IMSA Introduces Compensation Weight in TCR

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

IMSA has introduced a version of WSC Group’s global ‘compensation weight’ system to the Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR class with immediate effect, in an effort to equalize lap time performance between different models.

The mid-season change comes in the wake of the dominance of the Hyundai Veloster N TCR, which has scored class wins in the last four races.

Confirmed in a competition bulletin issued last week, the sanctioning body will implement the system beginning with this weekend’s double header at Mid-Ohio, with weight up to 60 kg added per manufacturer based on IMSA’s proprietary ‘adjusted class performance target’ in each race.

Compensation weight will be added in increments of 10 kg.

In the event that more than 60 kg must be used, the ride height of cars, in the increment of 5 mm, will be adjusted to “augment” the compensation weight.

Races conducted under “adverse conditions” are not included in any average calculation, with IMSA holding the right to add or remove compensation weight from new car models.

A similar system has been in use in TCR-sanctioned series worldwide, with the exception of WTCR and endurance races at least two hours in length.

In a technical bulletin issued on Friday, all Hyundais taking part in Saturday’s first race of the weekend at Mid-Ohio will run with 60 kg of compensation weight, with the Audi RS 3 LMS TCR set at 20 kg. No other cars are affected.

Compensation weight will be declared no less than two hours before Race 2 in IMSA’s first double-header Pilot Challenge weekend.

Typically, compensation weight will be issued upon the posting of official results from the previous race. 

A total of 11 TCR cars are entered for the dual Mid-Ohio 120 races.

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