Off-Road and Performance Tires - General Tire

Rob Naughton Joins Team GT, Looks For Podium at Speedworld

2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00

Fort Mill, SC - May 16, 2012. General Tire is known for its winning tradition and the tire manufacturer is continuing that tradition with the addition of veteran driver Rob "Fig" Naughton to Team GT. Naughton, driver of the No. 54 Lunarpages.com Pro-2 truck for Hart & Huntington and Premier Motorsports Group, transitioned to General's at Lake Elsinore last month and is looking to add to his 25 short course wins at his home track this weekend in Surprise, Arizona.

"We're really excited to have Rob as a member of Team GT," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. "He's extremely talented and knows how to win in a Pro-2 truck. I know we'll see him on the podium real soon."

Eager to add to the win column, Naughton sat down to answer a few questions about Speedworld Raceway Park, transitioning to a new team and tire, and his daughter's racing career prior to rounds five and six at Speedworld. Here's what he had to say:

Q: Surprise is your "home track". What kind of an advantage does that give you?

A: I have always done well at my home tracks. In fact, I had two Pro-2 wins in Arizona last year. I always have a lot of friends and family at the home town races and that is definitely a boost. I am also just more familiar with the Arizona tracks as that is where I have done most of my testing. I am expecting good results this weekend at Speedworld.

Q: This is your second race with Hart & Huntington. How has the adjustment been? What are some of the challenges you've faced?

A: The last two rounds at Lake Elsinore were definitely a challenge as everything was new and I had no seat time. Unfortunately we had issues both days with mechanical failures so my results were not what I expect from myself. That said we have made changes to the truck that will make it more reliable and suit my driving style better. As usual I expect to be racing for podium finishes at Speed World. The biggest challenge is we had no pre-season testing so we are having to make adjustments and changes on race days which is always a challenge. But we have a great team and great sponsors so I expect to be back up front sooner than later.

Q: What types of things have you been doing to make the transition as seamless as possible?

A: I am trying to rely on my experience, in six seasons I have 25 wins in ProLite and Pro-2, a ProLite Championship, two Challenge Cup wins and a bunch of podiums. The things I have learned over the years have given me the confidence that we will make the changes necessary to be a winner. The team has been working very hard to make the changes to the truck I have requested. They brought me on board to win races and they are committed to doing whatever needs to be done to achieve this goal. I couldn't ask for a better team or opportunity than the one I have with the Hart & Huntington/Lunarpages team.

Q: You're new to having General's on your truck. How are they performing for you and what do you think of them?

A: The performance of the Generals is awesome, it's a proven winner and championship tire so there is nothing more I can ask for. With all the changes we are making to the truck, the tire is one area we do not need to worry about, it works.

Q: What are some of the keys to getting around Surprise?

A: I would say carrying good speed down the back straight, getting through the sweeper well, and carrying speed down the front straight is key to having good lap times at this track.

Q: How important is qualifying at this track?

A: Qualifying is the most important part at every track so it doesn't really change at Surprise. Qualifying has been one of my weaker areas over the last couple years and I need to fix that starting at Surprise. It makes life a whole lot easier to start up front and avoid the carnage that can take you out of the race.

Q: How does the track change from day one to day two? Does the intensity of the racing change?

A: The track usually gets harder and more blue-grooved from Saturday to Sunday. The intensity is maxed out starting from the green flag in qualifying Friday until the checker flag on Sunday. So it's important to show up mentally ready to go to war all weekend long.

Q: Your 11-year-old daughter also races. What is that like as a father to sit back and watch your daughter follow in your footsteps?

A: It's great! Racing has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's been what we do as a family for the 18 years my wife and I have been together. So going racing with our kids is just another part of what we do. I really enjoy watching Bella race and improve, she is one of if not the youngest drivers in the Modified Trophy Kart class at age 11 and I think she is doing really well for her age. Most of the front-running kids are boys between the ages of 13 to 15. I think Bella will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come as she gets older and gains more experience. We are building her a new truck with the best of everything and I think this will only help her results going forward.

Q: What's the best part of short-course racing?

A: The adrenaline and excitement of going head-to-head with the other competitors in a 900hp race truck as well as performing in front of a crowd is very cool. Short course is one of those sports that has to be witnessed live to fully get it. I fell in love with this sport the very first time I saw it and have been addicted to it ever since. The best part for me is getting to celebrate on the podium with my team, sponsors, friends, family and the crowd. That's what keeps me motivated and excited.

For more information on the LOORRS event at Speed World in Surprise, and the activities surrounding the event, make sure to visit www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). With sales of €30.5 billion in 2011, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 164,000 employees in 46 countries.

Jason Voss Leads the Way For Team GT at Silver State

2012-05-08T00:00:00-04:00

Team GT takes wins in class 8000 and 6100 with Macrae Glass and Jim Riley.

Fort Mill, SC - May 8, 2012. General Tire's off-road contingency of drivers descended on the Nevada desert to tackle the Canidae Tap It Silver State 300. This year's course was fast and dusty and the competition was fierce. Just eight minutes separated the top 10 entries for the overall win with Team GT occupying three of those 10 spots. Cupertino, California-resident Jason Voss led the way for Team GT finishing fifth overall and third in class 1400. A huge victory for the stand-out driver who's hit a patch of bad luck as of late.

"We had a good strong day of racing for the No. 35 Voss Motorsports, General Tire Trophy Truck," said Voss following the weekend's race. "However, so did our competition. The wind was blowing the dust off course, which created a very competitive race. We gave it all we had and came up a few minutes short for the win. The course was much faster than we anticipated and we didn't have enough gearing to reach the top speeds that we needed."

As for the next off-road race, Voss is confident he can continue his momentum stating, "We learned what we need to improve and took home a lot of valuable information from this race. We will be better prepared to put the No. 35 truck on top of the podium at the next race because of it. Overall it was great day of racing."

Eighteen-year-old Justin Davis looked strong throughout the five-plus hour event claiming a third-place finish in Class 1500 and a sixth-place finish overall. In addition to two third-place finishes, Team GT drivers took wins in both the 8000 and 6100 Classes. Chiropractor by day and racecar driver on the weekend, Macrae Glass, captured the win in the 8000 Class with fellow Team GT member, Kent Kroeker, coming home second.

