the ACO’s footsteps and did the same for the GTP class that headlines the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

This time round, however, Doonan did not immediately publicly commit to a like-for-like extension to 2032, instead indicating IMSA is wishing to pursue its own “very clear definition” about the ruleset for the GTP class beyond 2029.

“I think we’re committing that convergence will continue,” Doonan said.

“I think what we need to do was the way we got to today. Get all the manufacturers around the table, have open discussions about what that looks like, define styling and ICE engine and hybrid and all the things that have made what we’re experiencing today so special.

“So in the coming weeks and months, we’re going to put a very clear definition around that, hopefully by the end of the calendar year, if not certainly before the Rolex 24 in January 2026.”

When pressed on whether that means could introduce its own tweaks that would see IMSA deviate from the ACO, Doonan replied: “Could be,” although he did not offer any details on what such changes would be.

“The goal would be sometime after the current extension, 2029 is what we’re good through,” he said.

“But given the feedback from our our stakeholders, we want to set the timing that allows for everyone that’s currently here to stay and for those that are coming in to know what to plan for.”

When asked whether Doonan intends for IMSA to remain aligned to the ACO despite these potential changes, he replied: “Hundred percent.”

“We’ll see where we end up, but the goal is to remain in a converged status for a long time to come.”

IMSA and the ACO announced on Friday an extension of its strategic alliance, securing its continuation through at least the end of 2032.

John Dagys contributed to this report