IMSA Delays Launch of BMW M2 Racing Class to COTA

Image: BMW

IMSA, following joint communication with BMW M Motorsport, has delayed the start of the BMW M2 Racing class in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge’s Airbnb Endurance Challenge to the second scheduled race of the season at Circuit of The Americas.

Announced on Monday, it represents a one-race delay, with the Airbnb Endurance Challenge set to kick off at Sebring International Raceway on March 6-8, which will now only be eligible to LMP3 machinery.

The M2 Racing’s debut is now anticipated for the second round at COTA on May 8-10 in order to ” ensure teams are ready for endurance racing with proper testing of the brand-new cars and drivers to IMSA” according to a statement released by the sanctioning body.

“To set the stage for a strong launch, teams will benefit from a streamlined operating budget in the inaugural year, thanks to the removal of one endurance event from the schedule,” the statement continued.

“This refined opening‑season calendar is a strategic, proactive move designed to build a sustainable, fiercely competitive, and thrilling championship for the long term.”

Additionally, it was announced on Monday that the top-three finishers in the class championship standings will earn an exclusive GT4 test day at The BMW Performance Center at The Thermal Club.

“By working closely with BMW and our stakeholders, we’ve identified that the second Airbnb Endurance Challenge Event at COTA provides the most stable and competitive environment for the introduction of the BMW M2 Racing into IMSA endurance racing,” said IMSA President John Doonan.

“We appreciate BMW’s dedication to delivering a world-class racing product.”

The Airbnb Endurance Challenge events consist of two-driver, two-hour races.

The revised three-race schedule for the M2 Racing class now features the race at COTA, Virginia International Raceway on June 19-21 and Road America on Aug. 14-16.

IMSA is evaluating the potential to make up the fourth event later in the season.

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