Continental Tire has announced that it will not be supplying tyres for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge or Prototype Challenge past 2018, after IMSA chose not to extend its contract. Instead, Michelin will take over as supplier.
As part of the announcement, Continental explained that it had submitted a proposal for a “multi-year extension, that included a significant increase in investment”, which was turned down. Continental has been partnered with IMSA and the Grand Am series for the past eight years.
“We are extremely proud of the contributions we’ve made to sports car racing in the U.S.,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing of Continental Tire the Americas. “We worked diligently to continue our support of IMSA, and the growth of the sport, and are disappointed in IMSA‘s decision to go a different direction. We remain committed to making the 2018 IMSA season a fantastic year for the fans, drivers, and all the teams.
“The relationships we’ve built over the years are many, and we thank everyone for their continued support of the Continental Tire brand. We also want to thank the fans. Without you, there would be no racing.”
President of IMSA, Scott Atherton commented: “The significance of this expanded partnership with Michelin, one of the world’s most recognized premium brands, cannot be overstated. IMSA has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Michelin, and we are proud to confirm this long-term agreement. Our expanded partnership with Michelin – which also enjoys strong relationships with many of our participating automotive manufacturers – will be a catalyst for accelerating the growth of the WeatherTech Championship and IMSA as a whole.
“We are extremely grateful for the role Continental Tire played in helping to grow our racing platforms throughout our partnership dating back to 2010.
“Continental has been an outstanding partner and was instrumental in elevating the status of the WeatherTech Championship and Continental Tire Challenge to new heights,” he added. “We extend heartfelt appreciation to our friends at Continental for their unwavering support.”
As part of the contract, Michelin, as “Official Tire of IMSA,” the WeatherTech Championship, IMSA Michelin SportsCar Challenge and IMSA Prototype Challenge, also becomes the entitlement partner of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup beginning in 2019, replacing Tequila Patron. The four-round competition, currently badged the “North American Endurance Cup”, consists of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, and the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
DSC understands that wilst the one-make supply is the current favoured commercial option, more open-tyre competition, including in the lead prototype class, is not off the table for the future.
Photo courtesy of Continental
