IMSA has released the 2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule, which again features 12 events, highlighted by the previously announced change from Circuit of The Americas to Mid-Ohio, elimination of the GT Daytona class at Long Beach and date changes.

The announcement came Friday from IMSA President Scott Atherton at the annual “State of the Sport” presentation at Road America.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona will again kick off the season on Jan 25-28, followed by the second round of the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup at Sebring in March,.

The 100-minute Long Beach race on April 13-14, will revert to Prototype and GT Le Mans-only, prior to IMSA’s return to Mid-Ohio in May with all three classes in action, with P and GT Daytona in action in Detroit.

Back-to-back races are again scheduled for Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park over the Fourth of July holiday, followed by the GT-only round at Lime Rock and Road America in its now-traditional early August date.

Dates for the final three rounds of the season at Virginia International Raceway (GT only), Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the ten-hour Motul Petit Le Mans, meanwhile, have all been adjusted by a week, but with no changes to the current length or race formats.

“The 2018 WeatherTech Championship schedule again showcases the stability of our platform, while at the same time reaffirming our commitment to the best road racing venues and events in North America. And this time offering a few surprises for our fans,” Atherton said.

“Each race on our 2018 calendar has a rich history of sports car competition, which we expect to be at an all-time high next season across all three classes.

“The on-track product will include legendary manufacturers and competitors – some of which are returning to IMSA competition in 2018 after a short time away – and we’re confident it will capture the imagination of race fans everywhere.”

2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Schedule:

Jan. 5-7 – Roar Before the Rolex 24

Jan. 25-28 – Daytona International Speedway*

Mar. 14-17 – Sebring International Raceway*

Apr. 13-14 – Long Beach Street Circuit (P and GTLM only)

May 4-6 – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

June 1-2 – Detroit Belle Isle (P and GTD only)

June 28-July 1 – Watkins Glen International*

July 6-8 – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

July 20-21 – Lime Rock Park (GTLM and GTD only)

Aug. 3-5 – Road America

Aug. 17-19 – Virginia International Raceway (GTLM and GTD only)

Sept. 7-9 – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Oct. 10-13 Road Atlanta*

*Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup events