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IMSA Targets Pacific Northwest and NASCAR Links in 2028 Calendar Boost
Highlights
- IMSA plans to expand WeatherTech Series calendar in 2028.
- Expansion focus includes Pacific Northwest and potential street races.
- Discussions ongoing with NASCAR for joint events and collaborations.
- Military base races are considered, inspired by recent NASCAR events.
- Rotational venue system proposed to control costs and logistics.
- 2028 calendar to be announced around March 2027 at Sebring.
IMSA president John Doonan sets out a 2028 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship expansion, prioritizing new venues, street events, and NASCAR tie-ups, with a calendar reveal targeted for Sebring in March 2027.
The Pacific Northwest emerges as the headline target. Doonan cites a robust car culture and major employers, making the region a logical market to establish a stronger foothold.
Joint programming with NASCAR sits at the heart of discussions. Talks include shared weekends and distinctive activations, notably potential races on military bases to broaden reach and create compelling narratives.
Recent NASCAR showcases at the Coronado Naval Base and on Chicago’s streets demonstrate proof of concept. IMSA views urban layouts as gateways to new audiences and partners.
IMSA targets the Pacific Northwest and street courses to diversify the 2028 schedule.
Any additions must work operationally. IMSA wants to cluster West Coast dates around Long Beach and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, enabling teams to complete a single, efficient trip.
Heritage remains protected. Natural-terrain venues such as Road America and Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans continue to anchor the calendar and reliably draw strong, knowledgeable crowds.
To control costs, IMSA evaluates a rotational venue model. This approach mirrors Formula 1’s periodic hosting, expanding geographic variety without inflating the total number of race weekends.
Flexibility extends to the ladder. The Michelin Pilot Challenge could support markets the headliner cannot reach during clashes with Le Mans or the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.
Budget discipline underpins every scenario. IMSA stresses travel efficiency, freight planning, and sustainable entries as prerequisites before granting any new dates.
Rotation model under review to expand reach without inflating costs.
Work on 2028 is already active. Concepts include a military base event, with a full calendar announcement anticipated around the 75th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring next March.
Full 2028 calendar slated for announcement at Sebring in March 2027.
Visual Summary
🏁 Classic Tracks
🌲 New Market
🏙️ Urban
🌲 New Market
🏙️ Urban
IMSA targets new horizons —
Pacific Northwest expansion, NASCAR tie-ins, and possible city street races
🪖
Military Base races
under discussion
under discussion
🏙️
Street Races
coming soon?
coming soon?
🔄
Venue Rotation
for cost control
for cost control
“
We want to balance our iconic natural circuits and bold new urban events — always keeping fans and teams in mind.
— John Doonan, IMSA President
We want to balance our iconic natural circuits and bold new urban events — always keeping fans and teams in mind.
— John Doonan, IMSA President
James William covers the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, from the Rolex 24 at Daytona to sprint-race formats. His reports include prototype performance reviews, GT class battles, and pit-stop strategy insights for endurance-racing fans.
