2026 Daytona 24 entry inquiries hit “close to 90”

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that IMSA has become one of the healthiest racing series in the world, especially after revealing an entry list for the Daytona 24 that hit the maximum grid size for a fifth consecutive year. 

There are 61 entries (11 GTP, 14 LMP2, 15 GTD Pro and 21 GTD) confirmed for the 64th edition of the Twice-Around-The-Clock endurance classic at Daytona International Speedway, set for Jan. 22-25. However, there is clearly room for that number to grow as IMSA President John Doonan revealed there were “close to 90” entry inquiries.

“At one point, based on inquiries for entries, we were close to 90,” Doonan said, via an IMSA media call on Wednesday. “We were mid-to-upper 80s with teams wanting to come.”

When asked by Motorsport.com how the decisions are made with who to approve versus potentially waiting another year, Doonan highlighted a program’s commitment to the sport.

“It starts with full-season entrants, then it starts with those who want to run the full IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup,” Doonan said. “From there, we look at teams that have specific marketing plan developed, maybe an alignment with the manufacturer. Obviously, we do want a pathway for new teams to come in.

“One of the beauties, and I’m so proud of our staff for this, is that they had individual meetings with every single entrant. Whether that’s Acura Meyer Shank Racing in a GTP program, or, you know, 13 Autosport out of Canada, TDS, Tower, you name it. 

“These teams, they sat down with every team to understand their marketing plans, their driver lineups, the association with the manufacturer, and that’s hopefully what makes IMSA different is a personal relationship with those who want to come and race with us, but we’ll continue that, and we’ll continue to try to find ways to give new people a chance, especially as they come up through the IMSA system.”

#93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06: Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly

Photo by: Brandon Badraoui / Lumen via Getty Images

Doonan also mentioned there are consistent discussions with Daytona International Speedway President Fank Kelleher on the options to deliver the largest field possible for the season-opening event. That is likely a continued talking point with Genesis confirmed for the GTP class in 2027, and other manufactures looming beyond that.

“We’re trying to make sure that we retain the quality of the show, as well as make sure we maximize things,” Doonan said. “I’m super sensitive to not messing up the quality just to have quantity.

“But if you roll the clock back to 2020, we had 39 entries and then the grid went up into the 40s. The following season, and every year since, except the year that Brad Pitt’s movie was shot, we have had 61 and I think it’s a statement about the health of our sport across the board. We want to keep that momentum going for as long as we can.”

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— The Motorsport.com Team