Conti to bow out of IMSA race tire deals

FORT MILL, S.C. — Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. will bow out of its race tire supply contract with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) at the end of the 2018 season, ending a run that started with the 2010 season.

Conti said IMSA chose not to extend the partnership after Conti had submitted a proposal for a multi-year extension that included a significant increase in investment.

The decision covers both all of Conti's deals with IMSA, including sponsorships of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and Prototype Challenge series.

"We are extremely proud of the contributions we've made to sports car racing in the U.S.," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing of Continental Tire the Americas.

"We worked diligently to continue our support of IMSA, and the growth of the sport, and are disappointed in IMSA's decision to go a different direction. We remain committed to making the 2018 IMSA season a fantastic year for the fans, drivers, and all the teams."

Since 2010, Continental Tire made a considerable investment to develop and produce race tires that fit IMSA's specifications. In 2016 it acquired Hoosier Racing Tire Corp., the Lakeville, Ind.-based company that had produced Conti's race tires under contract.