Can't deny the development of this race format has a taste of IMSA protecting their property. Which is perfectly fine.
With a separate pit lane for the WEC, I don't think there would've been such big logistical issues even with the original plan. Of course, two races of 12h or a corresponding distance back-to-back might already have been excessive for the fans with the fans of IMSA and the WEC caring only about the respective series. Separate days for the two races makes it kinda easier for the fans, although a Friday race may be problematic for some fans. However, most importantly from IMSA's perspective, a longer race with more advanced prototypes following IMSA's race might have questioned IMSA's top billing at one of its marquee events.
Sebring is IMSA's property and for sure IMSA wants to ensure they get the top billing in one of the top events of sportscar racing. IMSA doesn't see themselves as a support series for the WEC and they shouldn't either. IMSA sees themselves as one of the premier sportscar championships in the world and wants to protect their Sebring 12h. It wouldn't even be fair for teams that have entered IMSA to race for Daytona, Sebring, Petit... overall wins to see another series overshadowing IMSA's race at Sebring.
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