IMSA drivers pleased with new Prototype tires

The long-awaited race debut of Continental's new IMSA Prototype tires is here. Crafted with IMSA's Daytona Prototype internationals and the spec WEC P2s in mind, the new Continental slicks have received rave reviews from the paddock during testing and development, and with 12 hours of racing to complete on Saturday, the American rubber is expected to reward aggression.

Reigning Prototype champion Dane Cameron explained difference between the new tires and the Daytona Prototype-era Continentals they replace.

"Now we are on to what is going to be the full road course tire for the balance of the year," the Action Express Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R driver told RACER. "We did the Rolex 24 at Daytona with an older tire that was made to withstand the high banking forces, but that's the only track where those are needed. For what's going on our Cadillac, it's a completely new front and rear tire, new construction, new compounds for everything.

"The front tire sizing is also different from the 2016 era with a taller front sidewall now, where the other one was always the short, stubby Daytona Prototype front sidewall."

Cameron has enjoyed working with faster and more durable tires made specifically for IMSA's new-era LMP2s.

"They give better longevity over long stints," he continued. "Continental did a lot of work on the front tire in particular, because on the old Daytona Prototype, that short front tire – it only really wanted to do one thing at a time. It didn't really want to brake and turn. You had to brake in a straight line, then turn one time, and then go.

"They've been able to take advantage of the new car, which obviously has a bit more downforce, it's a bit lighter, carries more momentum, has raising the minimum cornering speeds, and they built front tires that can now do more things at once. Really, overall, we've been pretty happy."

For a driver like Cameron who can live on the limit for hours on end, changes to the rear tires have also helped to create a stable platform to work from.

"We are also seeing more performance out of the new rears, and seeing a little bit better rear tire wear over the stint," he said. "You can push and keep pushing and the rear tires will stay under you in a way you couldn't before with the old equipment. And they're faster, which is what a driver always wants. There is a noticeable improvement in outright lap time from the new and old tires. Definitely a big thank you for Continental for putting their best foot forward in giving us some new boots here going into 2017!"