Falken Tire, a name globally renowned within motorsports and the ultra high performance tire market, is proud to announce its entry into the American Le Mans series. Historically, the companies’ rich racing heritage spans from 24 hour racing at Germany’s Nurburgring to Japan’s Super Taikyu GT series. In recent years, Falken’s accomplishments include breaking the world record at the infamous Pikes Peak International Hillclimb and dominating D1’s World Drifting Championship.
New for 2008, Falken has teamed with Black Swan Racing in a Doran Enterprises built Ford GT-R to compete in the GT2 class currently flooded with Porsche and Ferrari entries. Historic in its own right, the new Ford GT-R’s legacy began in the late 1960’s with the mythic Ford GT-40. Although 2008 will be considered a development year in regards to both chassis tuning and race tire development, Falken Tire and Black Swan’s vision is to emerge triumphant in the U.S. made GT-R as its predecessor did between 1966-1969 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
With an intense tire testing schedule and dedicated technical engineers working on-site at each and every race weekend and private testing days, Falken is poised to further expand its presence in the series within the next 12-24 months.
“Our participation in American Le Mans is not only to further expose the motorsport masses and general public to the Falken brand, it’s also the ideal proving and testing grounds for future street tire technologies. 2009 will be our year to shine. With Falken thriving from a business standpoint and a solid half year of R&D under our belts in the world class Le Mans series, we’re confident that Falken will deliver a serious one-two punch both on the street and the track.” stated Richard Smallwood, Falken Tire Corporation’s President and C.O.O.
About Falken Tire:
Falken Tire Corporation is a member of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group and markets Falken brand UHP and sport light truck tires in North America. For more information regarding Falken, please visit www.falkentire.com.