#and more...

This is a short explanation and does not go into the history of these races and the different series they have been sanctioned under. This explanation will specifically be about right this moment. I elaborate on the history of the 24H of Le Mans right here and will be elaborating on the 24H of Daytona soon in my upcoming IMSA intro!

My inbox is always open for any following questions about any of these, I just thought I'd finally make this post as I often see people make mistakes. And particularly think every 24H race falls under WEC.

24H of Le Mans - WEC

This is arguably the most famous one, and also the oldest active endurance racing event in the world. This race has been part of the World Endurance Championship since 2012, and is the series' only 24H Race. And will likely be the series' only 24H race for the considerable future.

24H of Daytona - IMSA

Alongside the 24H of Le Mans and the 12H of Sebring this is part of the informal Triple Crown of endurance. The current head sponsor of this race is Rolex, and it has been since 1992, which is why this race is also often referred to as the Rolex 24. This race is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship which is in turn sanctioned by IMSA (International Motor Sports Association). IMSA is then a division of NASCAR which doesn't really matter in this case, but I thought it'd be a fun fact.

Now IMSA sanctions a heap of series such as the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Mazda MX-5 Cup etc. So technically IMSA is not a series of its own, but a sanctioning body. However, the main series under said body (the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) will often be referred to as simply "IMSA". This will be by fans, media, drivers and anyone really.

The 24H of Daytona is IMSA's only 24H race and will also likely be its only one for the foreseeable future. The 12H of Sebring, the third race in the Triple Crown of endurance is also part of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Both of these plus 2 other six hour, and one ten hour race are part of the Michelin Endurance Cup, which is a championship within the overall one specifically for all endurance races on the schedule.

WEC vs IMSA?

Now between WEC and IMSA there is a lot of crossover. They are part of top-class (GTP & Hypercar) convergence between the ACO (WEC governing body) & FIA with IMSA. While a lot of drivers compete in both series, a lot of brands do, and some teams do too, WEC and IMSA are two separate championships, each with their own sporting regulations.

24H of Spa - GTWCE (IGTC)

The 24H of Spa is the biggest event with only GT3 cars taking the start in the world. It was first held in 1924, only one year after the inaugural 24H of Le Mans. Currently it is part of several championships all governed by The SRO Motorsports Group. It gets a little complicated here, as points can be scored towards different championships by teams, manufacturers and drivers.

Firstly, it's part of the GT World Challenge Europe, which then in turn can be split into two championships: GTWCE Sprint & Endurance. The Sprint Championship will have nothing to do with the 24H of Spa, but points will count towards the Endurance Championship & the overall combined championship.

There are also championships in North America, Asia and Australia and by competing in races in each of these categories and Europe manufacturers can score points towards a global GT World Challenge.

Then, it is also part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC), a championship consisting of several stand-alone events and a few races that are part of another championship. What these races all have in common is GT3 cars competing will comply to the same technical regulations.

The IGTC is aimed primarily towards manufacturers but there is also a driver's championship. This season the championship starts with the 12H of Bathurst, which is a stand-alone event promoted by the Australian Supercars championship and ends with the Indianapolis 8 Hours which is part of the GT World Challenge America Championship.

24H of Nürburgring - (IGTC)

The 24H of Nürburgring is a stand-alone 24H race that is primarily aimed at amateurs but does have an all-pro top class. The race has a huge amount of classes which makes it possible for an Opel Manta and a Porsche 911 to share the track.

Outside of the 24H weekend racers are held on the Nordschleife all year round, all part of the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie). While the 24H of Nürburgring is not part of this series, the series does have two championship races acting as qualifying races for the 24H of Nürburgring. These two races, and other NLS races will also be often used by teams as a preparation for 'the big one'.

Since 2024, the 24H of Nürburgring is also part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge but it remains a stand-alone race.

Creventic 24H Races

Creventic, a Dutch promoter hosts several series including the 24H Series. The 24H Series currently has two 24H races, the 24H of Dubai and the 24H of Barcelona. This year the 24H of Dubai was part of a Middle East Cup while the 24H of Barcelona will be part of the Europe Series.

This series mainly hosts amateurs and semi-pros but especially the 24H of Dubai will see a field of pro drivers part of a pro-am line-up. Team WRT for example, has won the race four times.

While this series won't come into discussions much I thought it'd help to add it. This series has had several other 24H races such as the 24H of Sebring, 24H of Portimão & 24H of Brno that are currently not part of the calendar.

Special Mentions

24H Motos (at Le Mans) - Part of the Endurance FIM World Championship*

Bol d'Or (at Paul Ricard) - Part of the Endurance FIM World Championship*

24H of Zolder - Part of Belcar Endurance Championship

24H of Fuji - Part of Super Taikyu Series

24H of Lemons - Not all races are 24H but the championship does have a few 24H races on theirs schedule, all in super cheap cars.

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