Michelin IMSA Insider: Efficiency is Winning in GTP

Conventional wisdom in motorsport would tell you that conservation is the enemy of winning. “Save tires, save fuel” sounds more like managing a race, not winning one. But the new IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award is poking holes in that argument.

The mission, in IMSA’s own words, is straightforward: ‘The award rewards teams for efficiency while not giving up performance.’

Mission accomplished so far. IMSA’s GTP point leaders, the No. 7 Penske Porsche 963, hold a commanding lead in the awards’ standings.

Results are determined by weighing tire usage, energy efficiency and finishing position evenly, with the lowest cumulative score winning.

“There is a strong focus on being efficient with the LMDh platform across all fronts, whether it’s energy, tires, fuel, etc.,” said Penske Racing competition director Travis Law.

“A lot of times those can go hand-in-hand when you execute at a high level.”

The No. 7 team scored an impressive 0.99, a nearly perfect score, in Daytona and Sebring while winning both races.

“The group put themselves in a position to maximize off the efficiencies available, whether it’s at certain time in the race, managing tire usage for double stints or where we need to be at a particular time on track versus how we approach pit lane,” said Law.

Coinciding with the theme of this award, Michelin is proving that sustainability doesn’t mean less performance.

The new Michelin Pilot Sport Endurance tire now features 50 percent renewable and recycled materials while increasing performance, with greater consistency, improved wear and quicker warm-up.

“Michelin has done a tremendous job to have a product that allows us to be efficient and use the tires in a way that you can make decisions as a team and organization to differentiate yourself and still be successful,” said Law.

The award standings have tightened heading into WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The No. 7 Porsche scored 4.32 points at Long Beach after finishing fourth, allowing the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R to trim the gap from 5.01 points to 3.68.

Right behind them, the No. 93 moved into the mix at just 0.33 points back in third after recording a victory in Long Beach and the lowest score at 1.66.