The new-for-2026 endurance element of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge has attracted a title sponsor, with IMSA announcing the four-round series will be known as the IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge as part of a multi-year agreement.
The Airbnb Endurance Challenge, which is made up of two-hour races, will feature second and third-generation LMP3 machinery this season, alongside a one-make class for the new BMW M2 Racing.
For the LMP3 competitors, the Challenge forms part of a larger series alongside the existing five-round IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge sprint series, which begins next weekend at the Daytona International Speedway.
“IMSA has always been about innovation and creating unique experiences for our fans, competitors, and partners,” commented IMSA President John Doonan. “The introduction of Airbnb as the entitlement partner for the IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge is a perfect example of that spirit.
“It is our vision that these additional endurance format events can be yet another launch pad for teams, mechanics, engineers, and drivers who want to grow with in the IMSA platforms. Hopefully even to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the not-too-distant future.”
It won’t be Airbnb’s first tie-in with IMSA LMP3 racing: Bronze driver Aristotle “Ari” Balogh brought the company on as a sponsor to Jr III Racing’s LMP3 programme as recently as 2023. Balogh was Airbnb’s Chief Technical Officer until his resignation from the role in November.
The IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge commences at Sebring International Raceway on 6–8 March.
Feature image © IMSA
