Yokohama Tire Corp. has entered into a partnership agreement with Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., that makes the company the official tire of the track.
Since 1990, Yokohama has been a sponsor of the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, based at Infineon Raceway. The company has supplied them with its latest ultra-high performance products for the school's vehicles.
The partnership with the track itself was a natural progression of that relationship, says Yokohama.
"Yokohama carries an outstanding legacy in motorsports," said Art Michalik, Director of Marketing Communications for Yokohama. "Infineon Raceway is one of the finest racing facilities in the country. The combination of the two, working together to promote the sport, promises to be very exciting."
The multi-year contract provides Yokohama with prominent signage and visibility throughout the facility. Yokohama also is outfitting all track support vehicles -– pace cars, staff vehicles and support trucks -– with its tires.
"The increased visibility this gives us in the motorsports community is paramount," says Michalik. "Our brand exposure increases significantly among true racing enthusiasts."
The newly renovated Infineon Raceway hosts an average of 340 days of race activities a year ranging from NASCAR, NHRA, ALMS, SCCA and AFM motorcycle events.
"The relationship we have with the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School continues to be a tremendous positive for us," adds Michalik. "All of the staff at the school and the programs they conduct are first-class. They test our tires to the limits giving us valuable feedback for future development."
