Michelin, the world's largest tire manufacturer, has been the most dominant tire in the history of the highly-competitive American Le Mans Series.
The renowned tire supplier has posted 73 overall race victories in the 76 events in the American Le Mans Series, including eight wins at the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring.
In 2007, Michelin serves as the Official Technology Partner for Acura's debut in the American Le Mans Series.
Three teams - Andretti Green Racing, Highcroft Racing and Lowe's Fernandez Racing - make their entry into the highly competitive sports car ranks in 2007 with the initial Acura factory-supported effort. All three teams will utilize Michelin tires during the 12-race campaign.
The Acura sports cars are shod in special Michelin rubber, including 285/650R18 tires on the front and 325/650R18 on the rear.
"There are a number of factors that made Michelin the best choice for the Acura American Le Mans Series program," said Robert Clarke, president of Honda Performance Development (HPD), which developed the Acura V-8 engine used by the three Acura cars. "Acura and Michelin have enjoyed a long-standing, 20-year relationship on the production-car side, so it made perfect sense to extend that partnership to Acura's first factory-supported racing program."
Michelin is pleased to have Acura as member of its racing partnerships. "We
are truly delighted that Acura chose Michelin as its technical partner in American
Le Mans Series competition," said Bill Guzick, COO for Michelin Automotive
Industry Division.
"The long and successful tradition that Honda and Acura bring to motorsports will be a great benefit to the series and sports car fans. They have an outstanding reputation for developing technology, and, like Michelin, have a strong corporate culture of 'excellence through engineering'."
Clarke also knows the Michelin record on track is legendary. "Michelin owns an unsurpassed record of success in sports car racing," he said, "and as we continue to gain experience in that arena, the consistency of Michelin's products will reduce the number of variables impacting on the Acuras' performance."