Unlike many racing series, the ALMS and the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) encourage open competition for tire makers, as opposed to a spec tire series. Rather than a one-tire-fits-all approach, tire makers can work closely with manufacturers and teams to develop specific tire shapes and sizes to optimize performance within a maximum dimensional boundary. Like passenger car tires for everyday application, tire sizing in motorsports is critical to optimize the car’s performance.

WHAT’S NEW

Michelin is currently developing new tire constructions, compounds and/or dimensions for Audi, Toyota, Rebellion, Muscle Milk HPD and the radical new DeltaWing, plus GT entries from Corvette, Porsche, and Ferrari. In addition, Michelin is developing tires for the Audi and Toyota hybrid prototypes and the third-generation Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid.

“Each development program presents a new technical change and allows us to stretch the limits of what is possible for tire design. There is certainly a lot going on and the excitement is building leading up to Sebring,” said Silvia Mammone, Michelin motorsports manager and global project leader for Michelin on the DeltaWing project.

STREET TIRES, TOO

Race teams are not the only ones to enjoy new dimensions and enhanced performance from Michelin in 2012. The MICHELIN^® Pilot^® Super Sport ultra-high-performance tires successfully launched at Sebring last year are now available in 70 sizes for a variety of sport and performance cars.

“Everything we learn in racing is there for our tire development teams to take to the street,” said Mammone.