Mercedes-AMG starts testing IMSA's new torque sensors at the Roar Before the 24, marking a significant technological transition in GTD racing.

IMSA has mandated torque sensors for all WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro and GTD cars this season, aligning with FIA WEC and ELMS LMGT3 classes' performance balancing strategy. These sensors transmit real-time acceleration, horsepower, and torque curve data to assist with Balance of Performance (BoP) throughout the season, despite an estimated cost of $250,000 per car annually.

While most manufacturers have experience with these sensors from the 2024 FIA WEC season, Mercedes-AMG faces a unique challenge. Having no previous LMGT3 or prototype presence in major international series, they're starting fresh with this technology for their five AMG GT3s at Daytona.

Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG customer racing, acknowledges their position: "We are the manufacturer with the least experience with the sensors as we missed out on participating in WEC last year. We know we start on a different level to the others."

Initial testing during Friday's Roar sessions revealed some challenges. Winward Racing's team principal Russell Ward notes: "There's still work to do; there's uncertainty. It's the biggest question mark going into the Rolex 24, as we have no idea what the reliability will be like."

Despite early difficulties, the reigning champions remain determined. The team is working intensively to overcome technical challenges and optimize the system before the season opener, though this takes valuable time away from other race preparations.

Mercedes-AMG expects several races will be needed to achieve a stable, controlled environment with the new system, as they continue gathering data and adjusting to IMSA's new performance balancing approach.

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