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Michelin Aligns With DeltaWing For 2012 Le Mans Race

 
1,684 views Sep 30, 2011

The DeltaWing Project 56 car unveiled at Le Mans this June has added an important partner, as Michelin has agreed to become the tire supplier for the vehicle that will occupy the 56th garage at the 24 Heures du Mans next year, a space reserved for technologically innovative race cars.

Announced prior to the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta by Scott Clark, COO Michelin Americas, small tires, Michelin spoke of being the first major technical partner with DeltaWing.  "Racing is part of Michelin's heritage," Clark said. "We have 14 consecutive wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we've always pushed the limits of tire development."

This year the major players at Le Mans - Audi, Peugeot and Toyota - requested that Michelin construct larger front tires for their cars, much as Highcroft Racing used in Americans Le Mans Series competition when it won the LM P1 championship two years ago.  "Audi did five stints on one set of tires using the wider fronts," Clark reminded, en route to victory in this year's biggest endurance race.

As we all know, the DeltaWing sports racer has been designed to use 50 percent less weight, horsepower, aerodynamic drag, fuel and tire usage.  That was designer Ben Bowlby's mantra from the start.  "This is a fascinating concept for Michelin and it pushes our thinking and creativity," Clark said.  "It's a natural for us to accept this challenge."

The tires will play a critical role in the development of the DeltaWing, which is being produced at Dan Gurney's All American Racers in California.  Both DeltaWing and Michelin expect to learn more about cornering, braking and how to effect extended wear and are currently relying on simulation tests as they prepare to construct both the car and the tires.  The first two cars are expected to be completed by the first of December.

© 2011 Anne Proffit



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