The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR is set to debut in the U.S. racing scene during the 2025 season, where it will compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. The victories achieved by the model since its launch earlier this year have opened the door to the TCR competition of the international Motor Sports Association (IMSA), one of the most prestigious and challenging championships in the US racing calendar.
“Racing is in CUPRA’s DNA. We are always looking for new challenges that dare 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.The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR has already proven its performance in other international championships and now, it’s ready to compete in a new challenge.” IMSA President John Doonan
“IMSA proudly welcomes CUPRA to our family of manufacturer partners. This manufacturer partnership is unique in that CUPRA is a brand that will use the IMSA platform to introduce itself ahead of its planned expansion into the U.S market. This approach reinforces the value of IMSA — and specifically the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge — and opens the door to new storytelling opportunities and perhaps a blueprint for other manufacturers to follow in the future.” IMSA President John Doonan
A racing car designed to succeed
Launched in May 2024, the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR took the brand’s racing philosophy to a new level. The new bodywork, aligned with the design language of the brand, as well as the front axle setup, SADEV gearbox upgrade kit, high-end suspension and interior improvements, have contributed to its success in various competitions around the world.
The model has participated in 42 races over the last few months, showcasing its performance and reliability. The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR have climbed the podium in recognised circuits, like Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Estoril (Portugal), Brno (Czech Republic) and Imola (Italy). Franco Girolami, racing driver of the Monlau Motorsport team, also drove a CUPRA Leon VZ TCR to become champion of the TCR Europe, with Aurélien Comte, from the SP Competition team taking second place with the same model. The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR also took first place in the TCR South America Banco BRB endurance race at the Interlagos Autodrome in Brazil and in the Endurance Copa Notiauto at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
Now, it is ready to take part in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in 2025. Part of one of the most important historical competitions in the United States of America, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge features WSC Touring Car Racing homologated models with engines tuned to produce between 300 and 350 horsepower, and reaching more than 260 km/h.
The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge features production-based race cars from the world’s top manufacturers, built to internationally recognized technical specifications. It includes two classes competing simultaneously – Grand Sport (GS) and Touring Car Racing (TCR) – with multiple drivers sharing each car in every race. CUPRA will compete in the TCR class against four-or-five door production vehicles powered by 1.75- to two-litre turbocharged engines from other manufacturers.
Teams participating in the championship will have the opportunity to choose the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR as their competing car over the 11 races in the calendar, starting at the Daytona International Speedway circuit in Florida on 17 January.