NASCAR officials recently met with representatives from French tire manufacturer Michelin at the Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C.
Drivers experienced a series of Goodyear tire failures during both Sprint Cup and Nationwide races held last weekend on Richmond’s oval.
The meeting between officials of NASCAR and Michelin was scheduled for quite a while, and had, apparently, nothing to do with the tire problems of last weekend.
"It was generally a get-acquainted and get-familiar with the tech center, and some relationship building," said a Michelin source. It likely also involved some regional and "grassroots" possibilities that could involve NASCAR and Michelin to partner.
Michelin is already the tire supplier to the Whelen Euro Series based in Europe.
The exclusive Goodyear contract with NASCAR's top three touring series, including Sprint Cup, runs through 2017.
Drivers experienced a series of Goodyear tire failures during both Sprint Cup and Nationwide races held last weekend on Richmond’s oval.
The meeting between officials of NASCAR and Michelin was scheduled for quite a while, and had, apparently, nothing to do with the tire problems of last weekend.
"It was generally a get-acquainted and get-familiar with the tech center, and some relationship building," said a Michelin source. It likely also involved some regional and "grassroots" possibilities that could involve NASCAR and Michelin to partner.
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| NASCAR Whelen Euro Series at Le Mans, France (Photo: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series ) |
Michelin is already the tire supplier to the Whelen Euro Series based in Europe.
The exclusive Goodyear contract with NASCAR's top three touring series, including Sprint Cup, runs through 2017.