Michelin Conducts Tire Validation Test at Watkins Glen Following Six Hours Race
Watkins Glen, NY – In a noteworthy follow-up to the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, five teams from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship participated in a tire validation test at Watkins Glen International on Monday, immediately after Colin Braun and Tom Blomqvist’s triumph.
Testing Overview:
IMSA’s tire supplier, Michelin, organized the session to validate its new ‘hard’ tire, designed for hot weather, ahead of its production launch this autumn. The test day coincided with an Extreme Heat Warning, subjecting the teams to peak temperatures and high humidity, which Michelin deemed essential for testing tire performance under stress.
“There’s no better place than Watkins Glen for such a test—high energy and high temperatures," stated Hans Emmel, Michelin’s corporate racing manager for the WeatherTech Championship. "If we can merge these conditions and ensure solid performance, we can move forward confidently."
Testing Methodology:
Teams including Acura Meyer Shank Racing, Aston Martin THOR Team, BMW M Team RLL, Cadillac Whelen, and Porsche Penske Motorsport commenced the morning running 2025-spec Michelin tires to establish a baseline. The session evolved from short five- to seven-lap runs, gradually progressing to 15-lap stints to assess various compound options.
Florian Mora, a Michelin tire designer, detailed their approach: “We aim to evaluate warm-up performance, peak grip, and degradation to ensure consistency. Our performance analysis team collects data for continuous improvements.”
Tire Innovations:
The 2026 slick tire features a distinctive ‘Vision’ tread pattern made from 50% recyclable material, emphasizing Michelin’s commitment to sustainable racing. Emmel remarked on the tire’s design, noting, "This striking tread draws attention and stimulates conversation about our sustainable innovations."
Previous Testing Success:
Michelin’s evaluation process for its tire compounds has already included successful validation of soft vs. medium compounds in tests across Qatar, Bahrain, and Paul Ricard earlier this year.
Team Feedback:
Reactions from participating teams were highly positive. Brandon Fry, lead engineer for the No. 7 Porsche 963, affirmed early improvements in warm-up performance: “The new options show significant progress. We’re eager for the development tire to hit the track in 2026.”
Ross Gunn from Aston Martin THOR Team emphasized the value of real-time testing: “Driving a Hypercar is a joy, especially under these conditions. Blind testing conditions enhance our focus on tire-specific performance metrics, and today’s heat can only refine our strategy for next year.”
As Michelin moves towards finalizing its tire lineup for the upcoming seasons, this test marks an important step in ensuring competitive performance while emphasizing sustainability in motorsport.
