Sebring Notebook: Michelin’s Endurance Tire Tests, Pole Surprises and Partnerships

Sebring’s 12 Hours weekend centers on Michelin’s new Pilot Sport Endurance tire and a tight pole fight: Misha Goikhberg earned WeatherTech Championship pole for Bryan Herta Autosport/PR1 after a red-flag disrupted practice, while GTD Pro saw Jack Hawksworth set a lap record in his 100th start and Eduardo Barrichello take GTD pole as Winward’s No. 48 drops to the rear for a ride-height violation; the No. 1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO moves to the front row in GTD Pro. The event also covers 2030 prototype-rule discussions, Max Esterson’s iRacing Sebring prep, and a wave of partnerships and veteran initiatives (Lexus as official vehicle, Mobil 1 sponsorship extension, Operation Motorsport) ahead of a race that will test tire strategy, endurance, and competition.