Yokohama Tire is launching a new program, “Yokohama All-In,” designed to promote inclusiveness in racing, the tire manufacturer announced.
With support from partner MDK Motorsports, the program kicks-off with the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama at Sebring International Raceway, Mar. 24-26.
“We are collaborating with Megan Kvamme, MDK’s CEO, on this partnership. She’s a supremely successful businesswoman who shares our mutual interest in promoting diversity in racing,” said Patricia Wall, Yokohama Motorsports manager.
Two drivers are enrolled in Yokohama All-In: Ashley Freiberg and Riley Pegram, the company said. Freiberg has competed in open-wheel, sports car and endurance racing. She became the first woman to win a Skip Barber Racing championship title in 2010, and the first female to claim outright race victories in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge. Her car will be fielded in partnership with Shift Up Now, an organization working to help promote and fund female athletes in motorsports, Yokohama representatives said.
Pegram, a senior in high school, is a 4th generation racer – her great grandfather, grandfather and father all raced professionally. In 2022, Pegram competed in the ROK Cup Florida Winter Tour and garnered three top 10 finishes in KA100 Senior division. Freiberg will compete in the GT3 Cup class while Pegram will compete in the Cayman class. Both drivers will race on Yokohama ADVAN A005 racing slicks and A006 wet racing tires, the company said.
“I am so beyond grateful to be racing with MDK Motorsports for the 2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge season,” Freiberg said. “The last time I had a full season in a car was in 2015, so my heart is exploding with excitement to be back behind the wheel full-time and back with the MDK family! I just want to give a huge thank you to Yokohama Tire and all of my supporters, Shift Up Now, TrakRacer, Bell Helmets, Dream Giveaway and MDK Motorsports. I’m ready to go racing!”
“The intention with All-In is to turn it into a recurring program. Stay tuned for more details regarding the driver selection process for the 2024 season,” Wall said.
Photo courtesy of Anthony Puopolo
