Yokohama-shod Ferrari 458 ready for Sebring debut

March 14, 2013

American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Race Week has kicked-off at Sebring International Raceway (through March 16) and Yokohama Tire Corporation is ready to roll.

The Fullerton, California-based tire maker has partnered with a Ferrari 458 (on ADVAN A005 tires) in the ultra-competitive ALMS GT class, and the orange oil-infused ADVAN ENV-R2 will again be the spec racing slick in the GTC Class of the ALMS, as well as the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge Presented by Yokohama.

“We’re really anxious to start running this sports car racing season, and it all begins this weekend at Sebring,” said Duane Sampson, YTC motorsports manager. “From the sprint races of GT3 to the ALMS endurance race, Yokohama is ready to race.”

“For 2013, Yokohama has combined with a top-level team, a proven chassis and a strong driver line-up,” said Sampson. The Team West/Alex Job Racing/Boardwalk Ferrari features proven drivers Townsend Bell, Bill Sweedler and Leh Keen at the wheel. Keen captured the 2012 ALMS GTC championship driving for Alex Job. “I know Alex is fired up about Sebring,” said Keen. “As a driver, it doesn’t get much better than to be with a top-caliber team in a competitive car like the 458 GT Ferrari.”

The GTC class features a starting field of 11 cars with what Sampson described as “many well-established and proven race-winning teams.” He believes “the race will come down to precisely-executed pit stops and tire management.” All vehicles in the GTC class run on ENV-R2 tires.

Sampson said the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge Presented by Yokohama has a 40-car entry list that includes “a solid mix of young and veteran driver talent, competing for first-rate teams. “The Sebring race is always exciting to watch as many drivers want to make their mark on the season early,” he said. Like the GTC car, all GT3 Cup Challenge Porsches are fitted with ENV-R2 tires. This is the fifth consecutive year Yokohama has been the series’ sole tire supplier.