Technical complaints change the starting grid for the 24 Hours of Daytona
Daytona Beach, USA – Following qualifying for the 2026 24 Hours of Daytona, the Technical Commissioners of the IMSA SportsCar Championship have imposed two penalties that will result in significant changes to the starting grid. Both the top class GTP and the GTD Pro category are affected.
The original fastest car in qualifying, the Action Express Cadillac with starting number 31, was disqualified from pole position. During the technical inspection, it was discovered that the rear skid block of the vehicle was more abraded than permitted by the regulations. As a result, the car was moved to the back of the GTP grid. Pole position for the endurance classic thus goes to the Meyer-Shank-Acura with starting number 93.
There was also a sporting decision in the GTD Pro class. The Paul Miller BMW with starting number 1 was also relegated to the back of its class due to a wheel camber on the chassis that did not comply with the rules. The car should originally have started from second position.
The penalties handed out resulted in further shifts in the field. In the GTP class, the #40 Cadillac moves up to the front row of the grid, while the best-placed Porsche 963 will now start the race from third place. In addition, the #59 McLaren will start from the front row of GTD Pro on its debut in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Despite the changes, the impact on the course of the race is considered to be limited. Experience has shown that starting position plays a subordinate role in a 24-hour race, so the sporting disadvantages for the teams concerned are considered manageable.