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2026 Daytona 24 Hours Entry List Revealed, Features F1 Drivers

2026 Daytona 24 Hours Entry List Revealed, Features F1 Drivers

Summary
The 61-car entry list for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona features 11 GTPs, including Porsche Penske's post-WEC return and Aston Martin's debut. The field is bolstered by F1 drivers Kevin Magnussen, Romain Grosjean, and Logan Sargeant, alongside IndyCar stars Alex Palou and Colton Herta.

The 61-car entry list for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona has been unveiled, setting the stage for a star-studded endurance classic next month. The 64th running of the race will feature 11 GTP prototypes, 14 LMP2s, 15 GTD Pro entries, and 21 GTD cars, with notable appearances from current and former Formula 1 drivers and a significant shift for Porsche Penske Motorsport.

Why it matters:

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is the prestigious season-opener for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and a global motorsport spectacle. This 2026 entry list highlights the continued convergence of top-tier talent from different racing disciplines, underscoring the event's status as a must-watch competition that often previews the year's competitive dynamics in sports car racing.

The details:

  • Porsche's Strategic Shift: The race marks Porsche Penske Motorsport's first major outing since concluding its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar program. The team will field a two-car effort (Nos. 6 & 7) in the top GTP class, signaling a re-focused commitment to IMSA's premier category.
  • Aston Martin's GTP Debut: Aston Martin will make its presence felt in the GTP class with a single Valkyrie hypercar run by the Aston Martin THOR Team (No. 23), adding another manufacturer to the burgeoning prototype battle.
  • F1 and IndyCar Crossover: The driver roster includes several names familiar to open-wheel fans. Former Haas F1 teammates Kevin Magnussen (BMW M Team WRT, No. 25) and Romain Grosjean (Myers Riley Motorsport, No. 16) are entered, alongside Williams' Logan Sargeant (Era Motorsport, No. 18). Reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou (Acura Meyer Shank Racing, No. 93) and current IndyCar star Colton Herta (Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing, No. 40) are also confirmed.
  • Cadillac's Strong Presence: The Cadillac contingent remains formidable, with multi-car efforts from Wayne Taylor Racing and a Whelan Engineering entry featuring former F2 champion Frederik Vesti (No. 31).
  • Notable Driver Pairings: The entry list reveals intriguing line-ups, such as the Fittipaldi cousins (Pietro and Enzo) sharing the No. 73 Pratt Miller Motorsports LMP2 car, and former F1 driver Paul di Resta racing for United Autosports USA in LMP2 (No. 22).

What's next:

The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona is scheduled for January 22-25 at the Daytona International Speedway. The official entry list sets the stage for the traditional 'Roar Before the 24' test days, where teams will finalize preparations and driver line-ups (noted as 'TBC' on the list) ahead of the grueling twice-around-the-clock race. All eyes will be on whether Porsche's focused IMSA effort and Aston Martin's new GTP program can challenge the established Acura, BMW, and Cadillac teams for overall victory.

Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/revealed-2026-daytona-24-hours-entry-list

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