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Michelin(R) Tires Race Past The Competition

11 September 2000

Michelin(R) Tires Race Past The Competition; Michelin(R) Clinches Tire Manufacturer Championship In American Le Mans Series Racing

    PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 11 The quality tire choice for
millions of consumers every year, Michelin(R) continues to prove itself on the
racetrack as well as the highway with its dominance of American Le Mans Series
Racing.  With a strong win yesterday at the Portland International Raceway,
Michelin clinched the Tire Championship for the prototype category and
continues to lead the tire championships in all other American Le Mans Series
categories by substantial margins.
    "We're thrilled with this latest Michelin win," said Michelin Brand
Manager Alison Heiser.  "Tires take a pounding during endurance races like
these.  And the lessons we learn on the racetrack translate directly into
benefits for our consumers on America's highways."  While Michelin racing
tires dominate the American Le Mans Series, Michelin is also tops with
consumers.  Michelin has won 22 out of 30 J.D. Power Awards for customer
satisfaction, more than all other tire brands combined.
    Unlike other major racing series, such as CART, NASCAR and the IRL, the
American Le Mans Series features head-to-head competition among several major
tire manufacturers.  In 2000, Michelin, Goodyear, Yokohama and Pirelli all
competed for top honors.  Since June of 1999, every American Le Mans Series
prototype winner has ridden on Michelin tires.