Toyo Tires® Continues Support of NHRA® Sport Compact Drag Racing

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA - Toyo Tires® announces their continued support as the “Official Tire of the NHRA® Summit™ Sport Compact Drag Racing Series” for 2004.

The NHRA® Summit™ Sport Compact Drag Racing Series is the premier showcase for the advanced technology of today’s sport compacts. Both import and domestic automobiles compete head-to-head, drawing factory backing from major automobile manufacturers. During the 2003 season, Team Toyo’s Stephan Papadakis, piloting the AEM Racing, (Pro Rear Wheel Drive category) Honda Civic, broke the 200-mph barrier and blistered the quarter-mile in under 7-seconds. In October, Team Toyo’s Abel Ibarra became the first sport compact racer to have his car inducted into the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California. Ibarra’s rotary-powered Mazda R-100 was a pioneering vehicle, being one of the first imports to tour the country, and having the one-time distinction of being the fastest Mazda in the world.

According to Gregg Vandermark, Manager, Performance Events and Activities, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, “In addition to the exciting professional drag racing, the NHRA weekends are full of activities including lifestyle events with car shows, music and vendor displays. First time and amateur drivers are also welcome to compete during NHRA weekends in bracket racing classes, providing an opportunity for them to race on the same track as the pros.”

An addition to the NHRA® Summit™ Sport Compact Drag Racing Series, Toyo Tires® funds a public awareness campaign called “Take It To The Track™” which creates national awareness about the dangers of illegal street racing. The campaign has highlighted the NHRA® Summit™ Sport Compact Drag Racing Series as it traveled the country, providing a message to the television and news media in various areas about a safe and fun alternative.

For more information on Toyo Tires® and their lifestyle activities, log onto teamtoyo.com. For information on the NHRA® Summit™ Sport Compact Drag Racing Series, log onto their site at nhraportcompact.com. For information, and to receive a brochure about Take It To The Track™, log onto takeittothetrack.org. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of high performance and original equipment replacement tires for passenger car, light truck, commercial truck, bus, off-road and construction applications.