"This win bolsters our points lead as we head into the second half of the season which is great," said Glass. "Kent's (Kroeker) got a great team, and we were really pushed to the limit trying to stay out front. I had great tires this time around. The SS 300 consisted of wicked high-speed roads, where cornering and braking were key. The Grabbers were the hot ticket."

The Azunia Tequila team also posted a win in the 6100 Class on some General Grabbers with Patrick Dailey navigating a good majority of the way.

Look for Team GT to be back in action the first weekend in June at the Baja 500 then at the General Tire Vegas to Reno event in August.

For more information on Best In the Desert visit, www.bitd.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

Jason Voss Ready To Tackle the Silver State 300

2012-05-01T00:00:00-04:00

Fort Mill, SC - May 1, 2012. Team GT is preparing for their next desert adventure as they take to the Las Vegas desert for the Canidae Tap It Silver State 300 Saturday, May 5. Cupertino, California-resident Jason Voss is looking to put his Trick Truck back on the podium and improve upon a disappointing General Tire Mint 400 race, when he returns to the desert this weekend. Voss has battled mechanical issues and even rolled his truck during Mint 400 qualifying, but that's not enough to keep him on the sidelines. He and his team have been working hard to overcome their demons and drive to the top of the podium. We sat down with Voss this week and asked a few questions about the upcoming race and here's what he had to say:

Q: You've had several challenges the last couple races with mechanical issues. What kind of preparations are you making to help ensure a strong finish at Silver State this weekend?

A: Yes, mechanical issues having been haunting us for about the last year and a half. We have been spending a lot of time out in the desert testing the race truck to ensure we are ready for the Silver State race. We are taking each mechanical setback one step at a time, to ensure we have a real able truck come race day.

Q: The North Las Vegas desert is notoriously rocky and difficult, can you talk about what to expect from the course including some of the more difficult portions and where you might be able to make up some time.

A: The Silver State 300 is different from all other desert races. It is a very fast "rally" style race course. There are a lot of windy gravel roads that are super fun to race on. Qualifying is very important due to the limited areas to pass on this course, in order to pass another truck you have to catch them in the dust and bump them. There are also a few areas with alternative lines.

Q: Did you pre-run Silver State? If so, how did it go?

A: We pre-ran the race last week and it is very similar to the course in the years past. I feel that my co-pilot James East and I did a very thorough job marking the course on our GPS. The race course is very fast and if not marked correctly there are some sharp turns that can sneak up on you after a fast straightaway.

Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically for an off-road race?

A: I don't really get worked up before the race. I tend to stay very calm before qualifying and before the start of a race. I hydrate as much as possible the week leading up to the race and I like to watch videos of the race from the year before. If I get the chance I like to drive the race truck the week of the race just to get back into the rhythm of things. We will usually do a shake-down of the truck out in the desert somewhere.

Q: What are some of the keys to being on the podium at the end of Silver State?

A: I believe qualifying is number one when it comes to being on the podium due to the "single lane" race course. The second most important key to succeeding at this race is patience. If you do have a bad qualifying time you are going to have to be patient while charging towards the front of the pack. It is very dusty and there are a lot of big rocks right on the edge of the race course.

Q: For the person who doesn't know much about off-road racing, what type of
supplies do you take with you for a race like Silver State?

A: We always have water in the truck. Both the driver and co-pilot have camel packs filled with drinking water that we can sip on during the race. We also carry snacks just in case we are stranded out in the desert due to a mechanical failure. I usually pack some kind of power bar and some candy.

We also carry an assortment of tools, a tow strap, and a General tire - which we don't often need because the tires consistently do a great job for us but sometimes you are in an extreme situation so we need to be prepared. We have enough tools to change a tire, a driveline, or even a transmission.

Q: How would you describe off-road racing to a new fan?

A: Off-road racing is always an adventure. You never know what is around the next turn or what will happen next. There is definitely never a dull moment.

For more information on the Silver State 300 visit, www.bitd.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

Johnson and Riley Kick It Old School at the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000

2012-04-24T00:00:00-04:00

Fort Mill, SC - April 24, 2012. What do a rooster and a hurricane have in common? They will both be at the General Tire NORRA (National Off-Road Racing Association) Mexican 1000. Friends, and teammates, Rick "Hurricane" Johnson and Jim "Rooster" Riley will once again embark upon the 1,100-mile race down the exotic Baja peninsula from Mexicali to San Jose Del Cabo. This year's rally marking the third time since the Mexican 1000 revival in 2010 that racers from all generations have piloted their vintage vehicles across one of the world's most notorious deserts.

Johnson in his 1979 winged sprint car named "Jalopy" and Riley in the famed "Snortin Nortin" will both tackle the gritty, old school style of racing that has laid the groundwork for what we know as off-road racing today. Both historians of the sport, Johnson and Riley sat down to talk about the history of the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000, vehicle preparation, challenges, strategy, and socializing with 300 of their closest off-road friends. Here's what they had to say:

Q: What does it mean to you to compete in a race that laid the groundwork for today's off-road racing?

A (Johnson) - Competing in the 2012 General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 returns us to a place in time where man and machine first challenged the unknown terrains of BAJA California, Mexico. It's an honor for me to represent General Tire and retrace the routes of my childhood heroes who laid the groundwork for a race that is now known as the famous Baja 1000. In 1965 Ted Mangels was the first person to record a registered time in a 4-wheeled vehicle beating the previously set time of motorcycle racer Dave Ekins.

This sparked many thrill-seekers to attend the first organized race in 1967 named the NORRA Mexican 1000. A challenge of man to see who could be the fastest to race modified vehicles or bikes down the treacherous desert with only a map or compass from Mexicali to La Paz, B.C.S, Mexico. It tested the skills of these drivers and their machines. For us to be able to race down the Baja peninsula in the same type of vintage race cars as driver's like Parnelli Jones, Larry Minor, Mickey Thompson and actors James Garner and Steve McQueen is a chance to relive my childhood dream of conquering Baja. Experiencing the challenges these thrill-seekers of yesteryear had to overcome, competing in modified vintage vehicles, makes you realize how far modern day technology has really come.

