Daytona is just weeks away and arguably the biggest sanctioned test of the season is about to kick off, the ROAR Before the 24. This IMSA specific test gives teams the opportunity to benchmark themselves against their competitors and one final chance to shakedown new cars, new parts, and even new drivers. To learn more about this test, I sat down with Andrew Pinkerton to learn more about what goes into a test and how to get the most out of it. Andrew has worked with many teams across most of the top series including IMSA, SRO, and more. This year he will rejoin Gradient Racing with their Mustang GTD as they look to secure victory at arguably the most prestigious sports car race in the country, the Daytona 24.
We started off with a simple question, “How do you make the most of your testing?”
Andrew: “It starts with planning. Lots of planning. When you run IWSC (IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship) the testing is critical because it is limited. That means every lap you turn needs to have purpose. In the lower ranks, testing is less restricted, but we only get (6) days a year we can test outside of series sanctioned tests.”
Yes, you read that right. Only (6) days of testing allowed for GTD teams, which is up from last year’s (4). Not only are the days limited per season, but also when you can use them is restricted. Following our conversation I put together a quick reference sheet that compared these restrictions across the different series. I found there is some wiggle room on this if you are more than (120) days out or are a Bronze rated driver, but Andrew shared why those specific (6) days mattered so much.
Andrew: “The series sanctioned tests have several benefits, like everyone running the same rubber, or seeing where you fall against your competitors. You have to pick and choose what you work on and that really depends on how the car rolls off the truck. When you get the chance to do private or 3rd party testing, it gives you longer runs and maximum track time since there are no run groups. This is ideal when you have a new driver learning the car, or big changes you are looking to make on the car.”
Luckily this season the Mustang they will campaign is only getting upgrades instead of an entire new chassis. This helps as they have historical data they can use, but with one new driver being added to the lineup, they still have a lot to work on.
Andrew: “When you are at this level, all of the drivers are good. All of the teams are well prepared. It is hard to find an advantage since the cars are all homologated. The advantage comes from knowing which levers to pull and when to pull them. You only gain that knowledge by testing and trying new things.”
Aside from working in IMSA, Andrew is also on the box in GT World Challenge America with Random Vandals Racing, the 2025 series champions. Bouncing back and forth from series to series has its advantages and disadvantages.
Andrew: “Each series is a little different, so staying on top of the rules each year is important. Teams that run in more than one series have to make sure they aren’t breaking any rules as well as find creative ways to maximize the rules in their favor. For example, in IWSC the pit stops are not timed, but move to another series and you may find yourself needing to hit an exact number. Too short and you get a penalty. Too long and you're giving up positions.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, Andrew shared some of the specifics they focus on each and every time the car goes on track, regardless if it is a test, practice, qualifying, or race.
Andrew: “Whether it is fuel burn, practicing attacking pit lane, or documenting small changes in the conditions, it all matters. Many races are won and lost on the small things and most races don’t always go according to plan. The best way to be prepared is with lots of experience. You have to be ready for anything that comes up. Testing is our best way to learn how to adapt to the unexpected.”
Be sure to tune in this year for the Daytona 24 on January 24th, 2026. Follow Andrew’s journey at Racerpinky.com or on social media. And if you are looking for more testing opportunities or have questions about what to expect at a 3rd party test, you can reach me at Cal@maxtracktime.com.