IMSA and Michelin Extend Partnership Through 2035
Michelin’s role as the Official Tire of IMSA has been cemented with a long-term extension announced during the IMSA State of the Series conference on October 9 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. This agreement ensures Michelin will continue as the exclusive tire supplier for IMSA’s premier competitions, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, extending its commitment through the 2035 season.
Key Details:
- Michelin remains the entitlement sponsor of the Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, which includes five pivotal endurance races set for 2026 at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Road America, and Road Atlanta.
- The partnership now includes the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award, commencing at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. This award will recognize GTP vehicles based on sustainability metrics such as tire usage and race performance.
IMSA President John Doonan emphasized the collaborative spirit, stating, “Michelin has been an exceptional partner in helping IMSA deliver the best endurance sports car racing in the world… This long-term extension reinforces our shared dedication to excellence both on and off the track.”
IMSA CEO Ed Bennett noted Michelin’s impact as a strategic partner, enhancing competitive standards and fan engagement since their 2019 collaboration.
Alexis Garcin, Michelin’s executive vice president, articulated the significance of the motorsport platform for innovation, asserting that “IMSA gives us a competitive ecosystem to validate new technologies under real pressure.”
The renewal, Michelin’s second since 2019, further solidifies a foundation that has already enhanced engagement and performance in IMSA racing. In addition to tire development, Michelin continues to back IMSA’s “Win The Weekend” docuseries, which has attracted over 2.5 million viewers per episode since launching in 2023.
This extensive agreement points to a mutually beneficial relationship poised to shape the future of sports car racing and set new benchmarks for sustainability and performance in the coming years.
