IMSA, Yokohama Extend Partnership

Subtitle:Increased Commitment, Activation Of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2015) – The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Yokohama Tire Corporation have reached a multi-year agreement to extend their partnership, with Yokohama continuing as the official tire provider and series sponsor for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama.

To further the growth of the series, Yokohama will build on its existing commitment and activation both onsite and through media channels. The IMSA-sanctioned single-make series is one of Porsche’s 20 Cup Challenge series in the world.

Yokohama has served as the marketing and technical partner for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama since 2009.

“Yokohama has been an essential partner in the growth of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama for the last seven seasons,” said Randy Hembrey, IMSA senior series manager, Development & Single-Make Series. “We’re thrilled to continue that beneficial relationship and work together, along with Porsche, to build an even more attractive platform for semi-professional and aspiring professional drivers to compete in a high-quality series at some of the most iconic sports car events in North America.”

Highlights of Yokohama’s activation and marketing of the series will include:

- Continuation of series contingency awards, including the Yokohama Hard Charger Award

Ÿ- Development of a new team and driver hospitality area at selected events

Ÿ- Continued involvement in the live streaming video and national television broadcasts at events contested in conjunction with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Ÿ- Media activation, including the continuation of a national print advertising campaign

“Our relationship with IMSA and Porsche in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama has been an essential cornerstone of our motorsports marketing initiative for North America and gives Yokohama the opportunity to develop technology that transfers directly to our street tires,” said Duane Sampson, motorsport manager at Yokohama Tire Corporation. “Our increased commitment to this series and its stakeholders is a reflection of the effectiveness of this partnership.”

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama will enter its 12th season in 2016, with intense, exciting competition over 16 rounds for semi-professional and aspiring professional drivers in the world’s most produced race car, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

“We are pleased this strong relationship with Yokohama will continue in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama,” said Jens Walther, president and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. “This long-term, mutually beneficial effort has helped fulfill the initial vision of this series, becoming a remarkable development tool for our customer teams, experienced drivers and the young drivers we work with to cultivate.”

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s broad product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.