IMSA Preview: 2025 12 Hours of Sebring

Written by Sean McKean

Credit: Michael L. Levitt / LAT Images & IMSA

After a month-long wait, the IMSA field finally returns for a four-class pursuit on the Sebring International Circuit. There are 56 entries expected for this event: 13 in GTP, 12 in LMP2, 11 in GTD Pro and 20 in GTD.

Whereas last year featured the debut of the Lamborghini, the GTP class will see the Aston Martin Valkyrie finally take to the track after a long-anticipated wait. Driven by Ross Gunn, Roman De Angelis and Alex Riberas, this lineup will bring strong pace to the track off the get-go.

GTP

Given that it’s only been one round, it’s hard to definitively say who’s the strongest in form. However, if I had to pick one way or the other, I would go with the Penske Porsche squad, specifically to the No. 6 entry.

The entry driven by Matt Campbell, Kevin Estre and Mathieu Jaminet showcased great speed in Daytona – finishing third overall. With Penske’s pace in these endurance rounds, expect to see the No. 6 up front and looking to make it two-in-a-row for president Roger.

LMP2

One of the closest grids is surely the LMP2 class. With all teams fielding the same Oreca chassis, it usually comes down to pure driver ability and engineering class. 

When all of these factors combine, the No. 74 Riley team has this down to a tee. Fielding a proven, experienced lineup of Gar Robinson, Felipe Fraga and Josh Burdon, the team finished second in the LMP2 standings last year despite not taking a victory. Does this show they can’t cap off great performances, or does it mean they’re due for a victory?

GTD Pro

In IMSA, one of the hardest disciplines to compete in is the GTD/GTD Pro classes. Since the cars are literally equal in performance, one effectively has to race two separate classes whilst also racing others for track position.

The Pro team that has this skill down is the No. 3 Pratt Miller Corvette, driven by Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims and Daniel Juncadella. Although this team did not win any endurance events last year, their runner-up finish in Daytona surely inspires confidence for a race of half the length.

GTD 

The difficulties in GTD Pro remain constant in GTD, only that drivers in lower-tiered licenses usually see tight battles for every position on track.

However, I predict the No. 13 AWA Corvette to go back-to-back in Sebring. The car driven by Orey Fidani, Matthew Bell and Lars Kern showed superb pace in Daytona, and it would be asinine to say that they would lose this pace from one race weekend to the other.