Falken becomes ‘Tudor’ series partner, GTLM supplier

Falken Tire has signed up as a partner to the series formed by the merger of the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Sports Car Series and announced earlier this year. Company officials signed the two-year deal with those from the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) – which sanctions the new Tudor United SportsCar Championship – at the SEMA show in the US on 6 November. In addition to being a partner of IMSA and the Tudor Championship, Falken will serve as a tyre supplier for the open-supply GT Le Mans (GTLM) class, one of four classes included in the championship.

“Falken Tire is proud to be the first category sponsor and GTLM team entrant of the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship,” said Falken Tire corporation director, motorsports marketing and events, Nick Fousekis. “This commitment shows our brand’s dedication to professional sports car racing in North America and ongoing product advancement.”

The tyre maker also announced the continuation of its American Le Mans race team, which will field a brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the 2014 championship. Co-drivers Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler will compete for Team Falken Tire on a full-time basis. “Team Falken Tire was a fan favourite for many years in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and we are thrilled to welcome the team and the tyre manufacturer into the Tudor Championship,” said IMSA president and chief operating officer Scott Atherton. “Already established as one of the most active marketers in the ALMS, Falken Tire will help us grow the Tudor Championship. As we saw once again at Petit Le Mans just a few weeks ago, the race team, drivers and tire manufacturer get the absolute most from their participation, even when the odds were stacked against them.”

While Falken Tire is an approved supplier for the GTLM class, which will offer open tyre supply, the Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), and GT Daytona (GTD) classes all will utilise Continental tyres.