IMSA Monterey Sports Car Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Goes Full “Throw-Back” May 1–3, 2026

Monterey, CA. (February 19, 2026) — The sights, sounds, and unmistakable style of sports car racing’s golden eras will return to the Monterey Peninsula when the IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship adopts a full “Throw-Back” theme, May 1-3, 2026, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Fresh off earning IMSA’s prestigious “Golden Ticket” Award—recognizing excellence among premier promoter partners and North America’s top racing venues, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca looks ahead to 2026 with a retro, immersive, fan-focused concept that honors the sport’s rich heritage while showcasing world-class contemporary competition.

For one unforgettable weekend, the modern stars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will celebrate the legends who shaped endurance racing.  While teams and manufacturers may retain their current liveries and number panels, the focus will be on honoring team brand identities and the rich heritage that defines the sport. The event serves as a tribute to endurance racing’s storied past — a celebration of the icons, milestones, and moments that built its legacy.

Fans are invited to join the celebration by showcasing their own vintage race-day style, from retro team jerseys and classic paddock caps to period driver apparel and collectible memorabilia. The paddock will reflect the same throwback energy seen on track, creating an integrated event atmosphere.

The 2025 TireRack.com Monterey SportsCar Championship winning #6 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963

“By embracing IMSA’s history, we’re creating an experience that connects past and present, welcoming longtime fans who remember the golden eras and introducing a new generation to the sights, sounds, and spirit that define this championship,’ said Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

“It’s about preserving tradition, celebrating excellence, and reinforcing why Laguna Seca continues to hold such a special place in the heart of motorsport.”

The celebration will begin before engines fire on track, with an official “Throw-Back Street Party” in downtown Monterey on Wednesday, April 30th. Fans will have the opportunity to see race cars up close, meet teams and drivers, and experience a preview of the weekend’s heritage-themed atmosphere in a vibrant coastal setting. Throughout race weekend, additional racing-themed activations and fan events will take place around the Monterey Peninsula offering curated experiences designed to engage both longtime enthusiasts and new fans.

Set against the rolling hills of the Monterey Peninsula, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is globally recognized for its 11-turn, 2.238-mile circuit and the legendary “Corkscrew.” The IMSA Monterey Sports Car Championship weekend will once again showcase the precision, strategy, and endurance that define premier Sports Car racing—this time with a nod to the decades that built its legacy.  Tickets, hospitality packages, and camping options for the May 1–3, 2026 Throw-Back weekend are available now at WeatherTechRaceway.com. Fans are encouraged to prepare their vintage gear for what promises to be one of the most distinctive and competitive race weekends of the season.

About the IMSA Monterey Sports Car Championship:

Headlined by the nation’s premier Sports Car Racing Series, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the weekend features four classes of world-class competition - GTP, LMP2, GTD PRO and GTD, bringing together elite drivers and leading global manufacturers in a multi-class endurance showdown on one of motorsports most challenging circuits. The on-track action is non-stop all weekend, with the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, and Mustang Challenge delivering full grids, tight racing, and a diverse showcase of modern SportsCar competition.  The IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship returns May 1-3, 2026, to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for a full-throttle, throwback-themed celebration of Sports Car racing.