michelinalley.com THE STORY BEHIND CORVETTE AND MICHELIN

News from Michelin Motorsport - Corvette 2014
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THE STORY BEHIND CORVETTE AND MICHELIN
2
W
hat was once a
mile-wide gap has
disappeared and
become a bridge
as Corvette Racing
and Michelin went from strangers to
exclusive relationships and technical
partnerships on both track and street in
the past decade.
Despite strong motorsport heritage
and long records of great success,
Corvette and Michelin were on opposite
sides of the paddock at the races and on
the street.
Corvette factory teams had never
raced with Michelin and no new
Corvette had ever rolled off the line
wearing a Michelin fitment.
That changed after the 2003
running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
when a Michelin-fitted Ferrari beat
the defending champions Corvette
Racing to the top spot of the GT class
podium by a stunning 10-lap, 85-mile
margin.
By season’s end, the Corvette Racing
team was determined to become a
Michelin technical partner.
“That first big test at Sebring with
Michelin opened a lot of eyes,” said
Ron Fellows, then the Corvette Racing
factory team lead driver.
“We not only went three seconds a
lap faster, the MICHELIN® tires hooked
up so much quicker on acceleration
that it initially created some driveline
issues for us, which was a good thing!”
The Corvette Racing team
immediately changed to MICHELIN
tires and went on to reclaim its
title at Le Mans and capture the
2004 American Le Mans Series
championship.
As key insiders at General Motors
became increasingly aware of the
MICHELIN tire technology and the
significant role it played in Corvette
Racing’s renewed success, an
opportunity opened for Michelin to
compete and win the fitment on
the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
ZR1, the fastest, most powerful
production car ever produced
by GM.
That led to the next stage.
With the Corvette Racing
team and the Corvette ZR1
development team both
working in close collaboration
with Michelin, the relationship soon
became a virtuous circle or flywheel
with the racing team at the hub.
Just as Corvette Racing draws upon
the General Motors technical experts
in powertrain, chassis, suspension,
electronics and aerodynamics,
Michelin, the global leader in tire
technology, embeds a tire engineer
with each of its Le Mans technical
Michelin & C
partner teams to capture extensive
data and insights on tire and chassis
performance as well as subjective
feedback from drivers and team
engineers.
With top GM and Corvette
Racing team engineers,
championship winning
drivers and aggressive
testing, Michelin gains
deep insights into the
technical and cultural side of
Corvette and feeds it all into the
Michelin technical centers for use
in developing new tires for both
Corvette Racing and production
vehicles.
Through the first 100+ races of the
technical partnership with Michelin,
Corvette Racing captured five GT class
wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and
60 American Le Mans Series (ALMS)
class wins, including six victories
in the Twelve Hours of Sebring and
five at Petit Le Mans. Those wins led
to seven sets of ALMS driver, team,
and manufacturer championships,
including 2012 and 2013.
One of the keys to the Corvette –
Michelin technical partnership is that
the collaboration does not stop at the
pit gate.
In fact, the lead Michelin race tire
engineer with Corvette Racing, Lee
Willard, is also the lead development
engineer for the Michelin ultra-high
performance tires for Corvette street
vehicles - you can’t have a tighter circle
for feedback than that.
As the collaboration continues,
Michelin engineers can develop
increasingly specific tires to meet the
demands for each subsequent Corvette.
Michelin has been honored to
develop the MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport
PS2 ZP tire for the 2009 Corvette ZR1,
Corvette
the MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport Cup ZP,
a street-legal, track-ready tire, for
the 2011 Corvette Z06 and ZR1 with
optional handling packages.
Today, every new C7 Corvette rolls
off the line in Bowling Green fitted
exclusively with MICHELIN® Pilot®
Super Sport® ZP tire combinations for
the 2014 Corvette Stingray and 2014
Corvette Stingray with Z51 performance
package and the Z06.
“This is a truly historic partnership
and it is pretty amazing to think about
how the Michelin relationship with
Corvette has grown,” said Chris Baker,
motorsports director for Michelin
North America.
