IMSA – Michelin will replace Continental from 2019

A little after the announcement of the withdrawal of Continental Tire from IMSA at the end of 2018, the organizers of the ChampionshipEndurance American have confirmed the signing of a partnership with Michelin from 2019 over several years. The Clermont-based manufacturer will replace Continental Tire by supplying the Prototype and GT Daytona categories, the GT category Le Mans remaining open to competition between manufacturers.

Michelin will also equip the SportsCar Challenge which will feature the Grand Sport category based on international GT4 specifications and the Touring Car category corresponding to TCR. L'IMSA Challenge prototype made up of LMP3s will also be equipped by the Bibendum.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of this partnership with Michelin, one of the most recognized brands in the world, comments IMSA President Scott Atherton. IMSA has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Michelin and we are proud of this long-term agreement. We are very grateful to Continental Tire who helped evolve our competition platforms through the partnership in 2010.”

Michelin a été présent dans la discipline depuis 1999 alors que l’American Le Mans Series était encore en vigueur. Le manufacturier français équipe actuellement BMW, Corvette, Ford, Porsche et le Risi Competizione en GTLM. Il est également partenaire de plusieurs circuits inscrits au calendrier de l’IMSA.

“Most of the manufacturers registered in the WeatherTech Championship are Michelin customers who have chosen our tires for their production vehicles, underlines the brand's sports director Pascal Couasnon. Technology, innovation and the relationships developed together with manufacturers have helped Michelin respond better to its customers. »