The IMSA family is growing. Thursday, it was confirmed the sanctioning body will now be home to McLaren Trophy America. McLaren and IMSA announced the long-term deal to start with the 2027 season.
What is McLaren Trophy America?
McLaren Trophy America was launched in 2025. The series was managed and promoted by SRO America while simultaneously sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC). The one-make customer championship is a spin-off of its European counterpart (started in 2023) that sees all competitors race the McLaren Artura Trophy Evo. Weekends consist of two fifty minutes races with a mandatory pit stop, usually involving a driver change.
Presently, there are three classes, all based on FIA driver rating. Pro class consist of all-Silver rated driver pairings. Pro-Am consist of one Bronze driver with the second driver being of any other grade. The Am class consists of all-Bronze lineups while allowing Bronze drivers to race solo if they desire.
Growing Footprints
McLaren Trophy America expanded their calendar in 2026 with a round at the Miami Grand Prix in May. Significantly, it was the first time McLaren Trophy (America or Europe) had participated in a Formula 1 weekend. Furthermore, McLaren Trophy will be a support race at next summer’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in celebration of McLaren’s Hypercar debut. Teams from McLaren Trophy America will be invited to participate.
McLaren Trophy America joins IMSA’s vast portfolio of single-make series. The sanctioning body also oversees Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Mustang Challenge North America, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and Ferrari Challenge North America. Overall, IMSA will now sanction ten series including its various multi-class championships and HSR for vintage race cars.
Featured Image: McLaren Trophy America at Road Atlanta, June 2026 Photo Courtesy: Fabian Lagunas/SRO Motorsports Group
