Kumho Wins LMP2 Class At Le Mans

The LMP2 class-winning Lola Zytek of Binnie Motorsports was shod with Kumho tyres – an historic achievement for the Korean tyre manufacturer, who was competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for only the third time. Kumho was supporting both the Binnie Motorsports entry, comprised of Bill Binnie (US), Allen Timpany (GB) and Chris Buncombe (GB), and the Kruse Motorsport Pescarolo Judd of Tony Burgess (Can), Jean de Pourtales (Fr) and Norbert Siedler (Aut). The Binnie Car won LMP2 outright and finished 18th overall. Sadly the Kruse car did not survive the full 24 hours.

Both teams used a new wider front tyre designed to help improve performance. Kumho developed new tyre constructions and compounds specifically for Le Mans and the teams were able to choose from two slick compounds, one intermediate and one wet. Said Bill Binnie: “We experienced just about every type of weather during the race from dry/warm conditions to torrential rain and used Kumho’s full arsenal of tyres as a result. They all performed admirably and were a key element of our victory.”

Added Steve Thompson, Kumho’s European Motorsport Manager: “To beat our French competitor on its home turf is very rewarding for us. Our first visit to La Sarthe was marred by a wheel coming off after a pit stop and we finished third in class last year. So this excellent result is a case of third time lucky and a job well done by all.”