Michelin Mid-Ohio Notebook

Midwest Flavor

Mid-Ohio marks the first of three Midwestern races on the IMSA schedule, followed by Detroit and Road America. Weather can be unpredictable during springtime in this part of the country. Early forecasts suggest rain is a possibility.

If it does rain, some areas of the circuit will drain and dry faster than others.

Meet the Neighbors

While IMSA cars speed around the 2.258-mile circuit, horse drawn buggies and plows can still be seen in the surrounding areas.

Corn stalks are beginning to appear in the fields, and locals advise that the asparagus, peas, spinach, and strawberry crops are starting to arrive. Teams and officials hope that IMSA drivers limit off-track excursions.

Hit Your Marks

Mid-Ohio presents a technically difficult combination. The track surface is well-worn with multiple surfaces and elevation changes, including some sidehill cornering. The key to speed is finding grip.

Long Stints

Consistent and long-lasting tire performance is essential at Mid-Ohio as quick lap times and long green flag runs can produce 40-45 lap stints.

Consistent braking, turn-in, and power down acceleration over a full stint is essential to attacking or defending positions.

Similar Track in Length But…

At 2.258 miles, the 13 turn Mid-Ohio circuit is almost identical in length to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (2.238 miles), but the 106 feet longer Ohio circuit typically produces a 2-3 second quicker lap time.

Laguna Seca holds a 1:15:546 race lap record, while Mid-Ohio holds a 1:12.188 lap record.

Podium Success Around the Paddock

Currently 16 of the 17 manufacturers have podiumed in IMSA across WeatherTech and Michelin Pilot Challenge this year. Ten manufacturers have already won with Porsche having the most wins with five.

Hi Lexus

Lexus is the new title sponsor of the WeatherTech race. Lexus has become a great fit at the 2.258-mile track, winning the GTD class from 2018 to 2020 with the RC F.

Michelin is excited to partner with Lexus both on and off the track by providing tire fitments for both the new Lexus ES and Lexus RX production models.

Track Records

Qualifying:
DPi: Harry Tincknell/1:10.027/2021
LMP2: Kyle Masson/1:14.877/2019
LMP3: Gar Robinson/1:17.246/2021
GTD: Jack Hawksworth/1:19.317/2018
GS: Nate Stacy/1:26.917/2020
TCR: Brian Henderson/1:28.813/2021

Race
DPi: Kevin Magnussen/1:12.188/2021
LMP2: Matthew McMurry/1:14.584/2019
LMP3: Dylan Murry/1:17.488/2021
GTD: Jack Hawksworth/1:20.536/2018
GS: Alec Udell/1:27.323/2020
TCR: Mat Pombo/1:28.884/2021

Mid-Ohio Tire Allocations

WeatherTech Championship
DPi: 10 sets – IMSA Medium
LMP2: 10 sets – IMSA Medium
LMP3: 7 sets – Michelin Pilot Sport GT S8M/S9M
GTD: 7 sets – Michelin Pilot Sport GT S9M

Michelin Pilot Challenge
GS: 5 sets – Michelin Pilot Sport GT S9M
TCR: 4 sets – Michelin Pilot Sport GT S9M+

Prototype Challenge
LMP3: 5 sets – Michelin Pilot Sport GT S8M/S9M