IMSA Tightens BoP Comments as Daytona 24 Hours BoP Unveiled for 2026
daytona Beach,FL — IMSA released the 2026 Balance of Performance (BoP) for the Daytona 24 Hours and introduced stricter rules on BoP commentary by drivers,teams and manufacturers. The move mirrors the world Endurance championship’s approach to safeguarding the process.
Under the updated rule 2.2.3,“Conduct and Communications,” manufacturers,competitors,drivers,constructors and all associated entities may not attempt to influence BoP or publicly discuss its process,data or outcomes. The regulation allows IMSA officials to assess and penalize violations at their sole discretion, before, during or after races.
As in prior years, BoP remains a significant, though nuanced, factor in IMSA. Daytona’s fast layout and frequent yellows place extra emphasis on tires, pit-stop strategy and the final restart, alongside the BoP’s power adjustments.
IMSA deploys a two-stage BoP, with a transition zone from 230 kph to 240 kph. Power changes are applied in a linear progression rather than a single fixed threshold, a system IMSA introduced in 2025. At Daytona, where speeds top the charts, performance above 240 kph strongly influences overtaking opportunities.
BoP Snapshot for Daytona 24 Hours 2026 (GTP)
The principal performance metric remains the power-to-weight ratio. The 2026 BoP process was especially challenging due to major updates to all four LMDh cars. A November on-track test at Daytona, combined with simulation data, provided early benchmarks for the final BoP table.
IMSA’s BoP list covers both the Roar Before the 24 and the race itself. While late tweaks after the Roar are possible, the final race adjustments are typically limited.
| Car | Min Weight (kg) | Max Power <230 kph (kW) | Max Power >240 kph (kW) | Max Energy per stint (MJ) | Refuel Flow (MJ/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acura ARX-06 | 1,041 | 520 (707 hp) | 505.96 (688 hp) | 899 | 22.475 |
| Aston Martin Valkyrie | 1,030 | 513.760 (699 hp) | 520 (707 hp) | 913 | 22.825 |
| BMW M Hybrid V8 | 1,038 | 517.92 (704 hp) | 510.12 (694 hp) | 903 | 22.575 |
| Cadillac V-Series.R | 1,033 | 520 (707 hp) | 504.92 (687 hp) | 896 | 22.400 |
| Porsche 963 | 1,035 | 517.92 (704 hp) | 510.12 (694 hp) | 903 | 22.575 |
In the sub-230 kph band, Cadillac and Aston Martin lead the pack, with Acura, BMW and Porsche closely matched. In the >240 kph regime,Aston Martin again edges ahead,followed by Porsche,BMW,Cadillac and Acura. Porsche’s high-speed performance shows a slight resurgence, while BMW’s updates are among the most extensive this cycle.
Context and Implications
Compared with 2025 BoP figures, the 2026 table reflects substantial aerodynamic and weight changes across all four LMDh cars. The Valkyrie is not a direct 2025 Daytona entry, so year-on-year comparisons are nuanced. IMSA’s cautious approach aims to preserve close competition while managing the risk of rapid performance leaps from new developments.
The BoP also considers energy per stint and refueling dynamics, balancing power gains with endurance efficiency. Cadillac’s V-Series.R, for instance, gains power in the lower speed range but balances that with energy limits and refueling efficiency to maintain durability across stints.
for fans and teams alike, Daytona remains a stress test for BoP ideology: a delicate blend of speed, efficiency and strategic timing when the field is rebooted after cautions.
External references: IMSA’s official Sporting Regulations and BoP releases provide the framework for these rules. For broader endurance context, see updates from the World Endurance Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship coverage.
Key numbers and trends are updated as the event nears, with final adjustments possible before the green flag. Stay tuned to official IMSA channels for the latest BoP decisions and race-day specifics.
What do you think will be the deciding factor at Daytona 2026 — BoP adjustments, tire strategy, or the timing of the final restart? Share your thoughts below.
How do you expect the two-stage BoP transition to influence late-race drama at Daytona this year? Join the discussion in the comments.
For additional background on BoP and global endurance regulation,see coverage from the World Endurance Championship at fiawec.com and IMSA’s official site at imsa.com.
