Yokohama Tire Corp. will be the presenting sponsor and official spec tire of the newly-minted Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama race series.
The single-make series, featuring Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, is a support event for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and is entering its fifth season after previously being known as the IMSA Challenge.
The two-year agreement between Yokohama and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) will not only provide Yokohama prominent branding on each race car for the 2009 and 2010 race seasons, but also publicity during seven one-hour "Speed TV" specials covering the series.
The 2009 campaign will feature 12 races during six event weekends at famous American racetracks such as Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
As part of the sponsorship, Yokohama will engineer and construct purpose-built Advan racing tires for the GT3 Cup cars. The Advan A005 will be used for dry weather racing, while the A006 will handle wet weather duty. The front and rear sizes will be 240/640R18 and 280/680R18, respectively.Yokohama Advan Sport tires are an original equipment fitment on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Cayenne. Other OE fitments include the Boxster and the Boxster S.Details about the series can be found at www.IMSAChallenge.com.
