Federal Corp. is sponsoring all 14 races of the Nippon Challenge, the United Kingdom's premier racing series for Japanese cars. According to Federal, the series "aims to represent the best multi-class championship for car enthusiasts to be contested in a competitive and affordable environment."
Federal’s new motorsports extreme tire, FZ-201 semi-slick, is one of the spec tires.
Started in the 2008 season, the sensational action of the Nippon Challenge sponsored by Federal Tyres has seen a growing following from spectators and drivers alike. It is the only U.K. multi marque race series for Japanese performance cars run by the only MSA-affiliated club dedicated to Japanese car racing. The classes encompass GT500, GT300, GT250, GT200 and GT150, plus Super GT for more modified vehicles.
Cars that have competed to date include Mazda RX7/MX5, Nissan 200SX/350Z, Honda Integra/Civic/CRX/Accord, Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi EVO/FTO, Toyota MR2 to name a few. There is nothing more exciting than to race a “Japanese car” in the Nippon Challenge.
This season's inaugural event was held on the world renowned circuit of Silverstone on March 4. The field was shaping up to be a very competitive one, with a group of eager drivers to take up the challenge.
Meanwhile, two unique groups within the Nippon Challenge -- MR2 Turbo and Junior GT division -- will run exclusively on Federal 595RS-R sport competition tires that are available to club racers through Federal's U.K. tire distributors.
Steve Vince, co-ordinator of the Nippon Challenge, further stated: ”Federal has always been seriously involved in motorsport activities in a big way. The new supply deal demonstrates their willingness to support club racers and the Nippon Challenge series in the U.K.
In the thrilling world of motorsports racing, it is crucial to have tires that can handle harsh driving conditions. Having shod the winners of the 2010 Rally Tasmania, the R-compound FZ-201 semi-slick provides plenty of traction and controllability, which results in improved lap times, as well as responsive transitions in handling maximum lean angles, providing to a satisfactory track day experience.
The second round of Nippon Challenge will be held on Sunday, May 30, at Snetterton. It is an opportunity to see the cars, meet other competitors and give the fans a taste of what professional motorsports entails. We look forward to seeing the very best of Britain’s most talented racers chasing top honors in the Nippon Challenge race series.
