CUPRA Eligibility to Continue Despite U.S. Launch Delay

Photo: Brandon Badraoui/IMSA

IMSA will continue to “honor the investments” made by teams with the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR by maintaining its eligibility in Michelin Pilot Challenge despite the Spanish brand’s recent announcement that it will postpone its planned road car launch in the U.S.

The Volkswagen-owned brand, which was due to enter the market in 2030, announced during the company’s second-quarter financial results report that it has “postponed” its planned launch to the U.S.

It follows recent developments of the Renault-owned Alpine brand also postponing its planned expansion to the U.S., which has consequently impacted Alpine’s targeted WeatherTech SportsCar Championship program with its A424 LMDh car that currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

“IMSA remains committed to supporting our teams and manufacturer partners in the Michelin Pilot Challenge,” a statement from IMSA provided to Sportscar365 read.

“While Cupra has postponed its previously stated plans to enter the U.S. market by 2030, the brand continues to be recognized as an official OEM partner of IMSA.

“Multiple Cupra entries are actively competing in the TCR class, and we believe it is important to honor the investments made by our teams in these race cars.

“Cupra’s continued eligibility ensures competitive continuity and reinforces IMSA’s commitment to a diverse and globally relevant grid.”

After Gou Racing gave the car its Pilot Challenge debut at Daytona International Speedway in January, Victor Gonzalez Racing Team became the second CUPRA TCR customer when it debuted its car at Road America last weekend.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John