“When two companies share a
passion for innovation, engineering
excellence and constantly improving
technology, great things happen for
racers on the track and consumers on
the street.”
3
4
T
he transfer of technology from race car to production
cars is not a one way street.
“The Corvette Z06 is a great example of the
technology transfer between racing and production
Corvettes,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief
engineer. “First, we took what we learned on the Corvette Racing
C6.R and applied that to the all-new Corvette Stingray.
“Then, using the Stingray as a foundation, the Z06 and C7.R
were developed to push the envelope of performance on the
street and the track. We are continually taking what we learn in
competition, and applying it to improve production Corvettes –
which then makes better race cars.”
The 2015 model is the first Corvette Z06 to offer a supercharged
engine, an automatic transmission and, thanks to a stronger
aluminum frame, a removable roof panel.
The new, supercharged 6.2L engine is expected to deliver at
least 625 horsepower (466 kW) and can be matched with either a
seven-speed manual or an all-new, high-performance eight-speed
automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control.
The aluminum frame carries over from the Corvette Stingray
and will be used essentially unchanged for the Corvette C7.R.
“Practically every exterior change served a functional purpose,
as this (Z06) beast needed more of everything,” said Tom Peters,
Corvette design director.
“The flared fenders accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires
for more grip. The larger vents provide more cooling air to the
engine, brakes, transmission and differential for increased track
capability. The more aggressive aerodynamic package generates
true downforce for more cornering grip and high-speed stability.”
A track-focused Z07 Performance Package adds unique
components for true aerodynamic downforce, MICHELIN® Pilot
Super Sport® ZP tires for enhanced grip, and Brembo carbon
ceramic-matrix brake rotors that improve braking performance
and contribute to greater handling through reduced unsprung
weight.
In fact, the Corvette C7.R race car was co-developed with the
all-new 2015 Corvette Z06. They share unprecedented levels of
engineering and components including chassis architecture,
engine technologies and aerodynamic strategies.
“Many of the architectural and aerodynamic features of the
C7.R are based on equivalent components and technologies from
the 2015 Corvette Z06,” said Juechter.
5
The race car and the Z06 will share the same production-based
aluminum frame. However, for the first time, the frames for the
race car and production Z06 will be built in-house at Corvette’s
Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant.
For Corvette Racing, this equates to a race chassis for the C7.R
that is 40 percent stronger than the outgoing C6.R.
Meanwhile, the addition of direct fuel injection to the Corvette
Z06 promises greater efficiency, offering drivers more precise
throttle control and typically improves fuel economy about 3
percent.
The aerodynamic strategies of the Corvette Stingray came
directly from the Corvette C6.R – including the forward-tilted
radiator, functional hood and front-quarter panel vents, and rear
transmission and differential cooling intakes.
“We worked concurrently with the race team developing the
aerodynamic packages for the Z06 and the C7.R,” said Juechter.
“We even used the same modeling software to test both cars,
enabling us to share data and wind-tunnel test results.”
There are, of course, differences between the race car and
production Corvette Z06. For example, as the GT class rules
limit the maximum displacement to 5.5L and prohibit forced
induction, the C7.R carries over the powertrain from the C6.R.
By comparison, the new Z06 boasts a supercharged 6.2L engine
estimated at 625 horsepower.
The suspension on the C7.R is modified to accommodate
wider racing tires and larger brakes, again part of the GT class
regulations.
For the new C7.R, there are now openings on each of the rear
quarter panels above the brake ducts, which will draw air to help
cool the race car’s transaxle and differential.
The C7.R’s aero detail also makes the rear wing a moresignificant part of the car’s aero package.
For its part, Michelin, as the exclusive technical partner for
Corvette Racing and the Stingray and Z06, has developed specific
tire solutions for each vehicle.
Building upon the continuous flow of data and performance
insights in a deep collaboration with Corvette, Michelin has
created fitments to deliver total performance for efficiency,
safety and performance for Corvette owners and Corvette
Racing.
And, of course, Corvette Racing gets access to the latest
proprietary MICHELIN GT Le Mans race slicks and rain tires.