A (Riley) - I remember as a kid looking at pictures of my Dad down in Baja pre-running these races with his buddies. For me to actually race in an event like this is like making a childhood fantasy come true. Not to mention my Dad loves to compare stories from 1971 to present day. I love the fact that we are using vehicles that have history and their own story to tell. The "Snortin Nortin" gets "thumbs up" all the way down the peninsula.

Q: Talk about the history of your vehicle and how you obtained the vehicle.

A (Johnson) - I bought it off E-bay at the site of seeing a classic early day off-road race car, my wife Brenda thought I had gone crazy. The 1979 winged sprint car named the "Jalopy" for its unique look was built by Smokey Allerman. The car is a true testament to R&D ahead of its time. The idea of better suspension, steering and speed to handle the more difficult terrain of Baja went into the thought process of this car. The precision fabrication, independent front and rear suspension, weight balance, and sure strength shows these pioneers were experienced Baja racers. I am honored to once again be able to blaze the trails of Baja in a very unique off-road sprint car, driving on the same General Tire Grabber AT2 tires that can be purchased from your local tire dealer.

A (Riley) - I will once again be piloting the famous General Tire 1971 "Snortin Nortin" Nova in the Mexican 1000. Well known to the off-road community in the earlier years of S.C.O.R.E & HDRA Class 6 racing, the Snortin Nortin (named after the people who snort like a pig when laughing) is remembered by many with its many KC HiLites off-road lights in front and its 22 FOX racing shock absorbers that assist the cars handling. The Chevy V8 car is stiff, fast and loud. The feeling of driving the vintage Nova down the Baja terrain is a testament to how tough these cars and warriors really were. Rick actually rescued the car in 2011 from the swamps of the Louisiana Bayou after being sold by the Mick Newton family after his passing in the 90's. The car is a throwback in history when typically family and friends would take a passenger car, fabricate a cage in their garage, add some shocks and other creature comforts, and go racing as a team. Rick and team mechanic Matt "Shrek" Dowland drove 30 hours to Louisiana one-way to purchase the Nova sight unseen. They returned to restore it with family and friends in 90 days for the 2011 Mexican 1000, just like the old days. I only wish I had the vision Rick had to purchase the Snortin Nortin. He better keep the garage locked or it may wind up in my shop....

Q: Are there any special preparations that need to be done to get a vintage car ready to run the General Tire Mexican 1000?

A (Johnson) - Baja racing whether in a vintage off-road car or modern day racer takes a ton of preparation and planning. Not only does the vehicle need to be prepared to tackle the toughest conditions; spare parts, wheel and tire, tools, food, and water are added to the car to insure you make it to the finish line. The General Tire / Azunia Tequila race team is well prepared with 13 Baja experienced team members who have helped us win a number of Baja 1000 races along with winning last year in the "Snortin Nortin" Nova. Not only will the team be racing two vintage vehicles, but our team will be following us in a highly modified Ford Bronco pre-runner, three Ford chase trucks towing three vehicle trailers and you guessed it, all on General Tires.

A (Riley) - With the challenges of Baja that are changing each and every year, I don't think you can be prepared enough. It requires a lot of planning, physical training, organization, solid team members, and some luck. I am very fortunate to have a group of people that are seasoned Baja professionals behind the team. More work gets done behind the scenes before and during the race than most people would ever understand. As an example - Rick Johnson's wife Brenda drove every mile of the course as a sweeper to ensure everyone made it out safe last year. I don't think I could do that.

Q: How does vehicle preparation for the Mexican 1000 race differ from preparing for a points race?

A (Johnson) - Preparing the vintage cars are a little different then preparing our current race truck. Some of the parts are older and more fragile and not made any longer, plus the parts are not as strong as the parts of today. The driving style is different as you have to be very careful not to overdrive the car to the point of breaking it and the race is more of a rally atmosphere with a stop at each day of the race. Today's race cars are much stronger and handle a lot better than the cars of the past. We still have to give as much care on the cars of today as the vintage cars as they are put through much more of a test. Tire technology and sidewall specifications are also more improved. Though flat tires are not a thing of the past, today's tires are much stronger and able to take more of a beating, which helps improve everyday street driving. Our General's have been great and I have confidence that they will get us to the finish line again.

A (Riley) - Every race has the same amount of danger regardless of what you are driving and where. For me I know that I have an incredible team working on the vehicle and getting it ready for a long race. I personally focus on my personal health and understanding of the logistics. I also listen to every word of advice my driving partner Rick Johnson has to say about the race ahead. With four Baja 1000 titles under his belt, it's time to shut up and listen to someone that knows.

Q: How is your mindset different going into the Mexican 1000 versus a point's race?

A (Johnson) - The General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 is a rally style of racing spread over four days racing the beautiful Baja landscape. Sometimes you get lost in looking at the scenery of the large saguaro cactus, treacherous mountain terrain, and the clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. The rally is much more laid-back with timed stages each day and time to work on your cars each night. There is plenty of time to reflect back on how the early years of racing must have felt sharing stories with the heroes of our sport. Mexico is a very mystical part of the world and the culture is very eye opening and peaceful. The people of Mexico are welcoming and caring, off-road racing is their sport and part of their culture, they embrace your presence with joy and treat you like heroes. Much different than racing on a closed portion of land in the U.S. with the pressures of racing hard to win.

A (Riley) - I want to win no matter what. After getting to La Paz last year and knowing that we had finished the race my next question was, 'did we win the class'? The competitive spirit is in us all and we want to win regardless. Besides, NORRA gives out the best trophies.

Q: What do you anticipate to be some of the more difficult portions of the race?

A (Jonson) - The more difficult portions of the race, for me, are getting a clean start and not overdriving the car right away. We all get the race blood pumping when the green flag drops and you have to keep reminding yourself that Cabo San Lucas is a long ways away. Just past the halfway point on day two is San Javier which is rocky mountain terrain and many water crossings, this is really tough on the car. If we get rain before the race, this will change the pace of the race and the leaders. The cars at this point are starting to get used up and a little tired. You start to hear sounds in the car that you didn't notice before. The water takes a toll on all the parts and you then have to prepare to hit the deep silt beds shortly after this, so you tend to take it easier, knowing you are only halfway through the race.

