Yokohama Tire Corp. and Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) have announced a new racing series and partnership with the United States Auto Club.
Yokohama's Advan A005 and Advan A006 race slicks will be the spec tires for the nine-race series, which kicks off March 5-7, 2021, at Sonoma Raceway in California.
The series will take place at race venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, featuring Porsche 991.1 and 991.2 GT3 Cup cars, as well as the 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4. There will be three classes: Platinum (991.2), Gold (991.1) and Silver (718 Cayman Clubsport).
“We’re honored to be a part of the inaugural Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama,” says Andrew Briggs, Yokohama Tire’s vice president of marketing and product management.
“The USAC-sanctioned series perfectly fits our motorsports strategy and is another excellent opportunity to continue working with our longtime partner Porsche Motorsport North America. We’re looking forward to spotlighting our Advan tires next season in this exciting new series.”
Yokohama is also the sponsor and sole tire supplier for The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama and the 2020 Porsche Sprint Trophy USA West. In addition, Yokohama served as the marketing and technical partner for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama from 2009 to 2020, and for five seasons with the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama.
“Our goal with the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama is to create a clear first step up from club level racing, while establishing a direct path to higher level motorsport,” says Erik Skirmants, series manager, PPMNA.
“A key to this series' success is the choice to have Yokohama as our tire and series partner. We needed world-class tires and technical support and Yokohama has always exceeded expectations as a partner. Yokohama is also a customer favorite, which makes this continued relationship a winner for all involved.”
Yokohama’s list of 2020 North American-based motorsports activities – both on- and off-road – includes the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, the Porsche Sprint Trophy USA West, the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama, Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA, SCORE, 24 Hours of Lemons, Crandon International Raceway partnership, Subaru Motorsports USA partnership, TrophyLite, Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 and Yokohama Sonora Rally.