6
FAST FACT
Big change in
2014 sports cars
The world of sports car racing in North America changed
as the new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship
launched in January 2014. Created by a merger of the
American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the GRANDAM series, the TUDOR Championship, now owned
by a division of NASCAR, takes a “best of the best”
approach to develop and strengthen the sport’s appeal to
manufacturers, teams, sponsors and fans.
For Michelin, the new series provides the opportunity to
participate in open competition in the Grand Touring Le
Mans (GTLM) class and to continue important technical
partnerships with factory teams from Aston Martin, BMW,
Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche and SRT Viper.
“Technical partnerships are an important part of our
development of innovative tire designs and constructions
– and, as importantly, in the development of our
understanding of tire mechanics in general and in the
conception of new simulation tools,” said Chris Baker,
motorsports director for Michelin North America.
“Michelin supports the unification of sports car racing in
North America in alignment with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
We think the TUDOR Championship will be exciting,” said
Baker.
Fastest Magnussen?
A funny thing happened
to Corvette Racing ace Jan
Magnussen, the 2013 GT
class driver co-champion.
Program manager Doug
Fehan now calls him, “the
second fastest Magnussen
in the world,” as son Kevin
begins his first season as a
McLaren F1 race driver.
But in qualifying at the Long Beach Grand Prix, Jan took
the GT Le Mans class pole and since Kevin had a weekend off,
Jan once again became the fastest Magnussen in the world, at
least for another week. He and co-driver Antonio Garcia went
on to take the win, while teammates Oliver Gavin and Tommy
Milner finished third as Milner posted the fastest race lap.
Happy Anniversary
Corvette Racing recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as
a Michelin technical partner. The combination has racked up
61 race wins, 5 wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 7 sets of
championships.
Vehicle Model
Gen
Year
Option
Front
Rear
C5
1997-2004
Standard
P245/45ZR17 LL 89Y
P275/40ZR18 LL 94Y
2001-2004
Z06
P265/40ZR17 LL 91Y
P295/35ZR18 LL 91Y
2005-2013
Standard
P245/40ZR18 LL (88Y)
P285/35ZR19 LL (90Y)
C6
Apparently Corvette Racing agrees, as the team took the
first pole and victory for the new C7.R at the Long Beach
Grand Prix.
“We look forward to seeing how the series is promoted
and how the fans, manufacturers and media respond. This
will be a year to watch as the series learns and adjusts in
preparation for 2015 and beyond,” said Baker. “We all like
great cars, lots of fans and good competition.”
Tire Sizes
C7
2006-2013
Z06
P275/35ZR18 LL (87Y)
P325/30ZR19 LL (94Y)
2009-2013
ZR1
P285/30ZR19 LL (87Y)
P335/25ZR20 LL (94Y)
2010-2013
Grand Sport
P275/35ZR18 LL (87Y)
P325/30ZR19 LL (94Y)
2011-2013
Z06 w/Z07 Perf.Pack P285/30ZR19 LL (87Y)
P335/25ZR20 LL (94Y)
2014+
Standard
P245/40ZR18 (93Y)
P285/35ZR19 (99Y)
2014+
Z51
P245/35ZR19 (89Y)
P285/30ZR20 (95Y)
2015+
Z06
P285/30ZR19 (94Y)
P335/25ZR20 (99Y)
2015+
Z07
P285/30ZR19 (94Y)
P335/25ZR20 (99Y)
TS
“This is a truly historic partnership
and it is pretty amazing to think
about how the Michelin relationship
with Corvette has grown.”
7
CHRIS BAKER, MOTORSPORTS DIRECTOR FOR MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA
Fast like
Ron?
Stay Corvette & carry on
The only thing better than owning a Chevrolet Corvette
is being able to drive it well to experience all of the
performance and exhilaration that it can provide. That is
where the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School shines.
Corvette Racing’s first victory with the C7.R at Long
Beach on April 12 came in just the third race for the new car.
Combined with nine wins and sweeps of the Manufacturer,
Team and Driver championships in the final two seasons of
competition with the team’s C6.Rs, the Corvette Racing team
and 2013 driver champs Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia
(4) and 2012 champs Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner (6)
have combined for 10 wins in the last 22 races.
