Michelin has released the Michelin Pilot Sport Gravel tire in North America, following its successful launch in Europe. This tire is now available for competitors in the American Rally Association and the Canadian Rally Championship, and other series.
Originally introduced in Europe in 2023, the tire’s development drew on the company’s experience with its Z tread pattern. According to Jason Anzalone, motorsports director for Michelin North America, the new tire provides a blend of resistance and performance specifically designed for dirt rally racing, particularly for the shorter stages and R5/Rally2 categories.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Gravel tire features a more open and flexible tread pattern compared to previous models, to provide better grip on loose gravel and greater lateral stability. The tire is equipped with two aramid textile shields on the sidewall, designed for protection from lateral impacts while maintaining flexibility and robustness on various road conditions.
Patented S-slices in the tread increase the number of ridges, enabling the tire to adapt to ground irregularities and provide consistent grip. The tread compound and design help dissipate heat, contributing to increased tire wear resistance.
The tire also incorporates several Michelin rally-specific technologies: Warm-Up Technology, which includes high-tech synthetic resins, enables the tire to reach optimal operating temperatures quickly; and Side-Shield Technology uses aramid textile shields to protect the sidewall from lateral damage while keeping the tire light and flexible.
Anzalone said, “The combination of resistance and performance for dirt rally racing will allow competitors to take full advantage of the latest technologies, helping drivers compete for the ultimate prize.”
