Michelin IMSA Insider: AWA’s Tire Specialist, Baking Pro

Photo: Sam Cobb

Take a stroll down the paddock during an IMSA race weekend and you’ll see a lot of Michelin tires. For instance, there were more than 7,500 Michelin tires on site at Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Tires are mounted throughout the weekend at the Michelin workshop for teams to pick up. AWA tire specialist Ashley Baily gave us insight as to what happens once the Michelin tire leaves the workshop.

“There’s a lot of data that we collect throughout the first or second practice,” Baily said. “A lot of tread depth and just keeping an eye on the tires and see how they’re performing at the different tracks.”

Photo: Michelin

Less Tires, More Strategy

Her job for the GTD team running the Corvette Z06 GT3.R has taken on even greater importance with Michelin’s sustainability push. The Michelin Pilot Sport Pro GT tire, which debuted last season, has allowed for a 17 percent reduction in tires for the GTD Pro and GTD fields.

“It plays more into the strategy now with less of them,” Baily said. “You can’t just change every time. Everything has to be more taken care of. You can’t just put them on and say , ‘oh, we’re done with them’… We’re really trying to use the maximum of the tire now.”

Baily works hand-in-hand with Michelin’s tire specialists exchanging data and information.

“They’re great, honestly,” Baily said. “If you need anything, they’re right there.”

Photo: Supplied

Balanced Form and Flavor

Her job requires attention to detail, something she’s used to. Baily studied pastry arts in school.

“I still work in a bakery full-time, along with this,” said Baily.

She now works at Little Rose Cookie Co. in Mississauga, Ontario, full-time, crafting custom cookies for weddings and events.

We’re happy to note that she uses Michelin tires on her daily driver to get around Canada in the winter.

Photo: AWA

Right in the Thick of It

In addition to everything tires, Baily also serves as the dead man for AWA during pit stops. That means operating the cut off valve on the fuel rig during a pit stop.

“So both things are pretty important parts,” said Baily.

An important part, too, is showing the success women can have in these roles, generally held by men.

“It definitely took time to just prove myself , but once you’ve proven yourself, a lot of guys show you a lot of respect,” Baily said. “If you have a true passion and true work ethic, then you can make it. You can do it.”

Photo: AWA

Backed by Results

Results tell the story. AWA showed its tire management capabilities by winning the longest race of the season — The Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.

“For us to win, that was our second year in GTD,” Baily said. “So, when we crossed that finish line, it was a surreal feeling.”

Now the race duration shifts to the first standard length of the season for the Monterey SportsCar Championship. And with that, comes a fresh challenge for the tire and cookie specialist.