A (Riley) - Anytime you run into silt beds it is difficult. The vintage vehicles work great but the strain of a silt bed always worries me. The heat can also play a factor. Last year we had to create our own "wind dam" made out of cardboard and stickers to cool off the motor. Beyond that I think we have a great course laid out to run all the way to Cabo.

Q: What type of strategy is involved for a race like this?

A (Johnson) - We use a strategy of consistency and perseverance. We know it is a long race and we try to use our equipment to keep the pace but try not to abuse it to a point of breaking. Baja is a big beautiful desert, but you don't want to break down in it.

A (Riley) - Preserve the equipment and be smart. We spend a lot of time talking about the weak point of the vehicles and what could go wrong. We try to be prepared for that one random problem that you never anticipate. Outside of the mechanical strategies we treat this like any other race. Be smart, use your head, watch out for the dangers, and be mentally and physically tough for the long days ahead.

Q: General Tire has become part of the fabric of off-road racing and they now title sponsor the General Tire Mexican 1000. What does it mean to you to have a sponsor that supports and appreciates the heritage of the sport?

A (Johnson) - General Tire helped make history in the earlier years of off-road racing, it's great to see them return to the sport where they left off as a champion. Not only did they make a great product then, they make a great product now. The effort they have put into the R&D of their tire through motorsport racing, transfer's to our daily driven street vehicles and is second-to-none. We are proud to represent the General Tire brand and appreciate their involvement in the NORRA Mexican 1000.

A (Riley) - I am thrilled to be a part of the General Tire team. I appreciate that they are a brand that recognizes the important aspects of our sport from present day to the past. I attribute the renewed interest from the masses to General Tire and their efforts to support off-road racing. We are a group of loyal people that are there for each other in time of need and celebration much like a family. General Tire is a part of that family. I often wear my General Tire apparel around town hoping that someone will ask me about it because I am proud to tell them about the brand and my personal story.

Q: What's the best part of racing in the General Tire Mexican 1000?

A (Riley) - The Azunia Tequila Margaritas at the end of each day, at a new location, with 300 of your closest off-road buddies. You will just have to come and see for yourself!

A (Johnson) - Hey Jim, that was going to be my response!

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire's Justin Davis Doing Double Duty in 2012

2012-04-18T00:00:00-04:00

Justin Davis looks to redeem himself from rounds one and two at Lake Elsinore in LOORRS competition this weekend.

Fort Mill, SC - April 18, 2012. General Tire's Justin Davis is a busy man this year. With a full off-road schedule, Davis has also opted to race in the 2012 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series (LOORRS) under the Green Army Motorsports umbrella. Last month at Firebird International Raceway, Davis had a rough go of it fighting handling issues most of the weekend. However, the team has worked hard over the last few weeks and the 18-year-old is ready to tackle rounds three and four at the challenging .9-mile dirt short course.

This weekend marks the return of LOORRS racing to the all new Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park. The newly designed track is demanding and is sure to highlight a driver's ability to control their vehicle. From low-speed hairpin turns to the back-straight where speeds will approach 100 mph, Davis is sure to put his General Grabbers to good use as he looks to stand atop the podium when he attacks the track in his No. 85 Green Army Motorsports Pro-2 truck. We sat down with Davis to find out how he's prepared for the race and what fans can expect this weekend. Here's what he had to say:

Q: In rounds one and two you referenced "gremlins" that led to a pretty disappointing weekend. How do you overcome these and what changes have you made heading into rounds three and four at Lake Elsinore?

A: Lots and lots of testing will be done before the race. We learned from rounds one and two and will definitely improve heading into Lake Elsinore.

Q: What are some of the keys to getting around Lake Elsinore?

A: I have personally not been there. I have only scene what it looks like from pictures and maps. But I hear it will be challenging.

Q: How important is qualifying for a short course race?

A: It is very important. The best place to be is the top five, because you are with all the fast guys.

Q: How does the track change from day one to day two? Does the intensity of the racing change?

A: The track will tend to dry out and it always seems that there is a lot of carnage on the last day as guys get more aggressive with their driving. My General Grabbers will definitely play an important role as the track changes over the weekend.

Q: You race both short course and off-road, does your off-road racing help your short course racing and vice versa?

A: Racing desert teaches you patience so that in short-course you don't blow it in the first turn and are able to make it to the finish...hopefully with all the body panels on. In short course, it keeps you more on your toes and you really don't have time to think. It also benefits me when I race Laughlin and in qualifying at Best in the Desert.

Q: Do you approach a short course race different than you would an off-road race?

A: I go in it with the same attitude and routine. I go there to finish on the podium. That is my main goal.

Q: At Firebird, you quickly ran out of your truck when you thought it had caught on fire. If you had to do it over again would you fully act out the scene from "Talladega Nights" where Ricky Bobby anxiously runs across the track?

A: I didn't think I was on fire, I was running good and then with no warning there was a flame next to me. I have to thank all the safety crew that made sure the fire was all out.

Q: If you had to explain to a new fan what racing will be like at Lake Elsinore, what would you tell them?

A: Since that track is supposed to be super fast I would say NASCAR speed mixed with super-cross jumps.

For more information on the LOORRS event at Firebird Raceway, and the activities surrounding the event, make sure to visit www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

# # #

General Tire Mint 400 Rewind

2012-03-29T00:00:00-04:00

Darren Skilton captures Class 3700 win on General Tires.
With the help of Mikey Childress, Rick D. Johnson takes first annual pit crew challenge win.
Vanessa Golub-Ferrara crowned 2012 Miss Mint.
Bureau of Land Management estimated a crowd of over 25,000 spectators.

