Expanded IMSA-Sanctioned Tests Planned for Next Year

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

IMSA has announced plans to expand its sanctioned testing to all tracks hosting Michelin Endurance Cup rounds next year.

Revealed on Wednesday during the 2027 schedule announcements of both the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge, the sanctioning body has outlined plans to offer five sanctioned tests.

It will begin on Dec. 11-13 for the traditional IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway, while additional dates for the tests at Sebring International Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Road America and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, yet to be confirmed.

The tests, eligible to WeatherTech Championship teams only but not mandatory, have typically been operated on a private basis by APEX ONE in recent years with teams using their allocated test days.

IMSA ran a sanctioned test at Sebring as recently as 2025, which was scheduled in mid-February.

It’s unclear if IMSA will adjust the amount days teams can test outside of the sanctioned tests, or how the expanded sanctioned testing will work into the unified IMSA/FIA/ACO testing protocol for the top Hypercar/GTP classes.

In addition to the sanctioned tests, IMSA confirmed the return of the Roar Before the Rolex 24 for Jan. 22-24, which is mandatory for all WeatherTech Championship competitors.

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