The numbers may be different, but the level of Michelin technical support is not, as Michelin and its six technical partner teams, representing eleven entries, prepare for the start of today’s Rolex 24 At Daytona, the first Michelin appearance at the event in 13 years.

Where Michelin typically works with 50-60 percent of the entries at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Michelin participation in the new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship is constrained to the sole open tire GT Le Mans (GTLM) class.

There, the Aston Martin Racing, BMW Team RLL, Corvette Racing, Porsche North America, Risi Competizione (and Krohn/Risi) Ferraris, and SRT Viper teams have all chosen Michelin as their respective technical partners. All, save the Ferraris, are full-on factory teams.

Michelin motorsports North America technical director Ken Payne has a total of 17 experienced Michelin race tire engineers and developers here to support the 11 GTLM cars.

“Since it is a 24 hour race and the first race of the season, we have our embedded Michelin tire engineer with each team backed-up with another engineer,” said Payne.

Key engineers and tire developers from Michelin Europe will join their Michelin North America colleagues to conduct tire inspections and analysis throughout the race.

In addition, the Michelin engineers are supported by a dedicated team of tire fitters, inventory managers and support staff.

“Michelin races to learn and races to win and the Rolex 24 At Daytona is a great opportunity for both.”