IMSA has announced significant changes to the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona qualifying format, moving it to Thursday, January 28, just two days before the race. This marks a departure from recent years when qualifying was held during the Roar Before the 24 weekend.

Key Changes for 2025:

• The Roar Before the 24 (January 17-19) will focus solely on testing sessions and VP Racing SportsCar Challenge races
• Testing schedule includes seven sessions totaling 10 hours and 15 minutes
• A special 90-minute session dedicated to Bronze-rated drivers in LMP2 and GTD classes

Notable Updates to GTD Classes:

• GTD PRO and GTD will now have separate 15-minute qualifying sessions
• GTD PRO cars will start ahead of all GTD cars regardless of qualifying times
• Classes will remain separated during restart procedures after full-course cautions

Additional Event Details:

• Michelin Pilot Challenge will feature the four-hour BMW M Endurance race on Friday
• Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup will host two races on Thursday and Friday
• The 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona starts at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, January 25

These changes stem from IMSA's decision to move pre-season testing to November and implement torque sensors in GT classes, requiring Targeted Performance Testing during the Roar weekend for GT3 cars in both GTD PRO and GTD categories.

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