Fort Mill, SC - March 29, 2012. In front of an estimated crowd of over 25,000 fans, Team GT took to the south Las Vegas desert for the 2012 General Tire Mint 400 over the weekend. The weekend kicked off with the first annual pit crew competition won by none other than Team GT member Rick D. Johnson. With the help of Mikey Childress, Johnson posted a time of just under one minute to beat out General Tire team member Jason Voss for the win. The following night, General Tire helped crown 2012 Miss Mint winner, Vanessa Golub-Ferrara. A fantastic start to the weekend which saw a harsh desert claim many victims throughout the 400-mile race.

This year's course was full of rocks, large holes, knee deep silt, and thick dust due to the winds and lack of rain. In fact, many drivers referenced the gnarly course as the most difficult race they've run so far. But the extreme conditions didn't stop Dakar Rally winner, and General Tire driver, Darren Skilton from capturing a win in Class 3700. Skilton also posted a second-place finish in the overall standings in the Sportsman race where several Team GT members participated as a pre-run for the Mint 400 including Childress who noted, "The Sportsman race was great because we were able to mark some scary parts on the GPS which helped in the big race."

Later in the day, the big guns took to the course for four laps of dusty, gritty, hair-raising racing. Justin Lofton posted a third-place finish in Class 1500 after overcoming a disappointing qualifying run. A well-deserved run after an accident prevented him from finishing Parker in February.

"It was definitely the toughest race I have run so far," said Lofton following the race. "The rocks and holes were huge. Also the dust was thick and lap traffic slowed us up quite a bit. Our General Grabbers worked great though. We changed rears half-way through the race but after looking at them, I don't think we needed to."

2011 Mint 400 class winner Childress ran up front most of the race before a mechanical failure cost the team precious time on the course relegating him to a fifth-place finish in Class 1500.

"We had a great race going until we lost a power steering belt." Childress continued, "It took 12 minutes to fix and we lost a couple positions. Overall our Grabbers were great! We didn't have any flats and our jack fell off at some point during the race so it's a good thing we didn't have to change tires because we couldn't."

Best In The Desert (BITD) champion, Macrae Glass, also posted a second place finish in Class 8000 for Team GT. Team GT now looks ahead to the next BITD race at Primm the weekend of May 3-6.

For more information on the General Tire Mint 400, visit www.themint400.com. For more information on Best In The Desert, visit www.bitd.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire's Support of Short-Course Racing Runs Deep With Drivers Like Renezeder

2012-03-29T00:00:00-04:00

Carl Renezeder eyeing his 100^th career short-course win in 2012.

Fort Mill, SC - March 29, 2012. The 2012 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series (LOORRS) season kicks off this weekend at Firebird Raceway and General Tire will be there in full-effect. General Tire's support of short-course racing runs deep, since its inception, General Tire has been a sponsor of LOORRS, and numerous teams. Even recently expanding its efforts into the Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Series as a contingency sponsor. General Tire is part of the fabric of the sport so their four year partnership with eight-time champion Carl Renezeder is no surprise.

A true champion in every sense of the word, Renezeder has accrued 97 career short-course wins and eight championships to date. On track, Renezeder is a fierce competitor who other drivers admire and fear, all at the same time. And as he prepares for the 2012 season, Renezeder is hoping to amass his 100^th career short-course win in addition to chalking up a ninth championship for the record books. We sat down with Renezeder to get a little more insight into the driver that is one of the best to ever step on a short-course track and here's what he had to say:

Q: You're heading into your 14th season in short-course racing. How has the sport evolved during that time?

A: The sport itself has stayed fairly consistent with its roots as far as the Pro2 and Pro4 classes and rules are concerned, but everything else has been elevated to new levels. The trucks are faster, tracks are better, and the competition is deeper. The biggest change is the exposure Lucas Oil has provided through their television packages! Our sport has made huge advancements in popularity because more people can watch our trucks race on television. From major networks such as CBS to the popular cable TV channels such as Speed Channel, Versus, and MAV TV. This is the type of exposure we need to continue to grow, thanks to the Lucas Oil Team. Sponsors like General Tire have also helped us expand outside the track through ads and promotions which is a huge asset.

Q: How does the competition look for the 2012 season? What's it going to

take to get to win #100?

A: The team has been fine-tuning the trucks from suspension to drivetrain to insure that the trucks will be powerful, nimble, predictable, and flat out fast making sure the 100th win happens sooner rather than later.

Q: What are some of the keys to getting around Firebird Raceway?

A: First and foremost is to stay out of trouble, be fast, take advantage of your opportunities, and be in striking position at the finish! But most importantly, have the best tires, which I do with my General's!

Q: What can fans expect to see at this weekend's race?

A: Door banging, high flying, hot rod trucks getting it on!

Q: How do you physically prepare for the demands of short-course racing?

A: I train about two hours a day. Mostly cardio and core work. I ride my mountain bike three to four days a week, swim two miles about four to five times a week, and weight train about three days a week. I like to surf and ski, big waves and steep mountains.

Q: You recently announced a cool Twitter promotion where fans can win the
opportunity to take a lap with you around the track. Tell us about that
and how fans can enter?
A: We announced a contest to commemorate our 100th win, what better way to give back to our fans than to let them experience short-course racing for themselves. Fans can enter on our Facebook fan page:www.facebook.com/TeamRenezeder.

Q: If you had to describe short-course racing to a new fan, what would you
tell them?

A: It's the most extreme type of motorsports. We launch 4,000 pound trucks, with 900 horsepower, through the air like motorcycles on a super cross track, only we fly farther. I would say seeing them on TV is awesome, but experiencing it live is 10 times better.

For more information on the LOORRS event at Firebird Raceway, and the activities surrounding the event, make sure to visit www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire Takes It Old School as theTitle Sponsor of NORRA's Mexican 1000 Rally

2012-03-23T00:00:00-04:00

Las Vegas, NV - March 23, 2012. General Tire announced today, in conjunction with the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA), that they will title sponsor the 2012 Mexican 1000. The General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 will run April 28- May 2, 2012 and cover more than 1,100 miles down the exotic Baja peninsula from Mexicali to San Jose Del Cabo. This year's rally, the third since the Mexican 1000 revival in 2010, is comprised of gritty, old school racing and a variety of unique social activities and is sure to be one for the history books.

