IMSA and SRO Cancel Daytona BoP Test Sessions

The organizations are scrapping December Balance of Performance sessions to save teams from unplanned costs.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Performance Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a race car in a workshop, representing the cancellation of automotive performance testing sessions. — IMSA and SRO have canceled their joint December Balance of Performance test at Daytona International Speedway to reduce team costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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IMSA and SRO have canceled the joint Balance of Performance (BoP) test that was scheduled for mid-December at Daytona International Speedway. The decision aims to prevent teams and manufacturers from incurring significant unplanned expenses.

Why it matters

The cancellation protects teams and manufacturers from the financial strain of additional testing obligations while maintaining the integrity of the upcoming season. Organizations will continue to share data and expertise to manage GT3 performance standards despite the shift.

IMSA confirmed that sanctioned testing for all 4 racing classes will proceed as planned on December 10 and 11. The additional BoP sessions previously set for December 12 and 13 have been officially removed from the calendar.

The players

IMSA

The International Motor Sports Association is the primary sanctioning body for sports car racing in North America.

SRO

The SRO Motorsports Group is an international organization responsible for promoting and managing major GT racing series globally.

The details

Following discussions with manufacturer partners, IMSA and SRO agreed that the joint test was not financially viable for participating teams. While the joint sessions are canceled, both organizations affirmed their ongoing collaboration regarding GT3 data and performance metrics.

December 10, 2026: IMSA sanctioned testing begins.
December 11, 2026: IMSA sanctioned testing concludes.
December 12, 2026: Originally scheduled BoP test session canceled.
December 13, 2026: Originally scheduled BoP test session canceled.

Roadmap

This decision reflects a broader industry trend where sanctioning bodies are increasingly mindful of the economic sustainability for privateer and manufacturer teams. By streamlining the calendar, organizers seek to balance competitive parity with the practical realities of managing racing budgets.

For race teams, the cancellation eliminates travel and logistics costs associated with two extra days at the track. Enthusiasts can expect the December 10 and 11 testing sessions to serve as the primary window for viewing vehicle preparation and performance.

The takeaway

Racing organizations are showing increased sensitivity to the financial burdens faced by teams in the current economic climate. Prioritizing fiscal efficiency in the off-season allows teams to allocate resources more effectively toward competitive events throughout the upcoming year.