GT3 Cup: Yokohama's racing efforts gaining traction

Drivers in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama have plenty to think about while in the car during race weekends. The circuit, the competition and their craft all sit at the top of the list. But thanks to the hard work of Yokohama, one major race factor is not on that list of concerns: Tires.

In 2009, Yokohama became an official tire provider and series sponsor of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA, four years after the series’ inception. Since then, the tire manufacturer has used the series to raise brand awareness, develop race tire compounds for North America and develop technology transferred to their street tires.

Tires are a vital part of success in racing, especially in the 45-minute sprint races of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, which do not feature tire changes. But race fans usually only hear about tires from a podium finisher or an unhappy driver.

That’s why Duane Sampson, motorsport manager at Yokohama Tire Corporation, understands a good tire isn’t the sexiest part about racing.

Sampson and members of his Yokohama team travel every weekend of the racing season, working in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama and other series. At the track, Sampson works with series officials, team managers and drivers.

Sampson’s office is located about 4 miles from Southern California-based Porsche Motorsports North America. Working with motorsport powerhouse Porsche was a contributing factor in Yokohama’s interest in the series.

“Everything about the series made it a good fit for Yokohama,” Sampson said. “We’re partnered with premium brands in Porsche and IMSA, the drivers provide exciting racing, and we visit many of the premier circuits in North America. It’s all of those aspects combined that make it a great series to be a part of.”

Collaboration with Porsche gives Yokohama the ability to design versatile, durable race tires tuned for multiple circuits and temperature ranges.

“Our relationship with Porsche allows us to test various compounds and constructions before selecting the season’s tire that the competitors will use,” Sampson said. “We test domestically and internationally to optimize the tire for its platform. We work to build consistent tires.

“For one-make series, Yokohama focuses on creating a consistent tire in addition to speed and durability. This allows the drivers to focus on their race craft and provides the fans a great race to watch.

“If a driver believes in their tires then they will try a late-braking maneuver or pass on the inside or outside of a competitor that can give them the victory. Fans in person and on television get a great show, and the drivers are more confident for the next race. The other side of that coin is if a race is lost, then you can guess who is blamed …”

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama series plays a major role in the development of Yokohama assets, from a technology standpoint like orange oil used in the composition of passenger car tires to the company’s up-and-coming staff.

Orange oil is an interesting feature of Yokohama tires. The oil, when combined with natural rubber, replaces some of the petroleum products added into the composition of certain Yokohama street tires, creating more grip at higher temperatures. Using orange oil also benefits consumers by giving the tire more longevity.

“The orange oil technology was perfected in the GT3 series and is now found in over a half-dozen of our products,” Sampson said. “We also see our motorsports staff engaged and continuously improving. At the track, they learn quickly from being placed in a dynamic environment. Motorsports give them the skillset to excel on whichever path they take beyond motorsports.

From a marketing standpoint, Yokohama sees continuous brand engagement through the series. This allows fans and potential consumers to become more acquainted with Yokohama’s products.

“We want people to feel just as confident in their tires as the Porsche 911 GT3 racers,” Sampson said. “From our dealer network feeling confident that they are offering the best product to their customers, and ultimately the person driving their street car to be confident in their purchase and our product.”

Rounds 4, 5 and 6 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama are scheduled for June 25-27 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. Round 4 was rescheduled from a rainout in April at NOLA Motorsports Park.

For more information about Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, visit www.gt3cupchallengeusa.com, follow hashtag #GT3USA @IMSA on Twitter or IMSA on Facebook.

Source: IMSA