IMSA Announces GT3 Cup Challenge Presented by Michelin

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IMSA ANNOUNCES GT3 CUP CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY MICHELIN

Braselton, GA - The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced today, in conjunction with Porsche Motorsports North America (PMNA) and Michelin, the creation of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin, a series designed for Porsche GT3 Cup race cars.

The series will allow amateur and semi-professional drivers, those who do not make their living in motorsports, to compete in a professional environment, similar to many other GT3 Cup series around the world and will run as part of the American Le Mans Series weekends.

"IMSA is delighted to announce the formation of the GT3 Cup series," said Tim Mayer, IMSA COO. "As an organization we are dedicated to the promotion of motorsports at all levels and the GT3 Cup has proven worldwide to create great racing for the fans and for the competitors."

As part of the announcement IMSA announced that Michelin has agreed to be the title sponsor of the series. Michelin will be providing the spec tire for all competitors.

"As part of our racing heritage Michelin is proud to be a part of the first GT3 Cup Challenge in North America," said Amanda Head, Michelin Motorsports Marketing Manager. "Michelin is associated with the GT3 Cup worldwide as part of our commitment to high-performance tires. The tires used in the series reflect the quality street car tires that we are pleased to offer our customers."

The purpose-built race cars, based on the Porsche 996 body style, will have sealed engines and transmissions, providing for close racing where the driver's talents are exemplified. PMNA will provide technical support for the series with personnel, parts and expertise both away from and at the track.

"There are over 100 of these cars already in North America," said Uwe Brettel, Porsche Motorsports North America President. "Last April, during Porsche's Rennsport Reunion at Daytona, we had more than 65 cars entered in the Cup class, and we think a lot of these competitors will be interested in running this new series."

"We are thrilled to be working with Michelin and PMNA to bring this type of exciting racing to North America," said Mayer. "With support from manufacturers like Michelin and Porsche we are able to deliver professional racing to all competitors. I would also like to thank the Porsche Club of America and the Porsche Owners Club which have been very supportive as we launch this series."

The 2005 series schedule includes races at the Grand Prix of Atlanta, Apr. 15-17; American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio, May 20-22; Portland International Raceway, July 29-31 and two other races, one on the east coast and one on the west coast, to be determined at a later date.

IMSA is an approved FIA, ACCUS club that has been sanctioning motor racing events since 1969. IMSA, based in Braselton, Ga., currently sanctions the American Le Mans Series, the Star Mazda Pro Series and the Panoz GT Series.