SEBRING, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2009) — The Sebring Sports Car Racing Hall of Fame has voted tire maker Group Michelin into the hall, making it the first tire maker and just fourth corporate entity to receive the honor.
Joining Michelin in the class of 2010 are former Sebring winning drivers Phil Walters, John Morton, Hurley Haywood and Derek Daly and former official Reginald S. Smith, according to Michelin North America Inc.
The induction ceremonies will take place Sept. 19 in Sebring on the eve of the 58th annual 12-hour endurance race at Sebring.
Michelin will become the first tire maker and just the fourth company inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame, which inducted its first class in 2002.
Michelin-equipped cars have scored 11 consecutive overall wins at Sebring along with 31 class victories since 1999, the first year the firm competed at the former airport race circuit in central Florida. Michelin-shod cars also have won 106 of the 109 races staged by the American Le Mans Series in its 11-year history.
The tire maker also launched its Green X Challenge—recognizing performance, fuel efficiency and environmental impact during a race—at Sebring this year.
The other companies already inducted are car makers Audi A.G., Ferrari S.p.A., and Porsche K.G.
“Our first goal in motorsports is not simply to win races, but rather to learn and develop technologies that can help us provide the right tires for consumers and competitors,” said Scott Clark, COO, Michelin Americas Small Tires. “This selection for induction helps validate that approach.…”