Continental signs as official tire for Sportsman Showcase circuit

Grand-Am Road Racing’s newest division – the Sportsman Showcase – has selected Continental as the official tire for its grassroots-oriented “B-Spec” competition.

The company is also the exclusive tire provider for both the Grand-Am Sports Car Series and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The Sportsman Showcase opens its six-race inaugural season April 29 as part of the Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

“This is another step in expanding our relationship with Continental Tire,” says Grand-Am President Tom Bledsoe.

“We’re proud to extend our partnership with Grand-Am by becoming the exclusive tire provider for the Sportsman Showcase,” says Travis Roffler, Continental’s marketing director. “The Grand-Am Series has been a valuable marketing asset to us and we are pleased to deepen our commitment to the series.”

B-Spec “is among the most affordable classes for entry-level racers, and (it) enjoys great support from club racers,” according to Roffler. Models eligible for the new competition include the Mini Cooper, Mazda 2, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio. Additional manufacturer entries are expected in the future, he says.

Following the Florida opening, B-Spec races are scheduled for New Jersey Motorsports Park (May 11-13), the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (June 8-9), Watkins Glen International (June 29-July 1), Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Sept. 7-9) and Lime Rock Park (Sept. 28-29).

Each weekend event will also include the Grand-Am Sports Car Series and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

For more information, visit www.conti-online.com.