IMSA 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Sports Car Racing at the Detroit Grand Prix

The Detroit Grand Prix isn’t just about open-wheel racing—it also showcases the high-octane world of sports car racing with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Whether you’re new to endurance racing or just curious about the spectacle unfolding on city streets, here’s everything you need to know.

What is IMSA?

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) governs North America’s premier sports car series—the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. These races feature multiple classes of cars on track simultaneously, each competing within their own category. That means constant traffic, non-stop overtaking, and intense strategy battles.

Why IMSA Is Different

Unlike single-class racing, IMSA events have multiple types of cars sharing the track:

• GTP (Grand Touring Prototype): The fastest, most advanced cars on the grid. Hybrid-powered machines from brands like Cadillac, Acura, Porsche, and BMW.
• GTD PRO: Factory-backed GT3 cars from brands like Corvette, Lexus, Aston Martin, and Porsche.

Detroit will feature both the GTP and GTD PRO classes in a sprint-style format—no driver changes this time, just pure speed and strategy.

Race Format at Detroit

• Practice Sessions: Allow teams to dial in car setups on the tight street circuit.
• Qualifying: Sets the starting grid based on the fastest lap.
• Race: A shorter sprint event (usually 100 minutes) packed with nonstop action and no room for error.

How the Detroit Circuit Impacts the Race

• Narrow Streets: Precision is everything. One mistake could end the day.
• Traffic Management: GTP drivers constantly navigate slower GTD PRO cars.
• Pit Strategy: With limited time, teams must make every stop count.

What Happened Last Year?

In the 2024 Detroit Grand Prix, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti captured victory in the GTP class with Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque behind the wheel of the No. 10 Acura ARX-06.

In GTD PRO, AO Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 R, driven by Sebastian Priaulx and Laurin Heinrich, took the win in a thrilling finish.

Top Manufacturers to Watch in 2025

• Cadillac – Proudly representing Detroit with power and pace.
• Acura – Known for their speed and racecraft on street circuits.
• Porsche – A global GT powerhouse with sharp handling and endurance legacy.
• BMW – Returning with aggressive aero and hybrid tech.

Tips for First-Time IMSA Fans

• Multi-Class Racing: GTP and GTD PRO cars race simultaneously, so don’t expect a single leader—each class has its own winner.
• Spot the Difference: GTP cars look like futuristic rockets; GT cars resemble exotic street-legal machines with headlights.
• No Dull Moments: With lapping, traffic, and battles everywhere, there’s always something happening.
• TV Coverage: Watch live on USA Network or stream on Peacock.

2025 Detroit Grand Prix Entry List

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

• #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport – Mathieu Jaminet / Matt Campbell
• #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport – Felipe Nasr / Nick Tandy
• #10 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti – Ricky Taylor / Filipe Albuquerque
• #24 BMW M Team RLL – Philipp Eng / Dries Vanthoor
• #25 BMW M Team RLL – Connor De Phillippi / Nick Yelloly
• #31 Action Express Racing – Pipo Derani / Jack Aitken
• #40 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti – Louis Delétraz / Jordan Taylor
• #60 Meyer Shank Racing – Tom Blomqvist / Colin Braun
• #85 JDC-Miller MotorSports – Richard Westbrook / Tijmen van der Helm
• #93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing – Renger van der Zande / Alex Palou
• #99 Proton Competition – Gianmaria Bruni / Neel Jani

GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO)

• #3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – Antonio García / Klaus Bachler
• #9 Pfaff Motorsports – James Hinchcliffe / Marco Mapelli
• #14 Vasser Sullivan Racing – Jack Hawksworth / Ben Barnicoat
• #23 Heart of Racing Team – Ross Gunn / Alex Riberas
• #25 BMW M Team RLL – Connor De Phillippi / Nick Yelloly
• #33 Mercedes-AMG Team Riley Motorsports – Jeroen Bleekemolen / Mikael Grenier
• #62 Risi Competizione – Alessandro Pier Guidi / James Calado
• #63 Iron Lynx – Mirko Bortolotti / Andrea Caldarelli
• #77 AO Racing – Sebastian Priaulx / Laurin Heinrich
• #79 WeatherTech Racing – Cooper MacNeil / Daniel Juncadella
• #97 Turner Motorsport – Bill Auberlen / Robby Foley

Note: Entry list subject to change. Please refer to official IMSA communications for the most up-to-date information.

Fan Essentials: Detroit Grand Prix 2025

Viewing & Experiences

• Free Prix Day (May 31): Free venue access and Grandstands 1 & 9—perfect for watching IMSA practice.
• Rooftop Viewing: Premium views from River East Garage, Franklin Garage, and others.
• Tailgating: Park and party at Franklin Garage with access to rooftop views and the paddock.
• Paddock Access: Get an insider look at teams prepping GTP and GTD PRO machines.

Navigation, Entertainment & Logistics

• Concerts: Saturday night concerts at Cadillac Square, free to all fans.
• Shuttles: Complimentary golf cart shuttles help move between fan zones.
• Prohibited Items: No weapons, drones, glass, alcohol, or large coolers. Visit detroitgp.com/fanguide for the full list.
• Local Guide: Plan your weekend at visitdetroit.com.
• Tickets: Buy at detroitgp.com/tickets or call 866-464-7749.