IMSA Working to Add Torque Sensors to GTD Classes in 2025

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

IMSA is working to implement torque sensors into the GTD Pro and GTD classes of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year as part of a “significant technical regulations change” for the production-based classes according to it senior technical director Matt Kurdock.

The development, which became public during a media roundtable session with IMSA competition and technical leadership figures, would see the sanctioning body follow the lead of the FIA World Endurance Championship, which debuted torque sensors on its new-for-2024 LMGT3 category this year.

The sensors were first introduced in the WEC’s Hypercar category in 2021 and have since been utilized on all LMH and LMDh prototypes as a means to more accurately regulate power output and is also directly tied to Balance of Performance.

“In 2025 we’re looking at some significant technical regulation changes for the GTD and GTD Pro classes with the introduction of torque sensors in similar to what’s been done in LMGT3,” Kurdock told reporters.

“I think the opportunity to not only make sure the technology is integrated correctly with IMSA’s electronics and the car but to also get some sample data on the cars in controlled conditions is something we’d very much like to do.

“But we’re still checking on the feasibility of doing that.”

When asked by Sportscar365 on whether the sensors will definitely be outfitted on the cars next year, Kurdock said: “That is something we’re working with the GTD manufacturer group with right now, is pushing forward to work on updating the technical regulations with that equipment.

“I think we’ve had a very positive experience with it in GTP.

“Not only in the ability to control power with a common methodology and a common measurement but also to implement things like virtual energy, which allows for, we believe, a better competitive equivalency between the different powertrain architectures and the ability to basically getting more equivalency on giving up pace for gaining stint length.”

Kurdock said they’re still working through details on the technical overhaul and whether they would run identical systems to what’s currently used in the WEC and European Le Mans Series’ LMGT3 category.

It’s understood the torque sensors are currently only available by a single supplier.

“Those are details we’re still working through,” Kurdock said.

“We recognize that we have a very open dialogue with the FIA and ACO on the performance group, from our side, and the performance group from their side are constantly exchanging information on what we see in our respective championships.

“Certainly there would be a lot of positives in using similar technology and methods to continue that.

“We’re still working through the details of the GTD and GTD Pro technical evolution for 2025 with our manufacturer group and we’ll probably have more information that we can share in a few months.”

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