IMSA Needs to Make the Rolex 24 Absolutely Insane

IMSA has one opportunity every January to create something completely ridiculous.

Put Max Verstappen, Alex Palou, Kyle Larson and Shane van Gisbergen on the same Rolex 24 grid — and make them compete against each other.

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Forget the shared-car fantasy.

I want four elite drivers, four different teams and one of the biggest races in the world.

Give Us the Racing Superstars

Think about what this would mean for the Rolex 24.

Verstappen would bring Formula 1’s biggest superstar into the world’s most prestigious endurance race.

Palou would represent IndyCar after already proving his interest and ability in sports-car racing.

Larson would bring arguably the most versatile American driver of his generation.

Then there is SVG, whose career has already demonstrated that he can jump between disciplines and immediately become competitive.

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Put all four into competitive GTP machinery and let them fight for the overall win.

That is the kind of race I want to watch.

This Isn’t About a Gimmick

The best part is that none of these drivers needs the gimmick.

They are already legitimate racing stars.

Verstappen has dominated Formula 1.

Palou has dominated IndyCar.

Larson has won NASCAR’s biggest races while competing successfully in everything from dirt to IndyCar.

SVG has gone from Supercars champion to NASCAR winner.

Now put them into the same endurance race and see what happens.

That is the story.

Make the Rolex the Crossover Event

The Rolex 24 is uniquely positioned to become the ultimate crossover race.

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Formula 1 drivers can compete.

IndyCar drivers can compete.

NASCAR drivers can compete.

Sports-car specialists can compete.

And unlike almost any other major race, they can all share the same grid without requiring the series to abandon what makes it special.

IMSA does not need to become Formula 1.

It does not need to become NASCAR.

It just needs to remind everyone that the Rolex 24 is one of the few places where the world’s best drivers can come together and settle the argument on the racetrack.

Imagine the Start

Picture the 2027 Rolex 24.

Verstappen pulls away from the grid.

Palou is right behind him.

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Larson is hunting them down.

SVG is waiting for the traffic to open.

Then, 18 hours later, all four are still in contention.

That is motorsports television.

That is a global event.

That is the kind of race that could introduce millions of new fans to IMSA.

And honestly?

After experiencing Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, I am already sold on endurance racing.

Give me Verstappen, Palou, Larson and SVG battling for the Rolex in the same race, and I will be watching every damn hour.

IMSA, make it happen.