By: IMSA
November 29 2016
Global Technology Company Deepens Involvement with IMSA
Daytona Beach, Florida - Continental Tire will serve as the exclusive tire supplier for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda series starting in 2017.
The multi-year agreement will see all cars in both classes of IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda - Le Mans Prototype 3 (LM P3) and Mazda Prototype Challenge (MPC) - compete on Continental rubber.
"IMSA continues to enjoy a strong and mutually productive partnership with Continental Tire," said David Pettit, IMSA vice president, marketing. "We appreciate Continental increasing its already deep commitment to our sport through this new agreement. The exciting competition coming in 2017 and beyond in the new-look IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda platform will be enhanced by the consistent durability and performance of state-of-the-art Continental tires."
Continental Tire is the Official Tire of IMSA and the exclusive tire supplier for the Prototype, Prototype Challenge and GT Daytona classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The company also continues as the title sponsor and the exclusive tire of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, a role it has fulfilled since 2010.
"We're thrilled to announce the integration of the Prototype Challenge series into our portfolio of racing properties," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire. "We're honored to increase our partnership with IMSA to include this series and we look forward to showcasing our abilities on a global platform like the Prototype Challenge stage."
IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda action will be divided into two classes in 2017, blending new and existing IMSA machinery. The LM P3 class will feature LM P3 chassis from as many as six different constructors powered by identical V8 engines. The MPC class will use the existing Élan DP02 chassis powered by Mazda engines that previously comprised the Lites 1 (L1) class of the series.
Thirteen rounds of competition will take place in IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda in 2017, starting in mid-March and ending in early October. Nine rounds will take place during IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship weekends, putting drivers and teams into the brightest sports car racing spotlight in North America. Most event weekends will include a pair of 45-minute sprint races.
The 2017 IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda season starts with two rounds, March 17-18, at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida.
About IMSA
The International Motor Sports Association, LLC (IMSA) was originally founded in 1969 and owns a long and rich history in sports car racing. Today, IMSA is the sanctioning body of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the premier sports car racing series in North America. IMSA also sanctions the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and the IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda, as well as four single-make series: Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama; Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama; Ferrari Challenge North America; and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America. IMSA - a company within the NASCAR group - is the exclusive strategic partner in North America with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) which operates the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The partnership enables selected IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competitors to earn automatic entries into the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. For more information, visit www.IMSA.com, www.twitter.com/IMSA or www.facebook.com/IMSA.
About Continental Tire the Americas
Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Continental Tire the Americas, LLC manufactures and distributes a complete premium line of passenger, light truck and commercial tires for original equipment and replacement markets. Our ultra-high, performance tires include award-winning technologies that focus on safety, help save money, and reduce CO2 emissions. Continental's premium products are available at leading independent tire dealers, car dealers, and mass retail companies across North America. Continental Tire is a proud supporter of IMSA, Major League Soccer (MLS), College Basketball, Team är-kªn', West Coast Customs, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, and Petty's Garage. For more information visit, www.continentaltire.com.
About Continental AG
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2015, the corporation generated sales of €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 218,000 people in 55 countries.