ALMS announces new sponsor
Freescale Semiconductor, based in Austin, Texas, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. It has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations around the world.
With more automobile manufacturer involvement and participation than any major racing series in the world, along with more advanced automotive technology than any series other than Formula One, the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n provides Freescale Semiconductor with significant opportunities to enhance both business-to-business and public awareness of its advanced automotive technology solutions. At the same time, engineers from Freescale Semiconductor will be “embedded" in the paddock at Series races offering support and communication to team and manufacturer engineering personnel.
"Freescale is honored to be the automotive technology solutions partner for the American Le Mans Series," said Reza Kazerounian, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale Semiconductor’s Microcontroller Solutions Group. “Freescale has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and long-standing customer relationships with the world's leading automakers and tier-one suppliers. The relationship with the American Le Mans Series shows our continued commitment to providing advanced silicon and software solutions for automotive applications."
Key to the B2B involvement with the Series will be Freescale Semiconductor’s support and presenting sponsorship of two in-depth technical conferences concerning the future of transportation technology. These will be held in conjunction with races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (May 22) and Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda 6 at Road Atlanta (Oct. 2). Along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Series represents the pinnacle of racing for automotive technology, including hybrid powertrains, alternative fuels and additional advanced technology that is consumer-relevant.
In addition, Freescale Semiconductor will be a presenting sponsor of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n’s paddock hospitality center, welcoming businesspeople, stakeholders and team participants alike.
“Nowhere has there been a motorsports series more diligent in supporting automobile manufacturers’ work in advancing technologies to make the future of transportation not only more sustainable but more exciting too," said Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patro?n. “From Day One, the Series has prided itself on the unique position of developing relevant and innovative technologies that could be tested on the track with consumers eventually benefiting from the end result. Freescale [Semiconductor] is the perfect company to emphasize how vital that approach is to not only the advancement of motorsports but the entire automobile and transportation industry as well."
The American Le Mans Series is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing. It is the only major race series in the world in which all cars compete on one of five alternative fuels and/or energy sources: clean diesel, cellulosic E85, E10, iso-butanol and E10/gas-electric hybrid.
In 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and SAE International declared the American Le Mans Series the only motorsports entity to meet the criteria for green racing. Since its launch in 1999, the Series has stood on its unique position of relevancy within motorsports, working closely with up to 13 difference OEM’s on innovative technologies developed on the track that often transfer to the customer showroom.
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patro?n kicks off its 12th season with the 58th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 20 at Sebring International Raceway. Green flag for the SPEED telecast is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. ALMS Radio found at www.americanlemans.com will carry the entire race. XM/Sirius will also broadcast portions of the endurance classic live.