2026 Daytona 24 Hours BoP evaluation: IMSA additionally silences groups

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 Steadiness of Efficiency (BoP). Crucial remarks from individuals can now result in vital penalties.

The brand new Article 2.2.3. (“Conduct and Communications”) within the Sporting Rules now states: “Producers, Rivals, Drivers, Constructors, and any individuals or entities related to their entries should not try and affect the institution of the Steadiness 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 conventional media, digital media, or social media platforms.

i. The dedication of whether or not any conduct or communication constitutes a violation of the above, no matter intent, shall be made solely 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.”

Generally, the BoP performs a much less vital position in IMSA in comparison with the WEC.

Attributable to frequent Full Course Yellows, the end result of the race typically depends upon who has the perfect tyres for the ultimate dash, beneficial properties observe place throughout pit stops beneath yellow, or reveals essentially the most dedication 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 somewhat in a different way: 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 facility adjusts to its new degree in linear development. This method was launched in 2025.

Daytona is the quickest observe 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 car efficiency is the power-to-weight ratio. Establishing the 2026 BoP was significantly difficult, because the 4 LMDh vehicles obtained vital updates. 

A take a look at at Daytona Worldwide Speedway in November offered 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 often launched after the Roar. Nevertheless, a last adjustment earlier than the race can’t be completely dominated out.

GTP Energy-to-Weight Ratio <230 kph

1. Cadillac V-Sequence.R – 1.987 kg/kW
2. Acura ARX-06 – 2.002
3. BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2.004
4. Aston Martin Valkyrie – 2.005
5. Porsche 963 – 2.029

Acura, BMW, and Aston Martin are very intently 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 properly above 2.1 kg/kW, the present gaps are slender.

GTP Energy-to-Weight Ratio >240 kph

1. Aston Martin Valkyrie – 1.981 kg/kW
2. Porsche 963 – 1.998
3. BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2.035
4. Cadillac V-Sequence.R – 2.046
5. 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 under 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. Nevertheless, a direct comparability is troublesome as a result of the updates to the vehicles are in depth and, in all 4 circumstances, embrace aerodynamic modifications. Subsequently, 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.

Modifications vs 2025 under 230 kph:

1. Cadillac V-Sequence.R: -0.133 kg/kW
2. Acura ARX-06: -0.013
3. BMW M Hybrid V8: +0.023
4. Porsche 963: +0.025

Modifications vs 2025 above 240 kph:

1. Porsche 963: -0.085 kg/kW
2. Acura ARX-06: -0.031
3. Cadillac V-Sequence.R: -0.024
4. 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 in depth updates with a roughly 50% new bodywork. It seems IMSA needs to keep away from the chance of the revamped automobile instantly outclassing the sector.

Conversely, the Cadillac BoP might sound shocking, because the V-Sequence.R has additionally obtained a significant replace, most notably the spectacular low rear wing.

Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Cadillac was fighting 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 decreased considerably.

A have a look at the utmost stint vitality reveals a discount for many GTP vehicles. The Cadillac stands out right here significantly, regardless of receiving the biggest energy enhance within the under 230 kph vary.

The Porsche 963 as the one exception is allowed to hold extra vitality—more likely to compensate for the practically 10 kW energy enhance within the higher velocity vary.

So the organisers are taking part in it protected while incorporating classes realized from final yr. Because of the in depth updates, the BoP nonetheless stays one thing of a “shot at midnight.”

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 Stream Charge: 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 Stream Charge: 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 Stream Charge: 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 Stream Charge: 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 Stream Charge: 22.575 MJ/sec (+0.125)

We would like your opinion!

– The Motorsport.com Group