PARSIPPANY, N.J. (July 7, 2011) – Chopard has joined the sponsor lineup for Paul Miller Racing in the American Le Mans Series. The Swiss luxury watchmaker and jewelry company will establish the partnership with the introduction of Limited Edition Chopard Paul Miller timepieces available this Fall. The racecar, shared by co-drivers Bryce Miller and Sascha Maassen, will be known as the No. 48 Chopard/Marquis Jet/TOTAL/IPC Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
“Chopard is a universally recognized luxury brand that has a long history of successful motorsport involvement,” said team owner Paul Miller. “There are many synergies with the two brands starting with the family ties between the Miller and Scheufele Family. Both brands are family owned and operated. The bond is also built on the parallels of precision between fine watches and automobiles. We hope to host memorable experiences for both sets of clients. We look forward to a long and mutually fruitful relationship.”
Chopard has a significant motorsport history through its sponsorship of two of the world’s most prestigious racing events in Italy’s Mille Miglia (1,000-mile) from Brescia to Rome, and the Grand Prix of Monaco Formula 1 race.
“The partnership will reinforce Chopard’s long standing affiliation with cars and car racing,” said Marc Hruschka, Chopard President & CEO. “We are pleased to join forces with the Miller family. They have a strong passion for the sport that is shared with the Scheufele family. The Paul Miller brand is respected and trusted in the fine car industry. The core values of both brands match up to make a strategic and beneficial relationship.”
The No. 48 Porsche will race with Chopard colors for the first time this Saturday, July 9th when the 2011 ALMS season resumes with its third of nine races this season, the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn. The No. 48 Porsche led its first laps of the season in the most recent ALMS round at Long Beach in April.
“It is still very early in the season, but our team has already shown a great deal of promise in our first year of competition in the ALMS GT class,” said Bryce Miller. “It is the toughest and most competitive class in the series, but we believe we have what it takes to compete at the front of a very deep and talented field. Our efforts will only be enhanced by this great new partnership. I am thrilled by our partnership with Chopard, especially since they manufacture a striking timepiece with some collections steeped richly in motorsport history.”
About Chopard
For over 150 years, Chopard has built an international reputation for luxurious jewelry designs and impeccably crafted high-precision timepieces. From the founding family to the Scheufele family, who purchased the company in 1963, Chopard continues to be governed by its enduring principles: a penchant for excellence, the pursuit of quality, creativity, independence, and fundamental human respect. For more information please visit www.chopard.com.
Follow Chopard on Twitter @Chopard and become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/Chopard.
About Paul Miller Racing
Paul Miller Racing is among the top GT teams competing in North American sports car road racing. In 2011, the team will contest the full American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, as well as the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team enjoys a long-standing relationship with Porsche and competes with the support of four international sponsors in Chopard, Marquis Jet, IPC Information Systems and TOTAL Lubricants.
Follow the team on Twitter @paulmilleracing, @bryceracer and become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/paulmillerracing and Facebook.com/brycemiller.net.