Known as "The Happiest Race on Earth", the Mexican 1000 is gaining a reputation for bringing fun and a shared sense of adventure back to Baja off-road racing. The one-of-a-kind, once-a-year rally spotlights vintage off-road vehicles, motorcycles and ATVs, as well as rally cars, a limited number of modern desert racecars, and classes for prerunner-type trucks and buggies. The four-day, on and off-road rally offers teams high-speed off-road driving with unparalleled views of Mexico's scenic Baja peninsula, as well as offering new levels of the hospitality and social camaraderie that is the heart of the General Tire Mexican 1000 experience.

"The Mexican 1000 is where off-road racing started and for General Tire to be involved with such a historical event is extremely cool," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. "This was a great opportunity for General to be involved with an event that is truly about the racing, the camaraderie, and the challenge of conquering the Baja peninsula. It's 'old school' and that sets the Mexican 1000 apart from all the other races. We're looking forward to our partnership with NORRA to make this year's event the best one yet."

"While our Mexican 1000 has quickly earned a reputation for being a unique, world-class motor sports experience, the addition of General Tire as our title sponsor allows us to take the entire event to new levels of hospitality, publicity and stature," explained NORRA president Mike Pearlman. "Today's announcement is a true milestone in the event's history, and our goal now is to make the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 a legacy event for GT much like this weekend's Mint 400. On behalf of NORRA and all our racers, we welcome General Tire to our growing family of corporate partners."

The world's first professional off-road race was organized by Ed Pearlman in 1967, when 68 motorsports enthusiasts gathered in Tijuana, Baja, Mexico with an eclectic mix of trucks, buggies, sedans, and motorcycles with the hopes of conquering the unknown Baja peninsula. The following year 260 entrants arrived and quickly thereafter, the sport reached mainstream status eventually evolving into the Baja 1000 which we know it as today.

NORRA is keeping the "old school" tradition of the Mexican 1000 and is expecting more than 100 entries for this year's event. And in the true spirit of the race, legendary driver Walker Evans was the first to register for this year's event. Evans will be joined by a long list of racing icons like Bob Gordon, Frank Arciero, Malcolm Smith, Mark McMillin, Larry Ragland, Michael Gaughan, Mark Post and many others. General Tire will be represented by the two-car effort of Jim Riley and Rick Johnson, both competing at this weekend's General Tire Mint 400.

For more information on the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000, visit www.mexican1000.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

Prepare For The Mint 400 With General Tire's Mikey Childress

2012-03-21T00:00:00-04:00

Las Vegas, NV - March 21, 2012. The tradition of the General Tire Mint 400 continues this weekend as the off-road community descends upon the Nevada desert. The week kicks off with a Trick Truck parade and pit crew challenge followed by the Mint 400 kick-off party on Fremont Street Wednesday, March 21 starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, fans can then meet all the Team GT members during the driver autograph session on Fremont Street from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. followed by the Miss Mint crowning at the Golden Nugget Hotel.

Friday, teams will get down to business as they begin the process of putting their vehicles through tech inspection. Then on Saturday, fans will be in for a gnarly race as Team GT tackles the grueling terrain of the South Las Vegas desert for their chance at becoming the 2012 General Tire Mint 400 champion. After finishing third in the overall last year, Mikey Childress is ready to tackle the Mint once again. We sat down with the General Tire driver, and 2011 Mint 400 Class 1 winner,q to find out how teams prepare for a race that can't be pre-run and here's what he had to say:

Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically prepare for the Mint 400?

A: You know it's going to be a long, rough day. You gotta pace yourself and remember that the car has to make it to the finish. I will run the sections thru my head for weeks before a race of how I'm going to drive them. Physically, you just try to stay hydrated and eat the right stuff going into the race.

Q: Since the race can't be pre-run, does that make your preparation any different? What types of things do you do for practice?

A: Well we will get to pre-run when we enter our pre-runner in the morning race in the Sportsman Class. But as for practice I get to test the race car about a week before the race. I also own a Ford Raptor with General Tires that I drive at home a few times a week.

Q: The race has moved from North Las Vegas to South Las Vegas this year.
Last year's race was notoriously hard on tires, what are your expectations for this year's course?

A: The course will be really tough and rough. Several different race promoters run races in this area so it's already pretty beat up. It's definitely not going to be any easier.

Q: What is the toughest part about running the Mint?

A: I would say not racing too early and making sure the car lasts for 400 miles of a brutal course. Being patient and staying focused.

Q: What is it going to take to move from a Class winner to the Overall winner this year?

A: Less problems. Last year we had several little problems that cost us a lot of time. We have to have a clean day. But I have great equipment from sponsors such as General Tire so that definitely gives us an advantage.

Q: There are over 300 entries for this year's race. How does the competition look this year? Who will be tough to beat?

A: The competition will definitely be tough. The guys to beat this year will be, Harley Letner, TJ Flores, and my General teammates, Justin Lofton and Justin Davis.

Q: There's a lot of history and prestige behind the Mint 400. What would it mean to you to win the Mint?

A: It would be great to add another win for me in the history books next to all the other great names . Being in the books as not just a participant, but a winner, means a lot.

Q: How would you describe the Mint 400 to a fan that's never been to an off-road race before?

A: EPIC! Take NASCAR and add dirt, jumps, rocks, silt, dust, and any kind of weather you can think of, and we will keep racing! It's spectacular and I would encourage people to check out the General Tire Mint 400 this year because it's going to be gritty, hard-nosed racing.

For more information on the Mint 400 and the activities surrounding the event, make sure to visit www.themint400.com.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

Justin Davis Wins Dirt Sports Rookie of the Year Award

2012-03-06T00:00:00-05:00

Fort Mill, SC - March 6, 2012. The 2011 off-road season boasted some incredible racing and General Tire's Justin Davis certainly contributed to those moments. Davis' stand-out performances in the SCORE series have garnered him the distinction of being named Dirt Sports Rookie of the Year for 2011. The 18-year-old Davis was also nominated for the Dirt Sports Driver of the Year award. The youngster joins General Tire's Carl Renezeder as a recipient of the annual Dirt Sports awards.

