In IMSA, there are several different IMSA-sanctioned classes in each racing division. In this article, I will cover the WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, describe and explain each class, and share the differences between them. The IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship consists of five classes: Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), GT Daytona (GTD), GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), and Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3).

 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

In GTP, there are four different vehicle manufacturers currently involved with the class. They include Cadillac, Acura, Porsche, and BMW. The GTP class was actually reborn at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway in January of 2023. Its last appearance was in 1993 at Phoenix International Raceway and it replaced the former category of DPi which stands for Daytona Prototype International.

It is the higher end of the classes, as well as the newest and most technologically advanced car. It features a common hybrid powertrain for all entries which takes kinetic energy gained in braking and stores it in batteries for later use when needed.

The top speed of GTP averages around 200 mph. Each manufacturer developed its own unique internal combustion engine and bodywork styling to take on this cutting-edge challenge.

Additionally, a few famously known teams that are in NASCAR and IndyCar are involved such as Andretti with Wayne Taylor Racing, Meyer-Shank Racing, and Team Penske.

Grand Touring Daytona (GTD)

The GTD category consists of cars from leading manufacturers such as Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. In particular, the GTD class mimics the worldwide FIA class GT3 rules and format.

Today, IMSA follows the FIA Group GT3 format and rules, including dividing GTD into two categories: GTD PRO and GTD. The amateur class allows only bronze- and silver-rated drivers to compete while GTD PRO is for the experienced gold- and platinum-rated drivers.

Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD Pro)

This year, IMSA GTD Pro did something similar to what GTP did this year – GTD Pro replaced the GTLM class which was Grand Touring Le Mans, or formed into what it is now GTD Pro.

This specific class consists of what the GTD class has to offer, but as stated, it is the higher end of the GTD classes and it is for mainly platinum and gold-rated drivers. The speed is roughly the same as the GTD class which averages 175 mph.

The vehicles and manufacturers that run in both GTD and GTD Pro categories are the C8.R, Porsche 911 R, Lexus RC F, Aston Martin Vantage, Ferrari 296, Lamborghini Huracan EVO2, Mercedes AMG, BMW M4, Acura NSX, and McLaren 720S.

Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)

The LMP2 class is very different from the GTD classes, especially the GTP class, as it is on the slower end in terms of speed. However, in terms of similarities, it is a mirror image of its relative, the LMP3 class.

Some similarities consist of the bodywork and the LMP2 is slightly longer in measurements. The speed of LMP2 tops out at around 186 mph.

Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3)

The LMP3 class, as previously mentioned, is quite similar to the LMP2 class. However, it is more for an entry-level driver.

The speed of LMP3 does lack compared to the others as it is the lowest class in the WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, averaging 175-180mph. It also has a shorter body style compared to the LMP3.