Michelin has gained exclusive rights to provide tyres to the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, effective from 2019.
The French supplier has struck a multi-year agreement to replace Continental, which has served as the official tyre supplier since the inaugural season in 2014.
Michelin has developed tyres for the open GT Le Mans category this year, but will assume rights of the Prototype and GT Daytona fields as part of the deal.
The company also works with several manufacturers in the World Endurance Championship, including Porsche and Toyota in LMP1.
IMSA president Scott Atherton hinted that the announcement of Michelin's increased involvement would be attractive to teams looking to compete in other championships, including the WEC.
“The significance of this expanded partnership with Michelin, one of the world’s most recognized premium brands, cannot be overstated,” said Atherton.
“This collaboration with Michelin will inherently make it more seamless for IMSA teams competing internationally and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and for international teams wishing to compete in the WeatherTech Championship."
"Our expanded partnership with Michelin – which also enjoys strong relationships with many of our participating automotive manufacturers – will be a catalyst for accelerating the growth of the WeatherTech Championship and IMSA as a whole."
“We are extremely grateful for the role Continental Tire played in helping to grow our racing platforms throughout our partnership dating back to 2010."
As part of the deal, the four-round endurance series comprising the longest rounds of the IMSA season – the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, 6 Hours of Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans 10 hours – will be known as the Michelin Endurance Cup starting in 2019.
IMSA's feeder competition, meanwhile, will be renamed the IMSA Michelin Sportscar Challenge after eight seasons with Continental as title sponsor.
"Michelin does not enter into long-term collaborations lightly or solely for our own benefit,” said Scott Clark, COO of Michelin North America.
“We are committed to IMSA, the competitors and fans to help continue the growth and success of the series on and off the track."
" This is a tremendous opportunity to work together to grow the sport."
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