Michelin has become the official tire supplier for the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, the series announced Wednesday. With an unparalleled level of support, Michelin additionally becomes the presenting sponsor for the series as well.
Joining other IMSA-sanctioned series such as the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge, Mazda MX-5 Cup cars will now be outfitted with Michelin tires. Every vehicle in the series is now required to run Michelin Pilot Sport Competition 20/61-17 racing slicks on all four corners.
MX-5 Cup previously raced on BFGoodrich tires, a company owned by Michelin, making the transition an easy one.
“We are thrilled to continue being a part of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup with the Michelin brand as the new tire supplier for the series,” said Jason Anzalone, director of North American Motorsports for Michelin. “It is an honor to be a part of the development and growth of these drivers and teams, and we are excited to support another season of action-packed racing.”
Michelin has 26 consecutive overall race wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a proven track record in endurance racing.
“Having Michelin join the Mazda MX-5 Cup family is a perfect fit,” Mazda Motorsports Senior Program Manager Jonathan Applegate said. “The quality of their product is what our drivers need for the close, door-to-door racing the series is known for. Michelin’s sizeable presence in IMSA makes the change seamless for our competitors.”
The new Michelin tires will make their Mazda MX-5 Cup debut in the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway, Jan. 24 – 26 as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona event.