Michelin Encore to Return for Second Running

The end-of-season Michelin IMSA SportsCar Encore race weekend will return for a second edition in 2019.

The non-points event, headlined by a four-hour race for GT3, GT4, LMP3 and TCR machinery, will take place at Sebring International Raceway on Nov. 8-10.

A total of 20 cars took part in the inaugural Encore meeting last November, marking the first race of Michelin’s tenure as the official tire supplier for IMSA.

While no GT3 cars entered, the formula will again be eligible this year, while teams from outside the various IMSA-sanctioned championships will also be allowed to compete.

In a logistical change, the weekend schedule for competitors has been reduced from four to three days, with loading-in taking place on the morning of Nov. 8 before the first test sessions take place in the afternoon.

“By all accounts, the inaugural Michelin Encore was fantastic,” said IMSA CEO Ed Bennett.

“The event featured great racing, significant track time and served as an opportunity for newcomers to the IMSA paddock to see what Michelin, Sebring and IMSA are all about.

“We very much look forward to the 2019 event being bigger and better for all involved as we continue to further develop the concept.”

Last year’s Encore was won by Roman de Angelis and Kyle Kirkwood in an ANSA Motorsports-entered Ligier JS P3 Nissan, while Roush Performance/KohR Motorsports took the GT4 honors with its Ford Mustang GT4 driven by Kyle Marcelli and Dean Martin.