IMSA Confirms Sebring Encore Race for November 2018

Photo: IMSA

IMSA announced on Friday that a four-hour “encore” endurance race will be held at Sebring International Raceway in November 2018, with Michelin confirmed as the sole tire supplier. 

The non-points event, scheduled for Nov. 9-11, 2018, has been under consideration for a while, as previously reported by Sportscar365, and will feature an entirely Pro-Am field across LMP3, GT3, GT4 and TCR entries.

It will be known as the Michelin IMSA SportsCar Encore, marking the first race of the tire manufacturer’s new partnership with the sanctioning body that will officially kick off in 2019.

“The Michelin IMSA SportsCar Encore will offer a unique, fun and open opportunity for a variety of platforms to step into the spotlight in an endurance racing format,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton.

“There will be an interesting mix of race cars and drivers. We anticipate existing IMSA teams will participate alongside additional teams that will have the opportunity to sample what IMSA and Michelin have to offer.”

A promoter test day will take place on Friday, Nov. 9, with practice and qualifying following on Saturday ahead of the race on Sunday. 

“We are looking forward to working for the first time with so many teams and drivers as everyone prepares for the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin SportsCar Challenge and IMSA Prototype Challenge,” added Chris Baker, director of motorsport, Michelin North America.

“The Encore will also be a great opportunity to entice participants from the ELMS, VLN and other series to take on the IMSA competitors.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.