USA
STYLE
Fellows, a charter member of Corvette Racing and
multi-time driving champion, established his performance
driving school at Spring Mountain in October of 2008.
The Ron Fellows Performance Driving School offers high
performance driver training to improve driving technique,
provide professional racing instruction, or simply enjoy the
opportunity to drive one of America’s fastest production
race cars. Instructors are trained to test the limits of the
drivers and the vehicles on an exhilarating, purpose-built
road course in a safe, controlled environment.
Tommy Milner will be pleased when
fellow American, Jordan Taylor, age 22,
rejoins the team as a third driver at Le
Mans. Meaning, Milner (28) will no longer
be the youngest, or the only American
driver on the team. With a 2012 GT driver
title with Oliver Gavin, six wins in the past
two seasons, including victory at Sebring
in 2013, plus a Le Mans win in 2011, he is
quietly building an impressive record.
As the Official High Performance Driving School of
Corvette, the Driving School exclusively uses current
model Corvette C7 Stingray and ZR1 models on
MICHELIN® tires.
Set against a stunning mountain backdrop just 55 miles
west of the Las Vegas Strip, the Driving School is located
within the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country
Club.
MICHELIN® Tire Fitments and Part Numbers
Pilot® Super Sport
Pilot® Super Sport ZP Pilot® Sport PS2™
Pilot® Sport PS2™ ZP
Pilot® Sport A/S 3
Pilot® Sport A/S + ZP
Pilot® Sport Cup ZP
Pilot® Sport Cup 2 ZP Pilot® Alpin PA4
Front
Front
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Front
87984
18205
31651
62312
15335
37542
78156
07893
09579
89020
39254
10331
43657
15925
13913
13161
43657
15925
13913
13161
78156
07893
Rear
03264
29422
99872
14566
99872
Rear
69693
10332
05916
02430
Front
Rear
44359
43008
28120
46023
14566
03264
29422
69693
10332
28120
46023
15466
61244
25687
11313
12666
59857
09579
89020
06553
05258
39254
Rear
32048
10321
32048
10321
08704
Rear
Front
Rear
12852
35211
12852
35211
03949
10712
51138
10331
05916
02430
13913
13161
32048
10321
08704
51138
05916
02430
13913
13161
32048
10321
08704
51138
8
Countdown to August
National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park readies for launch
A
new world class
motorsports park is
opening in August 2014
and Corvette enthusiasts
and Michelin are helping
to make it happen. The National
Corvette Museum Motorsports Park,
located in Bowling Green, Kentucky,
will become the perfect complement
to the National Corvette Museum and
the General Motors Corvette Assembly
Plant.
Michelin will become the official tire
of the NCM Motorsports Park.
Located on approximately 184 acres
of land with 1.5 miles of frontage on
I-65, directly across the interstate
from the Museum, the initial phase of
the Park will consist of a twin circuit
arrangement of a two mile / 13 turn
West course and a one mile / 10 turn
East course which can be combined
into multiple configurations.
Both circuits will feature technical
turns, straights and elevation changes.
These two courses could be used
independently for multiple events, or
connected together into a unique large
course.
The adjoining 221 acres have also
been incorporated into Phase II of the
Master Development Plan, and may be
used for future development. The track
was designed with challenging features
that are reminiscent of the famous
Circuit de la Sarthe course in Le Mans,
France where Corvette Racing has
enjoyed great success.
Variable configurations for autocross
will also be available on a 21 acre wet/
dry skid pad area.
The NCM’s high performance driver
education (HPDE) school offers an
intense program teaching vehicle
dynamics, car control, cornering,
braking and driving fundamentals in
the classroom and on the track, led by
highly-trained classroom and certified
in-car instructors.
http://www.motorsportspark.org
Michelin North America, Inc • One Parkway South, • Greenville, SC 29615 • TEL: 1-800-458-5000 • www.michelin.com • Printed in USA, April 16, 2014 • Volume 8, Issue Corvette
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