Doonan: IMSA in ‘Constant Talks’ With ACO/FIA on Future Path

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

IMSA President John Doonan said that he’s been in ‘constant communication’ with the FIA and ACO regarding the future of its shared top class platforms, indicating that there could be “more [news] to come in the coming weeks” on a possible extension of the regulations.

The development comes in the wake of continued talk in the FIA World Endurance Championship paddock of possibly extending the current LMH/LMDh technical ruleset from 2029 to the end of the 2032 WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship seasons.

It was announced last June at Le Mans that the category, known as Hypercar in the WEC and GTP in the WeatherTech Championship, would be prolonged for two additional seasons, from 2027 to 2029, which opened the door for Genesis, Ford and McLaren to all commit to future top-class programs.

It’s understood at least three additional manufacturers are currently assessing programs as well given the expanded runway.

When asked by Sportscar365 if IMSA has been involved in the discussion progress for an even further regs extension, Doonan acknowledged its close alliance with its international partners.

“I think we’re constantly in communication with the ACO [and FIA], about what we as a sport of achieve when it comes to convergence,” he said.

“The stability we’ve seen in those that are already committed and the programs that are coming in the future. We’re constantly looking at ways to make sure this moment continues for all of us.

“So, the short answer is yes, we want to make sure that we’re making decisions for the sport that give everybody as long of a runway as possible, whether they’re already here or whether they’ve publicly have already said they’re coming.

“And so, hopefully more to come on that in the coming weeks.

“But definitely something that I know our leadership and the ACO leadership and the WEC leadership have discussed and want for our sport long term.”

Doonan indicated that any possible regulation extension would be made as a group decision.

Its partnership with the ACO/FIA on top class convergence is only one of a number of key links with organizers around the world.

“There’s the momentum that we’re seeing because we’ve had those collaborative discussions, whether it’s us working with Stephane Ratel and the GT4 platform that that obviously is a pillar of Pilot [Challenge] and VPRC or our alliance with the ACO on top category convergence or the fact that the GT3 platform has become such a special part of so many championships around the world,” he explained.

“We were super proud to show leadership there with GTD Pro that allows the manufacturers to have a program with professional drivers and their rankings and also a customer program.

“It’s just if we don’t have that collaboration and we’re going to see an ebb in the wrong direction. So, our goal in every discussion we’re having is, ‘How do we maintain this moment and even grow it further?'”

With Aston Martin introducing the first car built to LMH regulations into the WeatherTech Championship this year, Doonan added that he’s hopeful more will follow in the years to come.

Toyota, Ferrari and Peugeot all currently campaign cars in the WEC built to the LMH regulations.

“I’m having a lot of dialogue,” Doonan said. “I went to COTA last [year] and met with every one of them. Ferrari, Toyota, Peugeot. Aston Martin, of course, has come.

“Alpine, in fact, an LMDh competitor that, you know, is in the news as they wanted to come sell road cars in the States.

“The welcome mat is out. It’s been out; they’ve been invited them to all come to the November test.

“[We] would love to see others follow in Aston Martin’s footsteps and have a program here in the States and back to my comment; the North American market is incredibly important to each of these brands.

“And so, I hope, and hope’s not a strategy, as we say in the office, but I do hope that some others choose to come and join us and show the world that The Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Motul Petit Le Mans, those events are just as special.”

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