2026 Daytona 24 Hours BoP analysis: IMSA also sile...

Following the WEC’s lead, IMSA imposes strict guidelines on BoP-related feedback by drivers, groups and producers while releasing the BoP for the sixty fourth Daytona 24 Hours.

Mirroring the World Endurance Championship (WEC), IMSA has launched stricter communication guidelines in regards to the Stability of Efficiency (BoP). Vital remarks from individuals can now result in important penalties.

The brand new Article 2.2.3. (“Conduct and Communications”) within the Sporting Laws now states: “Producers, Opponents, Drivers, Constructors, and any individuals or entities related to their entries should not try and affect the institution of the Stability of Efficiency (BoP) or make any public feedback relating to the BoP course of, methodology, knowledge, or outcomes, together with however not restricted to statements made via conventional media, digital media, or social media platforms.

i. The willpower of whether or not any conduct or communication constitutes a violation of the above, no matter intent, shall be made completely at IMSA’s sole discretion.

ii. Any infringement could also be penalized by IMSA Officers at any time earlier than, throughout, or after an IMSA Competitors.”

Usually, the BoP performs a much less important position in IMSA in comparison with the WEC.

As a consequence of frequent Full Course Yellows, the result of the race usually is dependent upon who has one of the best tyres for the ultimate dash, positive factors observe place throughout pit stops beneath yellow, or exhibits probably the most willpower after the ultimate restart.

Nonetheless, the BoP stays an important half. Just like the WEC, IMSA utilises a two-stage BoP, though it really works somewhat in another way: As a substitute of a hard and fast threshold at 250 kph (WEC), IMSA makes use of a transition zone between 230kph and240 kph, the place the facility adjusts to its new stage in linear development. This technique was launched in 2025.

Daytona is the quickest observe on the calendar, making each energy ranges equally essential. Moreover, the efficiency above 240 kph is decisive for overtaking alternatives.

BoP Daytona 24 Hours 2026 (GTP)

The first indicator for automobile efficiency is the power-to-weight ratio. Establishing the 2026 BoP was significantly difficult, as the four LMDh cars received significant updates. 

A test at Daytona International Speedway in November offered IMSA technicians with preliminary benchmarks alongside simulation knowledge. 

IMSA’s present BoP desk refers to each the “Roar earlier than the 24” and the race itself. In earlier years, an extra replace was often launched after the Roar. Nevertheless, a remaining adjustment earlier than the race can’t be fully dominated out.

GTP Energy-to-Weight Ratio <230 kph

1. Cadillac V-Collection.R – 1.987 kg/kW
2. Acura ARX-06 – 2.002
3. BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2.004
4. Aston Martin Valkyrie – 2.005
5. Porsche 963 – 2.029

Acura, BMW, and Aston Martin are very intently matched within the decrease vary. Cadillac units the benchmark with one of the best ratio, whereas Porsche falls barely behind.

In comparison with final yr’s WEC and Daytona 2025 BoPs, when the Cadillac was properly above 2.1 kg/kW, the present gaps are slim.

GTP Energy-to-Weight Ratio >240 kph

1. Aston Martin Valkyrie – 1.981 kg/kW
2. Porsche 963 – 1.998
3. BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2.035
4. Cadillac V-Collection.R – 2.046
5. Acura ARX-06 – 2.057

Porsche regains its momentum misplaced within the low-speed vary within the high-speed sectors with a power-to-weight ratio under 2.0.

The Aston Martin enjoys one of the best BoP right here, which doesn’t come as a shock, because the Le Mans 24 Hours already demonstrated that the V12-powered Hypercar is draggy and depends on a good top-end BoP.

BoP Comparability with 2025

In comparison with final yr, some knowledge have modified considerably. Nevertheless, a direct comparability is troublesome as a result of the updates to the automobiles are intensive and, in all 4 instances, embrace aerodynamic modifications. Subsequently, these figures ought to be interpreted with warning.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie didn’t compete within the 2025 24 Hours of Daytona and is due to this fact not included on this comparability.

Adjustments vs 2025 under 230 kph:

1. Cadillac V-Collection.R: -0.133 kg/kW
2. Acura ARX-06: -0.013
3. BMW M Hybrid V8: +0.023
4. Porsche 963: +0.025

Adjustments vs 2025 above 240 kph:

1. Porsche 963: -0.085 kg/kW
2. Acura ARX-06: -0.031
3. Cadillac V-Collection.R: -0.024
4. BMW M Hybrid V8: +0.042

The BMW M Hybrid V8 appears to have acquired the least favorable adjustment as it’s that includes probably the most intensive updates with a roughly 50% new bodywork. It seems IMSA needs to keep away from the chance of the revamped automotive instantly outclassing the sphere.

Conversely, the Cadillac BoP might sound stunning, because the V-Collection.R has additionally acquired a serious replace, most notably the spectacular low rear wing.

Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Cadillac was scuffling with its 2025 Daytona BoP. The quickest lap of a V-Collection.R was 0.581 seconds slower than the general quickest lap of the race. This was largely as a result of a really excessive base weight of 1,060 kg, which has now been lowered considerably.

A have a look at the utmost stint power exhibits a discount for many GTP automobiles. The Cadillac stands out right here significantly, regardless of receiving the biggest energy enhance within the under 230 kph vary.

The Porsche 963 as the one exception is allowed to hold extra power—prone to compensate for the almost 10 kW energy enhance within the higher pace vary.

So the organisers are enjoying it secure while incorporating classes realized from final yr. Because of the intensive updates, the BoP nonetheless stays one thing of a “shot at the hours of darkness.”

Detailed GTP BoP

(Numbers in parentheses = Change from earlier yr)

Acura ARX-06

• Minimal Weight: 1,041 kg (-7)
• Max Energy <230 kph: 520 kW; 707 hp
• Max Energy >240 kph: 505.96 kW (+4.16); 688 hp
• Max RPM: 9,512 rpm
• Max Power per Stint: 899 MJ (-2)
• Refueling Circulate Fee: 22.475 MJ/sec (-0.100)

Aston Martin Valkyrie

• Minimal Weight: 1,030 kg
• Max Energy <230 kph: 513.760 kW; 699 hp
• Max Energy >240 kph: 520 kW; 707 hp
• Max RPM: 8,400 rpm
• Max Power per Stint: 913 MJ
• Refueling Circulate Fee: 22.825 MJ/sec

BMW M Hybrid V8

• Minimal Weight: 1,038 kg (+8)
• Max Energy <230 kph: 517.92 kW (-2.08); 704 hp
• Max Energy >240 kph: 510.12 kW (-6.76); 694 hp
• Max RPM: 8,000 rpm
• Max Power per Stint: 903 MJ (-8)
• Refueling Circulate Fee: 22.575 MJ/sec (-0.200)

Cadillac V-Collection.R

• Minimal Weight: 1,033 kg (-27)
• Max Energy <230 kph: 520 kW (+20); 707 hp
• Max Energy >240 kph: 504.92 kW (-7.08); 687 hp
• Max RPM: 8,800 rpm
• Max Power per Stint: 896 MJ (-13)
• Refueling Circulate Fee: 22.400 MJ/sec (-0.325)

Porsche 963

• Minimal Weight: 1,035 kg (-7)
• Max Energy <230 kph: 517.92 kW (-2.08); 704 hp
• Max Energy >240 kph: 510.12 kW (+9.88); 694 hp
• Max RPM: 8,158 rpm
• Max Power per Stint: 903 MJ (+5)
• Refueling Circulate Fee: 22.575 MJ/sec (+0.125)

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– The Motorsport.com Workforce