The 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge kicked off its season in Daytona Beach, FL. Promising an exciting year of competition the series features some of the best sports car teams, and drivers from around the world, competing in endurance races across North America. Here’s a closer look at what fans can expect from the 2023 season.
Overview of the Series:
The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is an endurance sports car racing series featuring GT4-class cars from 10+ automotive manufactures – Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, and Porsche to name a few. The races take place on some of the most iconic tracks in North America, including Daytona, Sebring, Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen, and Road America. The series is known for its competitive close racing and unpredictable outcomes.
The 2023 season will feature ten races, starting with the traditional season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in January. The series will then move on to other iconic tracks like Sebring, VIR, and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Toronto before culminating in the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in October.
Teams and Drivers to Watch:
The 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Some of the top teams and drivers to watch include:
- Defending series champions, Volt Racing, who will be looking to repeat their success in 2023.
- Drivers like Jenson Altzman and Chad McCumbee debuting the Vervantis sponsored Ford Mustang GT4 of McCumbee McAleer Racing with AEROSPORT made an immediate impact at Daytona and will be looking to make a mark in 2023.
- The RS1 team, which came so close to winning last year’s championship is looking to go one better with series stalwarts Stevan McAleer and Eric Filguieras.
- The Rebel Rock Racing team, which is known for its aggressive driving style is planning on stepping up to the GT3 class in 2024 and is looking to go out on top.
What’s New for 2023:
The 2023 season of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will feature some new additions and changes to the series. New cars from BMW and McLaren, a new team in McCumbee McAleer Racing with AEROSPORT and two new races. One of the most significant changes is the GT4 class being the sole IMSA series competing over the Detroit Grand Prix weekend. The “motor cities” new street circuit will be sure to entertain and going back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the series only other four-hour race at the world’s most famous racetrack will be exciting for fans and drivers.
Conclusion:
The 2023 season of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge promises to be an exciting year for sports car racing. With a competitive field of teams and drivers, and new additions like hybrid powertrains (IMSA WeatherTech GTP class) and sprint races (VP Sprint Challenge), fans can expect close finishes, unpredictable outcomes, and plenty of action on the track. So, mark your calendars and get ready for another thrilling season of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Vervantis is proud to sponsor and support MMR with AEROSPORT in their drive to become winners of the 2023 Michelin Pilot Challenge. As a sustainability driven company, Vervantis has offset twice the emissions from race fuels, oil and tires including transport to and from all races in 2023.
