IMSA Kicks Off 2016 With the Roar Before the 24

The 2916 sportscar season is underway as IMSA’s premier sportscar series—with a new sponsor and a new name, but the on-track action—returns to Daytona International Speedway’s famous banking for the 2016 Roar Before the Rolex 24.

The #60 Shank Ligier-Honda was quickest in both Friday sessions of the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Chris Jasurek/Epoch Times

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—The 2916 sportscar season is underway as IMSA’s premier sportscar series—with a new sponsor and a new name, but the on-track action—returns to Daytona International Speedway’s famous banking for the 2016 Roar Before the Rolex 24.

Now in its third year, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship—the old Tudor series—continues to strengthen and refine its product: the fastest multi-class sports car racing on the North American continent.

Fifty-four cars registered for the three-day pre-Rolex terst at Daytona: 13 Prototypes, including series stalwarts like the pair of Riley-Fords from Chip Ganassi Racing, a pair of gasoline-powered Mazdas, and the new SMP Racing BR-01-Nissan; 8 Prototype Challenge Orecas and 11 GT Le Mans cars including BMW Team RLL’s new turbocharged M6s and a trio of Ferrari’s new 488 GTEs.

GT Daytona, now open to GT3 machinery, attracted 22 entries, including bunches of Audi R8 LMS GT3s and Lamborghini Huracans.

Multiple Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge champion Stevenson Racing has stepped up to the WeatherTech Championship with a pair of Audi R8s. Chris Jasurek/Epoch Times