IMSA WeatherTech: The Fastest-Growing Sports Car Series in America
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has emerged as one of the most competitive and fan-driven series in motorsport. Here's why the growth shows no signs of slowing down.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has quietly become one of the most talked-about racing series in North America — and the numbers back it up. Attendance at marquee events like Daytona, Sebring, and Petit Le Mans has surged year over year, while broadcast viewership has more than doubled since 2020.
What's driving the growth? A combination of manufacturer investment, the GTD class explosion, and a race format that rewards both outright speed and strategic patience.
The GTD class in particular has attracted a wave of factory-backed programs from manufacturers who previously focused solely on European series. Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Corvette Racing all fielding serious programs that push each other every single weekend. The parity between GT3 machinery creates racing that is relentlessly close from the green flag to the checkered.
For sponsors and brands, IMSA represents one of the best-value propositions in motorsport. Multi-hour races mean extended on-screen time, paddock hospitality that rivals Formula 1 in terms of access, and a passionate fan base that actively seeks out the brands backing their favorite teams and drivers.
The series also benefits from its calendar. From the streets of Long Beach to the technical demands of Road America, each round offers something different — and for drivers like myself, that variety is what makes IMSA the most complete test of motorsport skill anywhere in the world.
The trajectory is clear. IMSA is no longer a hidden gem. It's one of the premier destinations for professional motorsport, and the investment from manufacturers, teams, and sponsors reflects exactly that.