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IMSA: Continental Tire out, Michelin in for 2019 and beyond

By Alex Herbst

HANNOVER, GERMANY - MARCH 17: Signs outside the factory are pictured during the workers demonstration at the closure of the Continental tyre factory on March 17, 2009 in Hannover, Germany. German auto parts group Continental said it will close two European tyre factories, including the tyre factory in Hannover and a plant in France that employs 1,100 workers. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
HANNOVER, GERMANY - MARCH 17: Signs outside the factory are pictured during the workers demonstration at the closure of the Continental tyre factory on March 17, 2009 in Hannover, Germany. German auto parts group Continental said it will close two European tyre factories, including the tyre factory in Hannover and a plant in France that employs 1,100 workers. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /
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IMSA is heading in a different direction with tires starting in 2019, signing a deal with Michelin to provide the rubber for all categories going forward.

When Continental Tire joined the sports car racing world, there were two different championships with multiple classes of racing back in 2010. One massive merger and many changes later, Continental Tire is now on its way out of the IMSA championships.

The sole tire supplier to three out of the four WeatherTech Sports Car Championship categories will change to Michelin starting in 2019.

IMSA President Scott Atherton had this to say about Continental Tire’s departure and Michelin expanding their role:

"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. We extend heartfelt appreciation to our friends at Continental for their unwavering support."

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Michelin, which had previously provided tires for the GT Le Mans class since the IMSA and Grand-Am merger, will now be the primary tire provider for the two largest sports car championships in the globe. Michelin is a primary partner of the World Endurance Championship, as well as exclusive tire provider for the all-electric Formula E world championship.

The departure of Continental Tire from IMSA is not insignificant. The tire brand had invested great amounts of money in sports car racing, including television ads, race entitlement, and presenting sponsor of IMSA’s junior division, the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. This does not spell an entire end to Continental Tire’s role in racing or sports, however, as their General Tire brand continues to provide tires to the ARCA Racing Series. Continental Tire also has a large soccer presence.

Next: Success for Formula E Comes at the Expense of Endurance Racing

With Continental Tire exiting the sports car scene at the end of 2018, how do you think Michelin will perform beginning in 2019? Will there be any fall off from the competitive level currently sustained in IMSA? Stay tuned for more news and analysis from around the IMSA paddock from Beyond The Flag.

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