"Our hats are off to Justin Davis for his superb 2011 season and well-deserved Rookie of the Year award," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. "We're extremely proud that Justin had zero flats on his General Tire's in 2011. We look forward to supporting Justin as his career grows and we will continue to provide quality products that will enable him to win many more races, championships and awards."

"It's really cool to win the Dirt Sports Rookie of the Year award," said Davis. "I can't thank General Tire enough for their support last year. We're here to win and that's what we are focused on going into 2012. With sponsors like General Tire supporting us, we should have a good chance at having another great year."

After moving to Class 1 in 2011, the up-and-comer made a statement loud and clear, he's here to win. The Chino Hills-native showed poise and tenacity as he drove his Green Army-sponsored, Kroyer-powered EMS-Chevy buggy to a win in the first SCORE race of the year at the Laughlin Desert Challenge. Davis followed that up with two more wins including a win at the prestigious Baja 1000 making him the youngest winner in the races history at just 18. Davis drove the entire grueling race solo, including the notorious San Felipe loop, and not only won the Class 1 title and season championship, but crossed the line in sixth-place overall. An amazing feat for such a young talent.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire to Offer Cash Contingency Award for Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Series

2012-02-27T00:00:00-05:00

Fort Mill, SC - February 27, 2012. General Tire has been named a contingency sponsor for the Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Series beginning in 2012. General Tire will be the only tire manufacturer offering a cash contingency award for the regional series who will host races in California and Arizona. General Tire's support of the series is in an effort to help foster up-and-coming talent in off-road short course racing.

"General Tire wanted to raise the bar in the Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Series so that's what we did," said Tony Talbert, off-road program manager for General Tire. "General Tire has a strong presence in the LOORRS series and this regional contingency package demonstrates our commitment to the off-road racing community. We feel it's important to cultivate growth from the grassroots level up to the professional level. And we're proud to continue growing with such a competitive and exciting form of racing."

"We are excited to have General Tire become more involved in the grassroots short course movement," said Lee Perfect, race director of Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Series Southern California. "Their commitment to quality products and willingness to give back to the racers go hand-in-hand with the mission of our regional series - to provide affordable, safe, regional racing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The contingency package General Tire has put together this year is outstanding and I think it will definitely up the competition level among our teams this year."

The cash award will be available to the following classes; Pro Open (2/4/Lite), Mini Open (1450/Trophylite), Full Stock Trucks, Pro Buggy, 1600 Desert Buggy, Lite Buggy Class 9, Open V8 Trucks, Ultra 4, Mini Stock Trucks, Limited Buggy, Desert Buggy, Beehive 1450 Classic (June/Sept/November only). Teams wanting to participate should visit www.generaltire.com and click on "Racer Contingency Program" for more information.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of €26 billion in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 164,000 employees in 45 countries.

General Tire Media Contacts:

Sheri Herrmann

704-583-8151

sheri.herrmann@conti-na.com

Are You The New Miss Mint 400?

2012-02-22T00:00:00-05:00

Fort Mill, SC - February 14, 2012. What do "Wheel of Fortune's" Vanna White and "Wonder Woman" Linda Carter have in common? They both hold the distinct honor of being a Miss Mint 400 winner. And Mad Media, along with sponsor General Tire, is looking for the new 2012 Miss Mint 400 in advance of the famed General Tire Mint 400. This year's Miss Mint 400 winner will earn a $5,000 cash prize in addition to other prizes, national exposure and a professional photo shoot.

"The Miss Mint 400 competition provided a great platform for me to expand into more and more spokesperson roles," said Keli Snyder, 2011 Miss Mint. "The opportunity to be part of such a historic event was certainly a huge honor for me."

The 2012 Miss Mint 400 winner, Ali Kessler, also used the Miss Mint competition to help expand her career.

"I really enjoyed my time as Miss Mint 400," said Kessler. "To be named with women like Vanna White and Linda Carter is a big distinction. I know having the Miss Mint 400 title in my portfolio has helped me secure numerous modeling jobs over the last couple years. I'm very thankful for the opportunity that was presented to me."

This year's contest is open to women 18-years-of-age and older who are legal residents of the fifty U.S. states and the District of Columbia (void in New York, Florida, Rhode Island, and U.S. territories and possessions, including Puerto Rico, and where prohibited). The contest runs through March 15. To participate, entrants should visitwww.themint400.com/missmint/ for entry forms, rules and details.

Entrants will be narrowed to 10 and those 10 will make it to the second round of competition. Judges will narrow the top 10 down to three finalists who will attend the Miss Mint 400 crowning ceremony where a panel of judges will determine the winner and the 2012 Miss Mint 400 will be crowned.

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

About General Tire

For further information, please contact:

Dana Zamalloa
Manager, PR and Communications
Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.
1830 MacMillan Park Dr.
Fort Mill, SC 29716
Phone: 704-583-8165
E-mail: dana.zamalloa@conti-na.com

Sheri Herrmann
Phone; 704-583-8151
Email: sheri.herrmann@conti-na.com

Media database on the Internet: www.continental-corporation.com

nt-:�l:( H$ or:#333333'>Sheri Herrmann
Phone; 704-583-8151
Email: sheri.herrmann@conti-na.com

Media database on the Internet: www.continental-corporation.com

General Tire Kicks Off Best In The Desert Series Atop the Podium at 'Parker 425'

2012-02-07T00:00:00-05:00

Mikey Childress places third in class and sixth overall.
Macrae Glass captures first 2012 class win for General Tire.

Fort Mill, SC - February 7, 2012. The Best In The Desert (BITD) Series kicked off at the "Parker 425" over the weekend in Parker, Arizona and Team GT started the 2012 season off on the right foot. Following a 12^th-place qualifying effort, Mikey Childress fought through a course that over time; became rougher and tougher to navigate. The California-native worked his way through traffic to finish third in class 1 and sixth overall with a time of 7:37:51. A solid start to the season for the Team GT veteran.

On the heels of his class 8 BITD championship, Macrae Glass started his 2012 season on top of the podium. Glass posted a first-place finish in class 8 as he begins his bid for back-to-back championships.

"General Tire is excited to start the 2012 BITD season with two podiums," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "There's still a lot of racing this season and we think Team GT has an excellent chance for more podiums and championships."

