Team Falken Takes First In GT At ALMS Season-Ender, The 16th Annual Petit Le Mans

ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Team Falken completed the ALMS season-ending Petit Le Mans on a high note, taking first place in the GT class.  Falken's Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, prepared by Team Manager Derrick Walker, was driven by Porsche Works and Falken team driver Wolf Henzler and his partner, team driver Bryan Sellers, and were again joined by Co-driver Nick Tandy of Bedford, UK, who previously ran with the duo at Sebring. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131020/LA00619)

Qualified by Henzler in 6^th place in GT, the team aggressively moved forward through a crowded field of competitors, and with minimal pit stops, positioned itself into first in its class with a third of the race remaining.  Tandy was able to keep the lead under his control as the final two hours ticked off, avoiding any problems during the final caution with 38 minutes remaining.  The win had further significance as it was the final race of the ALMS era.

"We are incredibly honored to have earned this win on the final race of the American Le Mans Series," stated Nick Fousekis, Falken's Director of Motorsports Marketing.  "This was such an inspirational victory and a true testament to our teams dedication and ever improving tire development."

Though the track was wet early in the morning, Team Falken started on its trademark Azenis GT slicks and pushed to first place through determined driving by all three drivers.  Henzler set fastest lap among his teammates and all three drivers led their class during their respective stints.  Together, the trio kept a strong line-up of GT teams staring at the Porsche's tailpipes for much of the race.

"We were completely focused on bringing this race home in first," added Bradley Lim, Falken's ALMS Supervisor.  "Excellent pit stops and fuel strategy by our team put the Porsche in good position, and we remained guided by our goal to take this final race at the finish."

"A tremendous victory," declared Walker. "This season has had its ups and downs, but to secure first place in our class in the grueling endurance race that Petit is has put a very important 'W' in Falken's corner.  It proves that both Falken tires and our team have played  important roles in helping to write the history of the American Le Mans Series.  Team Falken has earned at least one victory in each of the last three seasons and it's a great accomplishment to win at Road Atlanta."

The Falken Porsche sported a different look at Atlanta, swapping its traditional teal and blue colors for the special Microsoft Forza 4 livery, designed by contest winner Kevin Neuville, whose entry was selected by Falken Facebook fans.

Falken Tire Corporation, based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, was introduced to the North American market in 1985.  Falken focuses on UHP (Ultra High Performance) products and utilizes pro drifting and American LeMans race programs to further develop, improve and market passenger vehicle products for worldwide distribution.  For more information, visit Falken Tire's revised website just launched at www.falkentire.com, as well as its enthusiast site at www.wegetyougoing.com.

SOURCE Falken Tire Corporation