Falken Tire Corp. has added initiatives aimed at grassroots motorsports enthusiasts to its 2015 motorsports program.
The company says the Falken Azenis line of ultra-high performance tires and the Falken WildPeak line of light truck tires are at the heart of its motorsports program.
“Falken has built a reputation for performance both on the track and in the desert, and this will continue throughout 2015,” says Rick Brennan, executive director of marketing.
“After an action-packed first quarter, we’ve already enjoyed great success with both our Azenis and WildPeak tires, and thanks to the dedication and talent of our teams and drivers we should not be strangers on the podiums for the remainder of the year. As always, the lessons we learn from competing on track and in the dirt will shape the next generation of Falken consumer tires.”
Falken's 2015 motorsports program includes:
IMSA United SportsCar Series (TUSC) – The team competes in the GT-LeMans class in a Porsche 911 RSR. Drivers Wolf Henzler, Patrick Long and Bryan Sellers recently celebrated a third place finish at the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring.
Formula Drift – Since the launch of the series in 2004, Falken says it has become the most successful tire brand in Formula Drift with 21 event victories and two championships. The four drivers who will compete are: Daijiro Yoshihara in a Subaru BRZ; Justin Pawlak in a Ford Mustang supported by Roush Performance; Tyler McQuarrie in a Chevrolet Camaro; and Pat Goodin in a V8-powered Nissan 240SX.
Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) – Falken is adding new contingency programs for driving enthusiasts competing in SCCA autocross events across the country.
Pro Touring – Falken will serve as the road course sponsor of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) and the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, as well as serve as an event sponsor for the Good Guys AutoCross. In both series, Falken RT615K tires will be used by Brian Hobaugh’s 1965 Chevrolet Corvette, Mike Maier’s 1966 Ford Mustang, Chris “Smitty” Smith’s 1972 Chevrolet Corvette, Bret Voelkel’s 1967 Chevrolet Camaro and Marry Pozzi’s 1973 Chevrolet Camaro.
Ultra 4 Series – Ultra 4 utilizes purpose built four-wheel-drive vehicles to traverse some of the harshest terrain found in North America, according to Falken. At the King of the Hammers, the kick-off event for the Ultra 4 Series, Brandon Currie scored the Overall and Modified class victory in the Everyman Challenge utilizing the Falken WildPeak M/T tires. Second and third place in the Modified class also used the Falken WildPeak M/T. In the King of the Hammers Unlimited race, Tony Pellegrino finished in ninth position using the Falken WildPeak M/T.
SCORE International – Falken will be represented for the first time in this off-road desert racing series, including the legendary Baja 500 and Baja 1000, by Brenthel Industries.
Best in the Desert – Jonathan and Jordan Brenthel will use the Falken WildPeak M/T 37x12.50R17 tires to compete in the Best in the Desert’s Spec Trophy Truck class, bringing Falken to the series for the first time.
W.E. Rock Crawling Championship – Falken will support several teams in the W.E. Rock Crawling Championship.
Rally Aicha Des Gazelles du Muroc –The Rallye Aicha des Gazelles in Morocco, North Africa brings together women between the ages of 18 and 65 to a two-week adventure in the Moroccan desert. Drivers Jessi Combs and Nicole Pitell are driving the CRC Total Chaos 2014 Toyota Tacoma on Falken WildPeak A/T 185/70R16.
