LAKEVILLE, CT (18 January 2023)— The IMSA VP Racing Challenge, a new racing series that will be a part of the Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in July, will debut as a highlight of the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway this weekend.
The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge will come to life, featuring competition for Bronze- or Silver- rated drivers competing in LMP3 prototypes and GT4 machinery in what will be called the GSX class. Only one driver will be allowed in each car for the weekend, with no pit stops during the sprint-format races.
The VP Racing Challenge comes to Lime Rock Park with a pair of races during the Northeast Grand Prix on July 21-22, expanding the traditional two-race event to four races. Other venues on the inaugural schedule include Sebring International Raceway, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Virginia International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
The WeatherTech Championship will spotlight the GT3 classes at Lime Rock Park, including the awaited new models from Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini that will make their official debuts this weekend in the GTD Pro and GTD classes. The TCR category of the Michelin Pilot Challenge will be featured during the Lime Rock event.
Advanced tickets for the IMSA Northeast Grand Prix are now available at a special price, visit: Lime Rock Park
More on the Roar
The Roar is a three-day test session for three IMSA series, including qualifying to set the grid for the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona the following weekend.
After holding a pair of practice sessions on Friday at Daytona, the VP Challenge qualifies Saturday at 8:40 a.m. (all times ET). The fastest lap for each driver will set the field for the opening race, with the race two grid set by the second-fastest lap. The inaugural race will be held on Saturday at 2:05 p.m., with race two on Sunday at 12:20 p.m. as fans can follow on the Peacock streaming platform.
The lead IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will also have a full contingent of practice sessions during the Roar weekend. Both series visit Lime Rock Park during the Northeast Grand Prix.
Both VP Racing Challenge rounds at Daytona will be streamed live on the Peacock platform. Qualifying for the Rolex 24 will also be available on IMSA.tv.