Why Michelin's partnership with Apex One Endurance is more than just a tire deal

You can expect to see a wide range of backgrounds, ages and experience levels in the paddock at Apex One’s upcoming endurance races at Sebring and Circuit of the Americas. But all those drivers will have a few things in common, too. One is the desire to have fun while challenging themselves against the competition. Another is the tires they’ll be racing on.

Michelin will be the official tire supplier for both the Sebring 10 Hour (20-23 November, 2025) and the COTA 12 Hour (5-8 February, 2026).

For the drivers, there’s the comfort in knowing that that millions of miles of experience have gone into developing a component that has more influence on performance and safety than almost any other part of the car. Michelin’s history in motorsport, particularly endurance racing, runs deep – it won Le Mans for the first time more than a century ago, and remains the tire of choice everywhere from La Sarthe to the Rolex 24 at Daytona today.

The tires at the Apex One Endurance events will be a little more advanced than the ones that carried Andre Lagache and Rene Leonard’s Chenard-Walcker to victory at Le Mans in 1923. Entries will use the battle-tested Michelin Pilot Sport GT race tire, and the event will also serve as the launchpad for the latest Michelin Pilot Sport Cup race tire.

During the events, Michelin will have dedicated tire specialists and engineers in the paddock, providing on-the-spot support to ensure that teams optimize their tire performance and wear, and help them to make informed decisions from the pit wall to maximize safety and competitiveness.

While the cars are out on track, Michelin’s engineers gather data about tire performance and durability that’s difficult to replicate outside of the intensity of competition. The racetrack doubles as a development lab, and the insights gained during events such as Apex One Endurance races feed into the development process for Michelin’s road tires. In other words, every time you buy a set of Michelins for your road car, you’re benefiting from lessons learned out on the track.

“Endurance racing is where Michelin’s passion for performance, durability and innovation shines,” said Raymond Cotton, Director of Motorsports for Michelin North America.

“Partnering with Apex One Endurance allows us to support a new generation of racers while showcasing the capabilities of our tire technology in one of the most demanding motorsport environments. We’re excited to help shape the future of endurance racing in North America.”

Regardless of whether the Apex One Endurance competitors are seasoned veterans looking to fine-tune their craft, or newer races taking their first steps on their long-distance racing journey, they’ll be doing so with the confidence that comes with a tire that has already proven itself many times over, right across the globe.

To find out more about Apex One Endurance races, or for registration information, click here.