LOS ANGELES (March 4, 2014) — The organizers of the Red Bull Global Rallycross (GRC) series have named Yokohama Tire Corp. the exclusive supplier of competition tires for the next few seasons.
The 2014 season starts May 17-18 in Barbados.
"This is a major move for us,'" said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama director, marketing, product planning and motorsports. "GRC is a rapidly growing motorsport with global appeal to a young, passionate fan base, making it an ideal platform to showcase the technology, strength and competitiveness of Yokohama."
Red Bull GRC combines the best elements of circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition into one event. The series features heavily modified 600-horsepower production-based cars built for fast-paced heat races with huge jumps — some up to 70 feet.
The tracks are a combination of dirt and asphalt with multiple obstacles and surface transitions.
Top drivers in the series include Tanner Foust, Scott Speed, Bucky Lasek, Travis Pastrana and Nelson Piquet Jr. All competitors will race on specially-designed Yokohama Advan race tires.
Colin Dyne, CEO of Global Rallycross, said "Yokohama is world-renowned for its full line of tires and rich motorsports history. We're glad to have Yokohama aboard and look forward to an exciting season of rallycross racing."
Yokohama replaces Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. as the series' designated race tire supplier. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The 10-race series starts May 17-18 in Barbados and ends Nov. 5 in Las Vegas. Details are available on GRC's website.
NBC Sports Group will broadcast nine of the series' events on NBC, with rebroadcasts on NBC Sports Network.
