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Michelin is committing itself to a cleaner, more fuel-efficient race series by becoming title sponsor of the "MICHELIN(R) Green X(R) Challenge" environmental competition.
Beginning at the 2009 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season opener in Sebring, each race, two teams - one prototype and one GT - that demonstrate the best overall performance, fuel efficiency and least environmental impact throughout the length of the race will win the MICHELIN(R) Green X(R) Challenge award.
Eleven years ago, Michelin created the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, the world's premier event for clean vehicles. Three years ago, it created the Michelin Energy Endurance Challenge at the world's most famous auto race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in 2008 extended that award to all of the races on the European based Le Mans Series.
"Stretching fuel in competition wins races. Lowering fuel consumption for consumers stretches wallets at a time when saving money and saving the planet are both top concerns," says Scott Clark, COO, Michelin Americas Small Tires. "Providing support to the American Le Mans Series through the 'MICHELIN(R) Green X(R) Challenge' is a natural fit for us and together with our partners, we can help encourage teams and manufacturers to demonstrate a cleaner, more fuel-efficient way to race, while maintaining performance and the spirit of competition."
The EPA and DOE, in concert with SAE International, recognized the American Le Mans Series in January, 2008 as the only motorsports entity to meet all their criteria for green racing. Every race car in the American Le Mans Series competes using one of four "street legal" fuel alternatives: clean sulfur-free diesel, E10, cellulosic E85 or gas-electric hybrid. "Street legal" refers to alternative fuels that can be purchased by the consumer at the local fuel station.
The MICHELIN(R) Green X(R) Challenge, created jointly by the EPA, DOE, SAE International and the ALMS, uses a system by which all cars are ranked according to:
