Following the WEC’s lead, IMSA imposes strict guidelines on BoP-related feedback by drivers, groups and producers while releasing the BoP for the sixty fourth Daytona 24 Hours.
Mirroring the World Endurance Championship (WEC), IMSA has launched stricter communication guidelines regarding the Stability of Efficiency (BoP). Vital remarks from members can now result in vital penalties.
The brand new Article 2.2.3. (“Conduct and Communications”) within the Sporting Laws now states: “Producers, Opponents, Drivers, Constructors, and any individuals or entities related to their entries should not try and affect the institution of the Stability of Efficiency (BoP) or make any public feedback concerning the BoP course of, methodology, information, or outcomes, together with however not restricted to statements made by means of conventional media, digital media, or social media platforms.
i. The willpower of whether or not any conduct or communication constitutes a violation of the above, no matter intent, shall be made completely at IMSA’s sole discretion.
ii. Any infringement could also be penalized by IMSA Officers at any time earlier than, throughout, or after an IMSA Competitors.”
Normally, the BoP performs a much less vital position in IMSA in comparison with the WEC.
As a consequence of frequent Full Course Yellows, the end result of the race typically depends upon who has the perfect tyres for the ultimate dash, beneficial properties monitor place throughout pit stops below yellow, or reveals essentially the most willpower after the ultimate restart.
However, the BoP stays an important half. Just like the WEC, IMSA utilises a two-stage BoP, though it really works just a little otherwise: As an alternative of a hard and fast threshold at 250 kph (WEC), IMSA makes use of a transition zone between 230kph and240 kph, the place the ability adjusts to its new stage in linear development. This method was launched in 2025.
Daytona is the quickest monitor on the calendar, making each energy ranges equally necessary. Moreover, the efficiency above 240 kph is decisive for overtaking alternatives.
BoP Daytona 24 Hours 2026 (GTP)
The first indicator for automobile efficiency is the power-to-weight ratio. Establishing the 2026 BoP was notably difficult, because the 4 LMDh automobiles obtained vital updates.
A take a look at at Daytona Worldwide Speedway in November supplied IMSA technicians with preliminary benchmarks alongside simulation information.
IMSA’s present BoP desk refers to each the “Roar earlier than the 24” and the race itself. In earlier years, a further replace was normally launched after the Roar. Nonetheless, a ultimate adjustment earlier than the race can’t be fully dominated out.
GTP Energy-to-Weight Ratio <230 kph
Cadillac V-Sequence.R – 1.987 kg/kW
Acura ARX-06 – 2.002
BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2.004
Aston Martin Valkyrie – 2.005
Porsche 963 – 2.029
Acura, BMW, and Aston Martin are very carefully matched within the decrease vary. Cadillac units the benchmark with the perfect ratio, whereas Porsche falls barely behind.
In comparison with final yr’s WEC and Daytona 2025 BoPs, when the Cadillac was nicely above 2.1 kg/kW, the present gaps are slender.
GTP Energy-to-Weight Ratio >240 kph
Aston Martin Valkyrie – 1.981 kg/kW
Porsche 963 – 1.998
BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2.035
Cadillac V-Sequence.R – 2.046
Acura ARX-06 – 2.057
Porsche regains its momentum misplaced within the low-speed vary within the high-speed sectors with a power-to-weight ratio beneath 2.0.
The Aston Martin enjoys the perfect BoP right here, which doesn’t come as a shock, because the Le Mans 24 Hours already demonstrated that the V12-powered Hypercar is draggy and depends on a good top-end BoP.
BoP Comparability with 2025
In comparison with final yr, some information have modified considerably. Nonetheless, a direct comparability is troublesome as a result of the updates to the automobiles are intensive and, in all 4 circumstances, embrace aerodynamic modifications. Due to this fact, these figures must be interpreted with warning.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie didn’t compete within the 2025 24 Hours of Daytona and is subsequently not included on this comparability.
Adjustments vs 2025 beneath 230 kph:
Cadillac V-Sequence.R: -0.133 kg/kW
Acura ARX-06: -0.013
BMW M Hybrid V8: +0.023
Porsche 963: +0.025
Adjustments vs 2025 above 240 kph:
Porsche 963: -0.085 kg/kW
Acura ARX-06: -0.031
Cadillac V-Sequence.R: -0.024
BMW M Hybrid V8: +0.042
The BMW M Hybrid V8 appears to have obtained the least favorable adjustment as it’s that includes essentially the most intensive updates with a roughly 50% new bodywork. It seems IMSA desires to keep away from the danger of the revamped automobile instantly outclassing the sphere.
Conversely, the Cadillac BoP may appear shocking, because the V-Sequence.R has additionally obtained a serious replace, most notably the spectacular low rear wing.
Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Cadillac was combating its 2025 Daytona BoP. The quickest lap of a V-Sequence.R was 0.581 seconds slower than the general quickest lap of the race. This was largely attributable to a really excessive base weight of 1,060 kg, which has now been lowered considerably.
A take a look at the utmost stint vitality reveals a discount for many GTP automobiles. The Cadillac stands out right here notably, regardless of receiving the most important energy enhance within the beneath 230 kph vary.
The Porsche 963 as the one exception is allowed to hold extra vitality—prone to compensate for the practically 10 kW energy enhance within the higher velocity vary.
So the organisers are taking part in it secure while incorporating classes realized from final yr. As a result of intensive updates, the BoP nonetheless stays one thing of a “shot at nighttime.”
Detailed GTP BoP
(Numbers in parentheses = Change from earlier yr)
Acura ARX-06
Minimal Weight: 1,041 kg (-7)
Max Energy <230 kph: 520 kW; 707 hp
Max Energy >240 kph: 505.96 kW (+4.16); 688 hp
Max RPM: 9,512 rpm
Max Power per Stint: 899 MJ (-2)
Refueling Movement Fee: 22.475 MJ/sec (-0.100)
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Minimal Weight: 1,030 kg
Max Energy <230 kph: 513.760 kW; 699 hp
Max Energy >240 kph: 520 kW; 707 hp
Max RPM: 8,400 rpm
Max Power per Stint: 913 MJ
Refueling Movement Fee: 22.825 MJ/sec
BMW M Hybrid V8
Minimal Weight: 1,038 kg (+8)
Max Energy <230 kph: 517.92 kW (-2.08); 704 hp
Max Energy >240 kph: 510.12 kW (-6.76); 694 hp
Max RPM: 8,000 rpm
Max Power per Stint: 903 MJ (-8)
Refueling Movement Fee: 22.575 MJ/sec (-0.200)
Cadillac V-Sequence.R
Minimal Weight: 1,033 kg (-27)
Max Energy <230 kph: 520 kW (+20); 707 hp
Max Energy >240 kph: 504.92 kW (-7.08); 687 hp
Max RPM: 8,800 rpm
Max Power per Stint: 896 MJ (-13)
Refueling Movement Fee: 22.400 MJ/sec (-0.325)
Porsche 963
Minimal Weight: 1,035 kg (-7)
Max Energy <230 kph: 517.92 kW (-2.08); 704 hp
Max Energy >240 kph: 510.12 kW (+9.88); 694 hp
Max RPM: 8,158 rpm
Max Power per Stint: 903 MJ (+5)
Refueling Movement Fee: 22.575 MJ/sec (+0.125)
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