Yokohoma signs extension with IMSA

Chalk up another victory for Yokohama Tire Corporation’s environmentally-sensitive orange oil-infused race tires. Thanks to a new two-year sponsorship extension between Yokohama and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), the sanctioning body for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n, that was announced today in Sebring, Fla., Yokohama’s ADVAN® ENV-R2™ race slicks will continue to be the official tire of the Patr¢n GT3 Challenge by Yokohama.

The agreement, which runs through the 2012 season, means all Porsche 911 GT3 cars in the popular series will be competing on the revolutionary tire that uses orange oil and natural rubber to reduce the amount of petroleum in the tire.

“IMSA is a great partner, especially when it comes to eco-racing," said Mark Chung, Yokohama director, corporate strategy and planning. “Like Yokohama, they’ve been championing the cause of ‘green’ racing for years. Last season we introduced our first environmentally-sensitive racing slick, the ADVAN® ENV-R1™ here at Sebring, and IMSA and Porsche embraced it. Now we have the ENV-R2, which has even more orange oil and natural rubber, plus a two-year agreement with IMSA and we couldn’t be happier."

“We at IMSA applaud Yokohama as an innovative company with a true environmental commitment, especially toward motorsports," said Scott Atherton, CEO of IMSA and the Series. “Its environmental impact within the automotive and tire industry has not gone unnoticed. Both companies align perfectly with respect to green initiatives. We are eager to work with Yokohama the next several years to further develop its eco-strategies."