BMW M2 Challenge to join IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge endurance races in 2026

The IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge has confirmed it will add a fourth class in 2026 as the BMW M2 Challenge joins the series in its four endurance rounds.

BMW M’s one-make category will join the next-generation LMP3 prototypes, late-model GT3 cars in the GTDX class, and GT4 (GSX) cars at the two-hour long-distance races at Sebring International Raceway (March 6–8), Circuit of The Americas (May 7–9), VIRginia International Raceway (June 19–21), and Road America (August 14–16).

IMSA President John Doonan had already discussed tentative plans to include the M2 Challenge class during the Oct. 22 episode of the IMSA Endurance Hour podcast, saying, “(The endurance races) will give the LMP3 folks a chance to share a car and we’re very pleased that the BMW M2 Challenge will come to IMSA.

“It’s a single-make car, but to put that car into a multi-class environment is great for entry-level. Immediately, someone is in a multi-class learning opportunity with a faster prototype passing. We’re excited about it and BMW has embraced us kicking it off in North America. The first race that runs in early ’26 at Sebring in March, when the VPRC enduro series kicks off will be the first M2 Challenge race.”

But only today were those plans confirmed by IMSA.

2026 will be the launch year of the new BMW M2 Racing car, the latest in a line of entry-level racing vehicles based on the BMW 2-Series coupé. The new M2 Racing is based on the latest BMW M2 (G87), with an inline four-cylinder engine producing 313 horsepower and capable of top speeds of 167 miles per hour.

The new M2 Racing was unveiled earlier this year with a price tag of €98,000 (just over $111,000). It is eligible to race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS), as well as the SRO TC America series.

“With the launch of the new BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition of building accessible, high-performance racing cars that deliver both excitement and results,” said Adam McGregor, Customer and Racing Manager for BMW of North America. "As with its predecessor, the BMW M2 CS Racing, the BMW M2 Racing is set to redefine the entry-level segment, offering racing teams and drivers alike a car that is both affordable and uncompromising in performance, durability and driving pleasure.”

The VP Challenge series’ endurance races will allow teams to enter two drivers per car, with at least one FIA Bronze or Silver-rated driver (Platinum drivers are prohibited).