Michelin Teams With DeltaWing Project For 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans
Michelin has announced its support of the Project 56 DeltaWing prototype car in the 2012 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designed by former Lola Cars chief designer Ben Bowlby, the DeltaWing car is currently being constructed by Dan Gurney at the All American Racers facilities in Santa Ana, Calif.
Michelin says it has developed a tire solution that pushes the performance envelope and matches the DeltaWing strategy to reduce by half the weight, power, aerodynamic drag, and fuel and tire usage of a Le Mans prototype race car - while delivering the same speed and performance. The Michelin tire sizes for the DeltaWing project are: 10/58-15 (front) and 31/62-15 (rear).
ick Shorrock, director of competition, Michelin, says, "The DeltaWing presents exciting new territory for Michelin to explore. Reducing energy consumption and materials - while maintaining, or even enhancing performance - is especially relevant in meeting the needs of consumers worldwide. Project 56 takes fresh ideas and puts them into a dramatic new package and we look forward to these challenges and opportunities."
