Announcement of new supplier relationship between AST-USA and the Grand Am racing series for 2011 to 2013.

Michael Harker, GRAND-AM

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Competitors in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will have their choice of two high-performance shock absorber suppliers starting in 2011, as KONI Shock Absorbers of Hebron, Ky., and AST Suspension – USA of Plano, Texas, will be co-suppliers for the series.

It marks the beginning of a partnership between GRAND-AM and AST Suspension, while KONI continues a relationship it started with GRAND-AM since 2006. Additionally, both companies will also participate in the series’ contingency program.

“AST Suspension and KONI each have great reputations for producing high-performance shock absorbers for a wide variety of racing vehicles,” said Kevin Hindson, GRAND-AM vice president of marketing and communications. “We have built our relationship with KONI over the years and are delighted to continue that relationship. Likewise, we are excited to begin a new partnership with AST. Both companies will provide teams with outstanding shocks.”

Congratulations to AST – they fought against a lot of strong bids from other major shock manufacturers and came out ahead due to their supplied shocks’ dyno results, competitive pricing, and promise of track-side support.  We have seen the results of the AST shocks, and how they compare to all others, but now, after an independent evaluation, AST has come out on top.

What will this mean?  Well, the combination of the evaluation, and the requirements for the Grand-Am series, have already produced a set of enhancements that will trickle down to the 5200/5300 series of shock systems.  Plus, the expansion of support and inventory for the US distribution of their kits.

Look for a steady stream of news and enhancements in the coming months.

Congrats AST….this is a major move and expansion.

AST 5300 full kit