New-Look VP Racing Challenge Format, 2027 Schedule Released

IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge will shift entirely to an endurance format next year, with most races set to be contested during USAC weekends in 2027.

Confirmed on Saturday, the series, which was split between two 45-minute sprint races and an endurance component known as the Airbnb Endurance Challenge this year, will combine into a single format of races ranging from 90 minutes to three hours in length.

The move comes after lower-than-expected car counts in both segments, with the new-look series set to formally drop GT3-spec machinery, which raced for a single season in 2025 as the GTDX class but did not feature any entries this year.

Additionally, second-generation LMP3 machinery will no longer be allowed, with only the new-for-2025 Toyota-powered machinery eligible in the top class. The two specs of prototypes ran together this year as part of a grandfathering period.

LMP3 will again be joined by the GSX class for SRO GT4-homologated machinery, with a third class, made up entirely of BMW M2 Racing cars also planned.

Two drivers per car will be required and each car must have a minimum of one driver with an FIA driver rating of either Bronze or Silver.

Platinum-rated drivers are prohibited from competition, with Gold-rated drivers restricted to pairings with Bronze co-drivers only. Silver/Gold combinations are prohibited.

“Endurance racing is woven into the DNA of sports car competition,” said IMSA President John Doonan.

“By returning VP Racing Challenge to an all-endurance format, we’re creating an even stronger platform for driver development while showcasing competitive, multi-class racing featuring LMP3, GT4 and BMW M2 Racing machinery.

“We’re confident this next chapter will provide tremendous value for our competitors and help strengthen the future of the series.”

The 2027 season will feature seven events, but all expected to be off WeatherTech SportsCar Championship weekends amid the expected arrival of McLaren Trophy America as an additional IMSA-sanctioned single-make series for 2027.

The VP Racing Challenge season will open at Sebring International Raceway on Feb. 26-28 for a two-hour race as part of a USAC weekend, followed by a second two-hour event to be announced.

The series will then make its first of two appearances on Michelin Pilot Challenge-headlined weekends on June 11-13 with a two-hour race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Watkins Glen International will host the season’s first three-hour race on the USAC weekend of July 2-4, followed by a two-hour race at Road America alongside USAC on a date to be confirmed.

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta will host the second and final three-hour race of the season as part of the USAC-organized weekend on Sept. 10-12.

The season will close at Lime Rock Park with a 90-minute race on Sept. 23-25 once again alongside Pilot Challenge.

Each event weekend will include two 50-minute practice sessions along with one 15-minute qualifying session for LMP3 and another 15-minute session combining GSX and BMW M2.

Competitors will be subject to a minimum pit stop time with three crew members allowed to work on the car during pit stops.

Driver and team championships will be recognized in each of the three classes, with a manufacturer championship awarded in the GSX class. The GSX driver champion will earn $50,000 in IMSA scholarship credit.

Bronze-rated drivers will compete for dedicated Bronze Cup podiums in each race as well as a season-long Airbnb Bronze Cup in all three classes.

The LMP3 Airbnb Bronze Cup driver champion will earn an invitation to participate in the following year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. A single Bronze-rated driver is required for Bronze Cup points eligibility.

2027 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Schedule:
Feb. 26-28 — Sebring (2 hours)
TBD — TBD (2 hours)
June 11-13 — Mid-Ohio (2 Hours)
July 2-4 — Watkins Glen (3 Hours)
TBD — Road America (2 Hours)
Sept. 10-12 — Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (3 Hours)
Sept. 23-25 — Lime Rock Park (90 minutes)