Robertson Racing confirm pair of Michelin-shod Ford GTs for 2011 ALMS
The biggest news concerns the completion of a deal with one of motorsport’s most successful ever technical partners – Michelin – who will support the Atlanta-based squad’s efforts next season.
The French company is the most successful tyre manufacturer in ALMS history, having helped take 33 class titles and over 100 wins since the series’ inception in 1999. Last year also saw it notch up a 13th consecutive overall victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours to take its total tally to 19.
In another development, a second Robertson Racing-built Ford GT will be entered for the entire American campaign following its introduction at the Petit Le Mans season finale last October.
Regular drivers David Robertson and Andrea Robertson will once again co-drive the #40 machine with the combined efforts of David Murry and Anthony Lazzaro – the former NASCAR and IndyCar ace who made his debut with the team at Road Atlanta – behind the wheel of the #04 car.
An announcement concerning additional drivers for the season’s endurance events will be made in due course.
Robertson Racing can also confirm it has submitted two entries for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours which, subject to the ACO’s acceptance, would see the squad compete at the Grand Prix of Endurance for the very first time.
Team Manager Andrew ‘H’ Smith: “2011 promises to be the most exciting season in Robertson Racing’s history. Having Michelin onboard is a real coup considering their phenomenal success in GT and sportscar racing around the world, and naturally we can’t wait to start developing the partnership.
“The team has moved forward and progressed a great deal over the last 12 months thanks to our successful expansion into a two-car operation and pending application to race at Le Mans. In a category dominated by manufacturers, I think we can be proud of what we’ve achieved so far. I’m sure this is just the beginning."
Robertson Racing’s first run on Michelin tires was at Sebring on 1/2 February ahead of the annual pre-season ALMS winter test at the same venue next week (9/10). The team will then return to Sebring for the 12-hour championship opener on 16-19 March.