IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge 2025
The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR is set to make a grand debut in the U.S. racing scene for the 2025 season, competing in the highly regarded IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
This move into the IMSA's prestigious racing calendar marks CUPRA’s ambitious entry into one of the most competitive racing environments in the United States.
CUPRA Leon VZ TCR x IMSA
"Racing is in CUPRA’s DNA. We are always looking for new challenges that push us to be better and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is certainly one of them. We are very excited to participate in our first competition in the USA ahead of our market launch by the end of the decade," said Xavi Serra, Head of CUPRA Racing. The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR has already demonstrated outstanding performance across international championships and is ready for this new venture.
CUPRA’s Partnership with IMSA
“IMSA proudly welcomes CUPRA to our family of manufacturer partners," said IMSA President John Doonan. "This partnership is unique in that CUPRA will leverage the IMSA platform to introduce itself to the U.S. market. This approach underscores the value of IMSA, particularly the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, and opens doors to new storytelling opportunities."
CUPRA Leon VZ TCR: A Racing Car Engineered for Success
Launched in May 2024, the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR represents the brand’s cutting-edge racing philosophy. With new bodywork that aligns with CUPRA's design language, an advanced SADEV gearbox, high-performance suspension, and an enhanced interior, the Leon VZ TCR has achieved notable success in races around the globe.
The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR has participated in 42 races, reaching podium positions at iconic circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Estoril (Portugal), Brno (Czech Republic), and Imola (Italy).
Notably, Franco Girolami, a driver with Monlau Motorsport, won the TCR Europe championship in this model, with Aurélien Comte of SP Competition taking second place.
The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR also won first place at the TCR South America Banco BRB endurance race at the Interlagos Autodrome in Brazil and the Endurance Copa Notiauto at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
Competing in the USA
The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge features production-based race cars built to internationally recognised specifications. Competing in the TCR class, CUPRA will race against other turbocharged, four- or five-door production models with engines between 1.75 and two litres, delivering 300-350 horsepower and achieving speeds exceeding 260 km/h.
Teams participating in the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge can select the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR as their vehicle across 11 races in the calendar, beginning with the Daytona International Speedway in Florida on January 17.
Order Your CUPRA Leon VZ TCR Today
Teams and racers can now order the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR, a model designed for high-performance racing. With a proven record in high-stakes races around the world, this racecar brings CUPRA’s fierce design and engineering to the competitive edge. Built for motorsport, the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR is ready to take on the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and push the limits on the U.S. racing scene and beyond.
