Few tracks challenge man and machine like Sebring International Raceway—and that’s exactly why Brembo thrives there. As IMSA’s official braking technology partner and a veteran of 50 years in motorsports, Brembo is redefining endurance and innovation in one of racing’s most unforgiving arenas. From the brutal bumps of turn seven to the tech divide between GTP and GTD, Brembo’s cutting-edge systems are tested to the limit, ensuring consistency, safety, and performance across the grid.

Brembo’s Impact on IMSA and the Challenges of Sebring

Sebring International Raceway stands as one of the most demanding circuits in motorsports. Known for its grueling bumps, changing track conditions, and the ability to test a car’s endurance, it serves as a proving ground for manufacturers and teams alike. Among those navigating the challenges of Sebring is Brembo, a company that has firmly established itself as a leader in braking technology. As the official braking technology partner of IMSA, Brembo continues to push the limits of performance, endurance, and innovation across multiple racing series.

Brandon Miller, a representative from Brembo, shared insights on the company’s involvement in IMSA and the unique challenges of Sebring.

Brembo’s Partnership with IMSA

“Brembo has recently become the braking technology partner with IMSA. We’re very proud of that. On top of that, we’re also celebrating our 50 years in motorsports. This is something that is quite a great accomplishment for Brembo,” Miller stated.

This partnership highlights Brembo’s commitment to innovation and reliability in motorsports. IMSA’s diverse range of cars, from the high-tech GTP prototypes to the production-based GTD cars, provides an ideal testing ground for Brembo’s braking systems.

Sebring’s Unique Demands

Sebring is notorious for its rough surface and minimal opportunities for cooling, making it a true challenge for braking systems.

“Sebring is actually used in the motorsports world to do a lot of brake testing. When manufacturers or teams are getting a new car, testing a new car, Sebring is actually one of the first places they take it to make sure it can endure the bumps and the surface changes,” Miller explained. “In terms of all the racetracks, we do rate Sebring a five out of five in terms of the difficulty rating.”

Turn seven at Sebring is particularly taxing, with cars decelerating from approximately 120 mph while experiencing nearly three Gs of deceleration. With drivers applying the brakes at nine of the track’s 17 corners, managing brake temperature is a critical aspect of race strategy.

Supporting Multiple Series

Beyond IMSA’s premier WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Brembo is involved in various series such as Porsche Carrera Cup and Mustang Challenge. Working with teams across different platforms provides valuable feedback and helps refine braking performance.

“What we find crucial is braking consistency. If the race is a 45-minute race or a 24-hour race, if you can build a brake system that provides the same performance, the same feedback on lap one versus lap 789, it’s something that really takes you to the next level of performance,” Miller said.

Ensuring teams have the necessary parts and technical support is another key focus for Brembo during race weekends. “I got here on Tuesday. We were on track with Mustang Challenge and Carrera Cup first thing Wednesday morning. I spent most of my day with those two series getting feedback, making sure, first and foremost, does everybody have what they need? Is the inventory all available?”

GTP vs. GTD: A Tale of Two Braking Systems

Brembo’s presence in IMSA extends to both GTP and GTD cars, two vastly different machines that require unique braking solutions.

“A GTP car utilizes brake-by-wire,” Miller noted. “When the driver is pressing the brake pedal, and this is specific to the rear axle, you’ll have a sensor that’s mounted to the master cylinder. That sensor sends a signal to an actuator that’s working the rear calipers. A GTD or GT3 car, on the other hand, uses a more traditional braking system with two hydraulic lines managing the caliper actuation.”

The materials used also differ significantly: “A GTP car is using a carbon disc and carbon pad, whereas a GTD car is using a cast iron rotor and a metallic or a semi-metallic ceramic-type racing friction.”

Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

As technology advances in sports car racing, companies like Brembo play a key role in ensuring that braking systems keep up with the evolving demands of performance and safety. The ability to innovate not only enhances competition but also opens doors for drivers like Robert Wickens, whose racing career has continued thanks to advancements in brake technology.

“Innovation is crucial for our business. If you’re not innovating, you’re going to get left behind,” Miller said. “IMSA has collaborated with many partners, and innovation is happening at an incredible rate.”

From Sebring to Le Mans, and from Formula One to IMSA, Brembo’s impact on motorsports is undeniable. With a commitment to performance, consistency, and innovation, the company continues to be at the forefront of racing technology.