Michelin Green X Challenge returns to Laguna Seca

May 17, 2010

The Michelin Green X Challenge returns to the hills of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 22 for the second season of competition, having dramatically grown and expanded since its first visit last October.

In addition to the American Le Mans Series and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Michelin Green X Challenge is now global in scope with the addition of the premier series of endurance races in Europe and Asia.

Thanks to the support of the international sanctioning groups, manufacturers, teams, drivers and key environmental groups, the “race within the race” is now the premier environmental competition in motorsports.

Developed in cooperation with the United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, together with SAE International, the Michelin Green X Challenge uses motorsports to accelerate the development of alternative energies through competition.

The American Le Mans Series now embraces all five energy sources: E10 ethanol blended gasoline, E85R gasoline blended ethanol, GTL (natural gas to liquid) biodiesel, E10-electric hybrid power and, most recently, biobutanol fuels targeted in the U.S. national energy policy.

The award recognizes the car going the farthest, fastest, with the lowest environmental impact. The ALMS formula, developed by the Argonne National Labs, includes 30 different performance, energy and environmental measures. The other international series use regional formulas.

“The keys to the success of the Michelin Green X Challenge are credibility and competition,” said Doug Robinson, a member of the “Green Racing” steering group along with representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency and SAE International.

In the 12 ALMS events held to date, the Michelin Green X Challenge winners (one prototype and one GT entry per event) include Audi, Acura, Peugeot, Porsche, Chevrolet and BMW. Ferrari, Mazda, Jaguar and the independent Lola/Judd will be seeking to join that club at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Successes on the track and in the Michelin Green X Challenge are not mutually exclusive. Thirteen of the award winners to date also won their respective class in the race.

"Flying Lizard is proud to be the 2009 Michelin Green X Challenge GT Team champion and to be leading the 2010 competition heading into Laguna Seca," said Seth Neiman, Flying Lizard Motorsports principal and driver of the No. 44 Porsche.

In the spirit of the Michelin Green X Challenge, Michelin is poised to introduce its newest luxury performance passenger car tire, the Michelin Primacy MXM4 to consumers on July 1, 2010.

Marked with a “Green X”, the Michelin Primacy MXM4 provides everything a luxury car owner demands: safety, all-weather handling, great ride quality and comfort -- all backed by an exceptional warranty. For more information, visit www.michelinman.com.

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