Green Challenge Set to Continue in TUSC

Photo: Darren Pierson

After being featured in the American Le Mans Series for the past five seasons, the Green Challenge will be carried over into the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship this year.

Speaking with Sportscar365, IMSA COO Scott Atherton confirmed that the pieces are being put into place for the energy efficiency competition, with a formal announcement likely to come during the Rolex 24 weekend.

“We haven’t made any announcement on this but I will say that we’re committed to continuing,” said Atherton, who confirmed the championship is being referenced as the “IMSA Green Challenge” internally.

“It will be similar in scope and scale as to what has been the Green X Challenge. But I want to keep our powder dry a little bit as we are in the process of renewing our relationships with the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency and SAE International.

“This is all part of an ongoing commitment we have, by virtue of the example that’s already been set to not let that get away from us.”

It’s unclear if Michelin, which has backed the Green X Challenge in the ALMS since its full-season debut in 2009, will continue its involvement.

A Michelin spokesperson confirmed they have had talks with IMSA and would like to continue to support the program. However, no decision has been made.

In the ALMS, the Green X Challenge recognized the most efficient P1/P2 and GT teams.

However, the new competition could initially only be open to GT Le Mans competitors before possibly expanding to other classes in the future.

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