Michelin VIR Notebook

Who’s Got Rhythm?

Virginia International Raceway is the fourth longest circuit on the IMSA schedule at 3.27 miles and features the most corners with 18. This puts importance on carrying speed and flow from one sector to the next for quick lap times.

Drivers look to limit mistakes and maintain rhythm throughout stints, which can be a difficult task on the technical track.

Final Stretch

The Michelin GT Challenge marks the second to last race in the IMSA season. In GTD Pro – the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Porsche of Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet leads the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus of Ben Barnicoat by 227 points.

Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes driven by Stevan McAleer leads GTD by 36 points over Jan Heylen and Ryan Hardwick of Wright Motorsports Porsche.

No. 7 VOLT Racing Aston Martin of Alan Brynjolfsson and Trent Hindman enjoy a 220-point advantage over the No. 56 Murillo Mercedes driven by Eric Foss in Michelin Pilot Challenge GS.

In TCR, the No. 1 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai driven by Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis is in first by 20 points over the No. 5 KMW Motorsports Alfa Romeo of Roy Block and Tim Lewis.

Michelin Scorecard

14 manufacturers have won so far during the 2022 IMSA season with all 17 reaching the podium. Mercedes was the biggest mover after Road America after scoring two wins (GTD and GS). Below are the updated standings.

Track to Street Connection

IMSA’s track-to-street connection is clear during the Michelin GT Challenge since Grand Touring cars are based on production models.

Fans can experience that street performance at VIR by taking a ride on the Patriot Course in a Lexus, Hyundai, BMW or Ford production car with high-performance Michelin street tires.

VIR’s character and technical challenges have long made it the home for the famed Car & Driver magazine’s Lightning Lap tests. Michelin was once again the top choice and dominated the results with Mercedes and Porsche posting the top times. The Mercedes delivered a stunning 1.25G load performance.

Cool Piece of Hardware

Drivers on the podium this weekend will hoist Michelin Man into the air! Top finishers will take home a specially designed Michelin Man holding a checkered flag—one of the most unique trophies in IMSA. This tradition started in 2016—when the race became the Michelin GT Challenge at VIR. Drivers claim it is one of their favorites.

VIR has built a Michelin Man statue to welcome fans and teams as they enter the North Paddock. The track encourages people to take your photo with the Michelin Man during the Michelin GT Challenge weekend and use #MichelinVIR!

Track Records:

Race
GTLM/Earl Bamber/1:40.638/2019
GTD/Toni Vilander/1:44.710/2019
GS/Ross Gunn/1:52.740/2019
TCR/Stephen Simpson/1:56.597/2019

Qualifying
GTLM/Joey Hand/1:40.211/2017
GTD/Ross Gunn/1:43.356/2021
GS/Russell Ward/1:53.369/2020
TCR/Max Faulkner/1:57.260/2020