IMSA President John Doonan announced significant changes to the 2026 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar, with Road America being elevated to a six-hour endurance race while Indianapolis returns to a sprint format.

The transformation of Road America into an endurance event has been in development for nearly two years. This change creates a balanced calendar progression: starting with Rolex and Sebring, moving to Watkins Glen's Six Hour mid-season, then Road America in early August, before concluding at Petit Le Mans.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway will return to a two-hour, 40-minute sprint format, reflecting IMSA's commitment to managing competitor budgets effectively. Despite the format change, Indianapolis remains a permanent fixture in IMSA's long-term planning, according to Doonan.

Key calendar adjustments for 2026 include:

• Watkins Glen moving to the final weekend in June
• Sebring maintaining its traditional third Saturday in March date
• Road America's endurance race scheduled for August 2

Doonan anticipates increased attendance at Road America, particularly from camping fans taking advantage of mild Midwest summer weather. The venue's natural-terrain layout and family-friendly atmosphere are expected to draw larger crowds for the extended format.

The 2026 calendar maintains existing WeatherTech and Michelin Pilot Challenge venues, with Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course continuing to host a four-hour endurance race for Pilot Challenge. IMSA is also exploring opportunities to add standalone events at venues like Lime Rock Park, though no immediate plans have been confirmed.

These changes reflect IMSA's strategy to balance tradition with innovation while considering team budgets, broadcast schedules, and competitor needs. The organization continues to work closely with partners including ACO, WEC, NASCAR, and IndyCar to minimize schedule conflicts and optimize the racing calendar.

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