OCTOBER 19, 2023
Popular IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Class Has Participated in Series since 2018
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The highly competitive Touring Car (TCR) class will continue in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge through at least the 2026 season after officials from IMSA and WSC Group – which owns the TCR trademark and technical regulations – today announced an extension of their partnership.
The TCR class features front-wheel drive race cars based on four- or five-door production vehicles powered by 1.75- to 2-liter turbocharged engines that are fully homologated by WSC. It has been part of the Michelin Pilot Challenge dating back to the 2018 season.
“We are proud to continue our relationship with WSC as the exclusive rights holder for TCR in North America,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “TCR has proven to be popular with IMSA fans. They are amazing race cars that offer a platform for marques such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, Honda and Hyundai to participate in IMSA via the Michelin Pilot Challenge. We’ve seen no shortage of great racing in TCR over the past six seasons and we expect even more excitement from TCR in the future.”
Last weekend, Robert Wickens and co-driver Harry Gottsacker wrapped up the 2023 Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR championship in their No. 33 Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian Hyundai Elantra N TCR. Four different teams representing three different manufacturers won races during the 2023 season.
“It’s great to see that our cooperation with IMSA keeps on going in full sail and will continue for at least three more years,” said WSC President Marcello Lotti. “IMSA has done a remarkable effort to promote the TCR concept in North America. The six seasons held so far have produced exciting races, resulting in the title fight going to the wire nearly every year.
“The competition has been, and still is an outstanding showcase of the potential of TCR racing cars. On top of this, in the last three years the series has crowned a woman – Taylor Hagler in 2021 and 2022 – and a paraplegic – Robert Wickens in 2023 – champions, which makes us very proud of how the TCR category has no barriers whatsoever.”
The next race for the TCR class will be a four-hour battle to open the 2024 Michelin Pilot Challenge season at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.
IMSA
