Historic Sportscar Racing IMSA Classic to Debut at Rolex 24 at Daytona
IMSA to Celebrate Its Golden Eras During Annual Season Opener
IMSA’s storied past will take center stage during the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as the organization honors its rich history while advancing its legacy with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Beginning with the 63rd running of the Rolex 24 from January 23-26, an all-new IMSA Classic invitational race will highlight IMSA’s first three decades of competition, spanning 1973 to 1993.
IMSA and Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) officials announced the inaugural IMSA Classic, which will join the iconic endurance race weekend. This marks the first time that legendary cars from IMSA’s early years will compete in a dedicated race during the Rolex 24 festivities.
“For years, the Rolex 24 has paid tribute to its history through exhibitions like the 24 Minutes of Daytona,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “However, this is the first time these historic IMSA competition cars will participate in an official race as part of the event. It’s the perfect opportunity to honor our past while celebrating the season-opening and longest race of the year. The IMSA Classic will add a new dimension to the Rolex 24, and we appreciate the collaboration with Daytona International Speedway and HSR to make it happen.”
Participation in the inaugural IMSA Classic will be limited, with invitations currently being sent to HSR members and notable teams in vintage sports car racing. A selection committee will review applications to finalize the lineup for the event.
“HSR is often described as a high-speed motorsports museum, and the IMSA Classic embodies that idea perfectly,” said HSR President Chris Ward. “Partnering with IMSA to feature iconic race cars from their first 50 years is a privilege, and we’re excited to showcase these machines at the Rolex 24.”
The three-day IMSA Classic event will kick off with a practice session on Thursday afternoon, followed by qualifying on Friday morning and a qualifying race that evening. The main event, a 30-minute feature race, will take place Saturday morning, serving as the final on-track activity before the start of the Rolex 24.
Fans will also have access to the IMSA Classic paddock, where the competing cars will be displayed under a public tent in the Rolex 24 Midway. Additional historic IMSA cars will be exhibited in the FanZone, continuing the tradition of celebrating IMSA’s heritage during the event.
Future IMSA Classics will focus on specific eras of the sport, ensuring a rotating showcase of IMSA’s historical milestones.
This announcement comes as part of IMSA’s broader efforts to expand its offerings since acquiring HSR in 2022. Other initiatives include the HSR Prototype Challenge for retired LMP3 cars, the HSR NASCAR Classic for historic stock cars, and the recently introduced HSR Classic Endurance Championship Presented by Mission Foods. This championship builds on the success of HSR’s endurance events at Daytona, Sebring, and Watkins Glen, with the new HSR Road Atlanta Classic 10 Hour debuting in 2025.
