Michelin’s Asian and American travels

Shortly after the opening round of North America’s 2022 endurance racing campaign at Daytona in January, this year’s four-race Asian Le Mans Series took place in the United Arab Emirates. Michelin, a premium partner of the championship, helped Nielsen Racing, CD Sport and Inception Racing to harvest the season’s titles.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Asian Le Mans Series are cornerstones of the endurance racing pyramid which culminates in the Le Mans 24 Hours. Michelin is a partner of both competitions and recently extended its association with the latter for three additional years.

“Michelin will continue to provide the teams and drivers with lasting, competitive tires, along with a range of services and technical support,” notes Ben Ma, director of Michelin Motorsport’s Asia-Pacific programs.

The 2022 Asian Le Mans Series attracted a record entry of 37 cars which gathered at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit for four four-hour races over a period of a little more than a week.

“As in 2021, our commercially-available Michelin Pilot Sport range delivered over the two different, low-wearing, low-grip track layouts. Thanks to our tires’ consistency and longevity, our partners were able to double-stint and keep pushing all the way to the flag.”

Nielsen Racing’s trio Sales/Bell/Hanley claimed a brace of wins and came second in the other two clashes to pocket the 2022 prizes and earn an invitation for the 90th Le Mans 24 Hours. The LMP3 and GT battles were topped respectively by CD Sport and Inception Racing who will also be invited to contest the French classic.

All three teams are Michelin partners in the Michelin Le Mans Cup or FIA World Endurance Championship and will be able to count on the Clermont-Ferrand firm’s exceptional experience of Le Mans in June.

“We are honored to be able to enjoy the loyalty of our partner teams. Their confidence is a fundamental part of our involvement in endurance racing,” says Pierre Alves, the manager of Michelin Motorsport’s endurance racing programs.

In January, the longtime cooperation between Acura and Michelin contributed to an emphatic one-two finish for the car at last month’s 24 Hours of Daytona. Meanwhile, the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship will get under way soon at Sebring, Florida, USA, on March 12.