IMSA: Continental Tire to supply Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda

Continental Tire will serve as the exclusive tire supplier for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda series starting in 2017.

The multi-year agreement will see all cars in both classes of IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda - Le Mans Prototype 3 (LM P3) and Mazda Prototype Challenge (MPC) - compete on Continental rubber.

"IMSA continues to enjoy a strong and mutually productive partnership with Continental Tire," said David Pettit, IMSA vice president, marketing. "We appreciate Continental increasing its already deep commitment to our sport through this new agreement. The exciting competition coming in 2017 and beyond in the new-look IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda platform will be enhanced by the consistent durability and performance of state-of-the-art Continental tires."

Continental Tire is the Official Tire of IMSA and the exclusive tire supplier for the Prototype, Prototype Challenge and GT Daytona classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The company also continues as the title sponsor and the exclusive tire of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, a role it has fulfilled since 2010.

"We're thrilled to announce the integration of the Prototype Challenge series into our portfolio of racing properties," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire. "We're honored to increase our partnership with IMSA to include this series and we look forward to showcasing our abilities on a global platform like the Prototype Challenge stage."

IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda action will be divided into two classes in 2017, blending new and existing IMSA machinery. The LM P3 class will feature LM P3 chassis from as many as six different constructors powered by identical V8 engines. The MPC class will use the existing Élan DP02 chassis powered by Mazda engines that previously comprised the Lites 1 (L1) class of the series.

Thirteen rounds of competition will take place in IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda in 2017, starting in mid-March and ending in early October. Nine rounds will take place during IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship weekends, putting drivers and teams into the brightest sports car racing spotlight in North America. Most event weekends will include a pair of 45-minute sprint races.

The 2017 IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda season starts with two rounds, March 17-18, at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida.