News Summary
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is set to take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring 53 cars competing in an intense endurance race. The event, hailed as one of the year’s highlights, will run from September 19-21, showcasing a variety of teams and renowned drivers. With community initiatives supporting local charities and opportunities for fan engagement, the race promises to be a thrilling experience for all motorsport enthusiasts. Notable vehicle innovations and manufacturer participation further elevate this prestigious event in the racing calendar.
Indianapolis, Indiana — IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Race Schedule and Highlights
The upcoming IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is scheduled for Sunday morning, with the main event starting at 11:40 a.m. ET. This feature race will take place on the iconic 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course located in the city known as the Racing Capital of the World. The event, which runs from September 19-21, is one of the most anticipated motorsport gatherings of the season, attracting a wide array of teams and fans from across the country.
Race Details and Participant Overview
This year’s race will see a total of 53 cars participating, making it the second-to-last round of the IMSA season. Additionally, it is the penultimate round of the Michelin Endurance Cup, a series within the championship that emphasizes longer, more challenging races. The scheduled quest for endurance will span six hours, testing both driver skill and vehicle durability before the series moves to Road America next year for its final endurance event.
Notable Driver Entries and Team Changes
Several prominent drivers and teams will be competing. Among the standout entries is the No. 021 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari, featuring drivers AJ Muss, Joel Miller, and Niccolo Schiro. Team adjustments also include Lin Hodenius stepping in to replace Dan Knox for Lone Star Racing’s No. 80 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. Such changes are common as teams prepare for this critical segment of the season.
Community and Charitable Initiatives
As part of the IMSA Resilient Racers program, participating teams are carrying the names of children involved with the Austin Hatcher Foundation and Camp Boggy Creek. This initiative aims to highlight resilience and support charitable causes through motorsport. Additionally, a fundraising drive will be active through the end of September, with a focus on supporting IMSA charities and community outreach programs.
Fan Engagement and Festival Events
Fans will have multiple opportunities to engage with the racing community. The IMSA Street Festival will be held from 6:00–8:00 PM EDT on Saturday, featuring free admission. Attendees can enjoy live pit stop demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions with drivers, and various interactive activities designed to enhance the fan experience during the event weekend.
Technological and Car Developments
This race marks a significant moment for vehicle manufacturers and teams in IMSA. The new Lamborghini SC63 will debut an all-new rear suspension configuration, showcasing ongoing innovation. Meanwhile, the Porsche 963 has undergone adjustments, including a weight increase and a reduction in power, as part of Balance of Performance modifications aimed at maintaining competitive fairness.
Upcoming and Past Racing Actions
Teams will have only one practice session scheduled for Friday at 11:15 a.m. EST, to fine-tune their cars before racing. The event also highlights the participation of the Pilot Challenge, which features 41 entries, including 26 in GT4 classes and 15 TCR touring cars. Notably, Crowdstrike by Riley will return to GT World America races with their Mercedes-AMG, adding more depth to the racing schedule.
Manufacturers and Future Events
The Indianapolis race will showcase the efforts of 18 manufacturers competing in IMSA, reflecting the diversity and technological innovation within the series. Various teams are also participating in two endurance races within a short time span, including next month’s Indy 8 Hour. In addition, a test scheduled for November will feature updated Michelin tires for the GTD Pro and GTD classes.
Additional Notes
This event provides a platform for introducing technology upgrades, providing entertainment, and fostering community involvement in motorsport. The race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will also serve as a culmination point for manufacturers, teams, and drivers preparing for the upcoming final season events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Sportscar365: IMSA Indianapolis Thursday Notebook
- Daily Sportscar: Provisional Entries for Indianapolis 8 Hour
- Speedway Digest: What to Watch for at Indianapolis
- WTHR: IMSA Street Fest at Indianapolis
- Fox59: IndyCar’s 2026 Schedule
- Wikipedia: IMSA
- Google Search: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Google Scholar: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Car
- Google News: IMSA Indianapolis
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
