McLaren Trophy America Confirms Switch to IMSA

Photo: McLaren

McLaren Trophy America will switch to IMSA sanctioning beginning in 2027, as part of a long-term deal.

The North American single-make series debuted in 2025 under the SRO America umbrella and has continued to see growth during the first two campaigns with its McLaren Artura Trophy EVO race car.

The move comes after longtime Lamborghini Squadra Corse boss Giorgio Sanna joined the British manufacturer last November as McLaren Automotive’s head of motorsport.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, which Sanna helped launch in 2013, has been sanctioned by IMSA from the start.

“The prospect of racing on the IMSA package is a very exciting one for McLaren Trophy America,” said Sanna.

“IMSA, like McLaren, has a long and storied racing history. It is for that reason that we feel this is an exciting opportunity to work together, as we continue to develop and strengthen the McLaren Trophy package globally.”

IMSA President John Doonan added: “We are honored that McLaren has chosen to expand the partnership between our companies and selected IMSA as the sanctioning body for McLaren Trophy America beginning in 2027.

“We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled value to our automotive partners and operating professional motorsports events at the highest level.

“By selecting IMSA to sanction McLaren Trophy America, McLaren is reinforcing the value we provide and trusting us with one of its prized possessions. We cannot wait to welcome McLaren Trophy America into the IMSA paddock beginning next year and for many years to come.”

McLaren Trophy America becomes the sixth IMSA-sanctioned single-make series, joining Ferrari Challenge North America, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin, Mustang Challenge North America and Porsche Carrera Cup North America.

It has resulted in an overhaul of the calendars, for races that run on WeatherTech SportsCar Championship weekends, as well as the addition of a second Michelin Pilot Challenge heading race, at Lime Rock Park, for 2027.

Next year’s calendar for McLaren Trophy America has yet to be released.

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