24 Hours of Daytona 2026

The race as we know it began in 1966. Similar, albeit shorter, events had been held at Daytona International Speedway in the four years leading up to it, before the race distance was expanded to match the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is part of the triple crown of endurance racing, along with Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, Daytona International Speedway is one of the world’s most iconic circuits. Built in 1959 by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., it is known as the World Center of Racing for a reason. The 24-hour race runs on both the oval and the infield road circuit, spanning 5.73-km (3.56 miles) and featuring 12 turns.

The circuit is host to not just one, but two blue riband events: NASCAR hosts its season-opening Daytona 500 at the circuit annually, attracting around 150,000 fans every year. It returns to Daytona later in the calendar for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. MotoAmerica also runs its Daytona 200 on the motorcycle circuit configuration.

Porsche has the most overall victories of any manufacturer, with 20 - 19 of which were as both car and engine manufacturer. The marque won 11 consecutive races from 1977 to 1987, and is nine wins clear of the next most successful manufacturer. Its first victory came in 1968 with the Porsche 907LH, with the latest coming in 2025.

Five rounds of the IMSA calendar, including the 24 Hours of Daytona, make up the Michelin Endurance Cup: The Daytona 24 Hours, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Six Hours of The Glen, the Battle on the Bricks and Petit Le Mans. Points are awarded at various intervals throughout the races for position at that time, and whichever team ends the season with the most points wins the coveted Cup.