Michelin Challenge Design Looks to Le Mans 2030

Michelin has joined forces with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to look to the future to see what entries for the 24 Hour of Le Mans will look like in 2030.

Created by Michelin in 2001 to encourage and recognize the work of young designers, the Michelin Challenge Design has gone on to become one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind.

Over the past 15 years, it has attracted more than 8,000 participants from no fewer than 121 countries, with a jury composed of industry leaders from some of the world’s largest car manufacturers.

The theme chosen for 2017 is ‘Le Mans 2030: Design for the Win,” which will allow entrants to illustrate their vision of the racing car and tire that they believe would be capable of winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2030.

“When it comes to design, the jury members for the Michelin Challenge Design regard the Le Mans 24 Hours as one of the most pioneering, relevant and fascinating events around,” said Thom Roach, Vice President of Original Equipment Marketing for Michelin North America.

“This exciting competition represents a fantastic opportunity for designers from all around the world, as it enables them to share their ideas and innovations.”

The Michelin Challenge Design is open to all design studios, independent designers, students and automotive suppliers.

“Our shared history with Michelin goes all the way back to 1923 and the inaugural edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours,” explains ACO President Pierre Fillon.

“Today, we share a common goal: to inspire and nurture the emergence of new technologies and designs. Le Mans might be most famous as an endurance race, but it also represents a laboratory for innovation and we are delighted to be partnering the 2017 Michelin Challenge Design.”

Entries for the 2017 Michelin Challenge Design are open until August 1, 2016. A shortlist of finalists will be announced in October, before the winner is unveiled in November.

The top three will all be invited to the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, USA, where they will attend a private reception in their honor on January 9.

They will also have the opportunity to meet the members of the 2017 Michelin Challenge Design jury. The overall winner will additionally be invited as a VIP guest to the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours, where their work will receive official recognition.