This trio is considered among IMSA’s greatest drivers: Hurley Haywood, Peter
Gregg and Al Holbert
Panoz also acquired rights to IMSA, which became the
sanctioning body for the organization.
Faced without a sanctioning body for Daytona International
S U P E R S E B R I N G �� 2 0 1 9
98
Speedway’s flagship road race, Jim France put together
a team of investors who shared his vision for a
new North American sports car championship to carry
on the legacy of the series co-founded by his father, Bill
France Sr., 30 years earlier. GRAND-AM Road Racing debuted
with the 2000 running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona
and ran its opening three seasons with similar classes to
the ALMS.
From its birth in 1999, the ALMS proclaimed its racing
“For the Fans,” and built a loyal group of followers. The
series later undertook many initiatives to become recognized
as the Global Leader in Green Racing, gaining both
national and international recognition for its Green Racing
protocols.
GRAND-AM took a radical step when it introduced the
Daytona Prototype as its lead class beginning in 2003.
The new car became popular with fans and drivers for
its durability, affordability and safety, as well as the close
competition it routinely provided. The DP attracted competitors
from NASCAR, IndyCar and international sports
car racing, especially to GRAND-AM’s marquee events at
Daytona, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis
Motor Speedway.
While both series were successful
on their own, it became apparent
that they would have to combine to
grow the sport. The two groups announced
in Sept. 2012 they would
merge into one organization beginning
with the 2014 season.
Fittingly, it was also announced that
the uni��ed series would be sanctioned
by IMSA.
Since the merger, IMSA has ascended
to another golden era for sports
car racing in North America. Like the
GTP of the 80s, today’s premier IMSA
series, the WeatherTech Championship,
features an unmatched blend of
powerful prototypes, some of which are
backed by manufacturers such as Acura, Cadillac and
Mazda, along with the most competitive form of GT racing
on the planet.
Looking Ahead / A Golden Celebration
It’s ��tting that IMSA’s 50th anniversary coincides with a
tremendous opportunity for the premier sports car racing
organization in North America to reach unmatched
heights.
This year will mark the beginning of a six-year partnership
with NBC Sports, which is expected to broadcast
over 100 hours of IMSA coverage across its channels.
This comes on the heels of a season that saw a 10 percent
year-over-year increase in unique television viewers.
Additionally, 2019 kicks off a multi-year agreement between
Michelin and IMSA, which sees the tire brand signi
��cantly increase its presence in the paddock as the
“Of��cial Tire of IMSA.” Michelin now becomes the entitlement
sponsor for the Michelin Endurance Cup – consisting
of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours
of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts, the Sahlen’s
Six Hours of The Glen and the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin
Raceway Road Atlanta – and the MICHELIN Pilot
Challenge.