IMSA restructures points system, introduces qualifying points
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will introduce points for qualifying as part of a restructured scoring system next season.
The pole winner in each of the North American championship's classes will be awarded 35 points, with 32 for second place and 30 for third.
The system mirrors IMSA's current scoring rules for the races, with points theoretically available down to 30th position in class.
Each manufacturer’s highest-qualifying car also will earn points toward the manufacturers’ championship.
An increase in race points by a multiple of 10 for next season will go hand in hand with the new development.
That means race winners will be awarded 350 points down to 10 points for 30th position.
IMSA boss John Doonan said: “The introduction of qualifying points will bring even more excitement to our event weekends and the season championship.
“With points on the line, we expect teams will go all out in qualifying as well as the races to earn as many points as possible.
"Qualifying points also will reward a team’s performance throughout an entire weekend.”
There will also be a new qualifying procedure for the Pro-Am categories, namely LMP2, GTD and the LMP3 class, which is being introduced into the main IMSA series for next season. The sessions will be split into two and shared between a pair of drivers. The time set by the amateur driver will determine the qualifying position of the car, while the professionals will fight for the championship points on offer.
Doonan said: “Including multiple drivers in qualifying for our Pro-Am classes provides some unique opportunities.
“The Am drivers will continue to play the ultimate role of establishing each car’s starting position, while the pro drivers should contribute to further showcasing each car’s performance.”
Qualifying in the Daytona Prototype international and GT Le Mans divisions will remain unchanged, with a single driver setting the time.
Tony Kanaan’s top 10 races – in his own words
IMSA reveals 2021 schedule, LMP3 to join WeatherTech series
United Autosports to join IMSA in 2024 after WEC axes LMP2 class
United Autosports to join IMSA in 2024 after WEC axes LMP2 class United Autosports to join IMSA in 2024 after WEC axes LMP2 class
WEC reveals 2024 schedule, Imola replaces Monza
WEC reveals 2024 schedule, Imola replaces Monza WEC reveals 2024 schedule, Imola replaces Monza
How Ferrari could have won Le Mans outright in its factory absence
How Ferrari could have won Le Mans outright in its factory absence How Ferrari could have won Le Mans outright in its factory absence
Mir withdraws from MotoGP Italian GP after FP2 crash
Mir withdraws from MotoGP Italian GP after FP2 crash Mir withdraws from MotoGP Italian GP after FP2 crash
Quartararo splits with long-time MotoGP manager Eric Mahe
Quartararo splits with long-time MotoGP manager Eric Mahe Quartararo splits with long-time MotoGP manager Eric Mahe
Espargaro left with 'destroyed heel' after bicycle crash while on mobile phone
Espargaro left with 'destroyed heel' after bicycle crash while on mobile phone Espargaro left with 'destroyed heel' after bicycle crash while on mobile phone
10 things we've learned from Le Mans so far
10 things we've learned from Le Mans so far 10 things we've learned from Le Mans so far
How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king
How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king
How MSR took Acura to the first win of sportscar racing's new era
How MSR took Acura to the first win of sportscar racing's new era How MSR took Acura to the first win of sportscar racing's new era
Inside BMW's long-awaited prototype racing return
Inside BMW's long-awaited prototype racing return Inside BMW's long-awaited prototype racing return
How Porsche and Penske are gearing up for sportscar racing's bold new era
How Porsche and Penske are gearing up for sportscar racing's bold new era How Porsche and Penske are gearing up for sportscar racing's bold new era
The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right
The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right The plug in and play stand-ins who got their timing just right
The long road to convergence for sportscar racing's new golden age
The long road to convergence for sportscar racing's new golden age The long road to convergence for sportscar racing's new golden age
How Porsche's Le Mans legend changed the game
How Porsche's Le Mans legend changed the game How Porsche's Le Mans legend changed the game
Why BMW shouldn't be overlooked on its return to prototypes
Why BMW shouldn't be overlooked on its return to prototypes Why BMW shouldn't be overlooked on its return to prototypes
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.