The Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway is poised to deliver an electrifying showdown in 2026. With 23 entries confirmed, the event promises to be a pivotal moment in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship featuring the sole GTD Pro and GTD headline race of the season.
This year’s field includes ten GTD Pro and 13 GTD entries, maintaining the tradition of a 23-car grid for the third consecutive year. The competition is particularly intense, with championship battles heating up in both classes.
The Return of YRB Racing and New Lineup Changes
One of the most notable changes since the last round at Road America is the return of YRB Racing to the top production-based ranks. After previously competing in the GTD class during the Michelin Endurance Cup race, the team is back with a vengeance. Aston Martin factory driver Marco Sorensen will make his debut with the ‘Car Blanche’ squad, joining Valentin Hasse-Clot in the No. 68 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo.
The only other significant lineup change comes from the Heart of Racing Team where Tom Gamble was replaced by Roman De Angelis in the GTD points-leading No. 27 Aston Martin. This adjustment was necessitated by Gamble’s commitments to the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Championship Battles and Key Storylines
The championship battles are as intense as ever, with just 21 points separating the top three in GTD Pro and 45 points covering the top four in GTD. The defending champions in both classes won their respective titles at VIR last year, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s event.
The GTD Pro title battle is a three-way contest between the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO, the No. 4 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R, and the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (992). Meanwhile, in GTD, Dudu Barrichello leads the championship by a narrow margin, with the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, No. 96 Turner motorsport BMW M4 GT3 EVO, and No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 hot on his heels.
The Bob Akin Award Bronze Cup battle is also heating up, with Orey Fidani leading Brendan Iribe by just 10 points. This year’s event will also feature the FIA GT3-homologated spec cars, taking center stage in their first and only WeatherTech Championship race without prototypes.
Who’s Hot and Who’s Good Here?
The No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 team has been on a roll, securing back-to-back wins at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America. Their success has made them a team to watch as they pursue their third straight GTD title. Meanwhile, the No. 77 AO Racing Porsche, driven by Nick Tandy and Harry King has quietly banked four podiums this season, including two straight. Their consistency makes them a strong contender for a first win in 2026.
Antonio Garcia and Nick Tandy are among the drivers who have a proven track record at VIR. Garcia leads the way with five wins at IMSA’s GT-showcase events, while Tandy has three past GT wins at the facility. Their experience and success at this track make them key players to watch in this year’s challenge.
Track action begins on Friday, August 21 with a single practice session. Final practice and qualifying will take place on Saturday, leading up to the two-hour and 40-minute contest on Sunday at 12:10 p.m. EST. The race will be broadcast live on NBCPeacock and IMSA’s YouTube channel internationally.
