IMSA Reinstates WeatherTech Sprint Cup for 2023

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

IMSA has reinstated the WeatherTech Sprint Cup after initially declaring plans to discontinue the series-within-a-series for GTD class competitors next year.

Announced on Thursday as a part of further changes to the sporting regulations within the GTD class, the Sprint Cup will comprise of seven WeatherTech SportsCar Championship races next year that are two hours and 40 minutes in length or shorter.

As has been the case in previous years, WeatherTech Sprint Cup driver, team and manufacturer champions will be honored at season’s end.

One difference from previous years is that there will be no Sprint Cup-only races in 2023. The full WeatherTech Championship GTD schedule includes all 11 races next year.

Within the overall championship, the seven sprint races count toward the Sprint Cup and the four endurance races count toward the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup.

Also confirmed on Thursday were details of the Bob Akin Bronze Cup championship, which will honor the top Bronze-rated drivers in GTD at each race, along with end-of-season recognition as part of the annual WeatherTech Night of Champions celebration and entry into the 2024 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The first 15 minutes of Practice 2 for every WeatherTech Championship race will continue to be reserved for the GTD, LMP2 and LMP3 classes.

For 2023, IMSA will allow a single driver of any categorization – Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum as shown on the FIA Driver Categorization List – to qualify the car to earn starting position and qualifying points.

If a Bronze driver qualifies, they may start the race on any set of tires from the car’s allocation without penalty. Any non-Bronze driver will be required to start on their qualifying tires.

In addition to the overall Bob Akin Bronze Cup championship, IMSA will recognize the top three Bronze-rated finishers in the season standings during WeatherTech Night of Champions.

“Bronze-rated drivers literally make it possible for their teams to go racing – not only in the WeatherTech Championship GTD class, but it many other IMSA classes and series,” said IMSA President John Doonan.

“These drivers provide vital funding for their teams and have provided the backbone of sports car racing throughout its history.

“These enhancements will provide more benefits for Bronze-rated drivers in the GTD class and focus more well-deserved attention on their success in the WeatherTech Championship.”

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