IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge to Bring Sport Car Races to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday and Sunday – The Bloomingtonian

By Sydney Barrett Last updated Sep 16, 2023

Staff report

Indianapolis, Indiana – September 16, 2023

The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, known for its production-based race cars, will headline an action-packed Saturday and Sunday schedule.

This year’s events, presented by TireRack.com, will feature a four-hour endurance race Saturday. The main race day is Sunday.

The schedule, although subject to change, outlines a day of qualifications and practice sessions that will set the stage for Sunday’s WeatherTech Championship race.

Here is a glimpse of what fans can expect on Saturday, September 16:

Gates Open (7:30 AM – 8:30 PM): The action begins with the opening of the gates, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the racing atmosphere.
Lamborghini Trofeo Qualifications: The morning will kick off with two qualifying sessions for the Lamborghini Trofeo series, where precision and speed are paramount.
IMSA WeatherTech Championship Practice #2 (8:55 AM – 10:40 AM): This practice session will feature a wide array of racing categories, including GTD, LMP3, LMP2, GTD Pro, and GTP cars, providing fans with a taste of what’s to come.
Michelin Challenge Qualifications: TCR and GS class cars will battle it out in their respective qualifying sessions, adding to the day’s excitement.
Lamborghini Trofeo Race #1 (11:50 AM – 12:40 PM): The first race of the day, a 50-minute showdown, will see Lamborghini Trofeo competitors pushing their limits.
IMSA WeatherTech Championship Qualifying: Pole positions for the WeatherTech Championship race will be determined in three sessions for GTD / GTD Pro, LMP3 and LMP2, and GTP categories.
Porsche Carrera Cup Race #1 (2:30 PM – 3:10 PM): A 40-minute race featuring Porsche Carrera Cup cars.
Michelin Challenge Race (4:30 PM – 8:30 PM): The day culminates in a four-hour race, testing the endurance and skill of both drivers and their production-based race cars.

Race Day Schedule (Sunday, September 17):

Gates Open (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM): The day kicks off with the opening of the gates.
Porsche Carrera Cup Race #2 (9:40 AM – 10:20 AM): The action begins with a 40-minute race featuring Porsche Carrera Cup cars.
Lamborghini Trofeo Race #2 (10:40 AM – 11:30 AM): Following the Porsche Carrera Cup race, fans can look forward to a 50-minute showdown featuring Lamborghini Trofeo competitors.
IMSA TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks – Green Flag (1:00 PM – 3:40 PM): The main event of the day, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, will get underway at 1:00 PM with the green flag signaling the start of this two-hour and 40-minute racing competition at the Brickyard. The race will feature a diverse field of sports cars, each vying for victory in their respective classes.

More about IMSA racing:

Tickets: https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/imsa/buy-tickets/tickets-gate-admission

Gallery of images from Friday:

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 15: Practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before an IMSA WeatherTech Series Race on September 15, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)