Fans can join in the conversation on Twitter (@teamGT), Facebook (facebook.com/generaltire) and YouTube (youtube.com/teamgeneraltire).

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

Darren Skilton Pushed to the Finish Line

2012-01-23T00:00:00-05:00

After battling an array of issues, Skilton's team literally pushed him onto the podium to claim his second-place finish.
Skilton's second-place finish in OP1 in limbo while the world waits for a ruling on a technical infraction by the first-place finisher.

Fort Mill, SC - January 23, 2012. The historic Dakar Rally is not for the faint of heart and veteran driver Darren Skilton, along with navigator Skyler Gambrell, pushed the limits in what some are calling the most difficult course since the race moved to South America in 2009. The General Tire-sponsored team endured more than 5,590 miles of silt beds, mile high dunes, treacherous mountains, inclement weather and mental exhaustion on their way to a second-place finish. Just one of 72 teams to finish the race that 171 teams started. This marks the second year running that Skilton finished the grueling pan-American adventure.

"Congratulations to Darren and the entire Baja Automotive team on their second-place finish," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "Darren and the team had every reason to quit given the demands and stresses placed upon them throughout the race but they never gave up. Their toughness and resolve to finish the race is exactly what the General Tire brand is about and we're pleased that our tires helped get them across the finish line for the second year running."

During the first half of the Dakar Rally Skilton's buggy was plagued by fuel issues, limiting the potential of the Revolution VI buggy. Master mechanic Barrie Thompson finally resolved the issue during the rest day in Copiapo, Chile and Skilton was able to post a 24^th-place finish in Stage 7 from Copiapo to Antofagasta and was trudging his way forward in the overall rankings. The duo of Skilton and Gambrell faced their share of adversity across the harsh Atacama Desert but the only thing stronger than the team's General Grabber tires was their will to finish the race.

Skilton made up time in Stage 13 but a gearbox issue took it's tole on the Revolution VI buggy in the final stage. While the buggy quit, the man-power behind the wheel did not. Fellow competitor Geoffrey Olhom assisted Skilton to the finish line and the Baja Automotive team physically pushed the car up the podium for an emotional celebration that drew deafening applause from the crowd gathered in Lima, Peru at the finish.

Skilton drove to a well-deserved second-place finish in the Open Production 1 (OP1) class. However, his final position is in limbo at this time while the first-place finisher is currently under review for a technical infraction. Overall, an extraordinary effort by Skilton and the Baja Automotive team to finish the world's most punishing race.

SAN DIEGO RE-AIR of the Lucas Oil Challenge Cup Presented By Toyota

2012-01-13T00:00:00-05:00

If you were a race fan affected by the blackout on January 7th, don't worry, we've got you covered!We will be re-airing the CBS Sports Spectacular featuring the Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by Toyota Saturday January 14th at 3pm PST in San Diego on KFMB-TV, CBS-8.

ProLite VS. ProBuggy

A field of 26 vehicles made up of 13 Trucks and 13 Buggies racing for 19 laps on the same track for the same prize, sets the table for pure action oriented entertainment. #38 Brian Deegan coming off as the 2011 ProLite Champion and 2011 PRO-2 Champion is looking to cap off a marvelous season with a chance to win both Lucas Oil Challenge Cup Events. Can he pull off the impossible double-duty feat? Deegan barely edged out rival #82 Chris Brandt in the Championship who has been a serious factor all year. ProLite Truck drivers #19 Cory Sisler and #2 Casey Currie should be noted as a threat even though the Buggies have held the title for two years running. Be on the lookout for 2010 ProBuggy Champion, Cameron Steele, who parked his truck for the #17 Buggy, and then there is 2011 ProBuggy Champion #8 Mike Porter, the 2010 Challenge Cup Winner #96 Doug Fortin, and finally off road specialist #19 Justin "Bean" Smith who took the 2011 ProBuggy Rookie of the Year Title. All of these contenders will be driving their wheels off hoping to claim the $20,000 Winner's Purse.

PRO-2 VS. PRO-4

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series has crafted together an incredible formula of racing entertainment that can only be described as controlled chaos. With $30,000 going to the winner, 15 PRO-2 Trucks VS. 10 PRO-4 Trucks battle it out for all of off road racings richest purse. Kyle LeDuc, the 2010 Challenge Cup Champion will have his work cut out as he starts his #99 PRO-4 in 22nd position out of 25 trucks. #38 PRO-2 Brian Deegan, may be at an advantage as he his entered in both Challenge Cup Events. #54 Robert Naughton has a history as a smart & consistent driver always in the right place at the right time. It will be a challenge to pass the #99 Robby Woods as he can drive as fast as anyone out there and he starts on the front row. #17 Carl Renezeder, won the 2009 Challenge Cup, and has a history of winning the biggest cup races in his PRO-4. For this event he has opted to run his PRO-2 to prove he is equally as fast in both 2WD and 4WD. Last but not least look out for Adrian Cenni in his #11 PRO-4 who is known as the "Wildman" and one of the fastest drivers in short course off road racing.

This is true spectacle and we guarantee you have never witnessed anything like this before. Don't miss the "Super Bowl" of off road racing and the world's best short course drivers battle wheel-to-wheel for big money and the prestigious Lucas Oil Challenge Cup Title. Check local listings for more information and set your DVR's now!

Darren Skilton Earns a Well Deserved Break at Mid-Point of 2012 Dakar Rally

2012-01-08T00:00:00-05:00

After days of battling fuel deliver issues that would send most competitors packing, Darren Skilton is finally finding his stride at the 2012 Dakar Rally. The Stage 7 loop starting and ending in Copiapo covered 417 kilometers with the most sand dunes to date. Competitors have been dropping out at a rapid rate and Dakar veteran Skilton new that he must merely survive Special Stage 7 in order to ensure the chance of a strong finish at the rally. This is a scenario that is not foreign to the 17-year racing resident, who is taking part in his ninth Dakar Rally. Last year the Long Beach resident won the Open Production 2 class in a General Tire-shod Ford Raptor.

Skilton finished Special Stage 7 in 44^th place, reaching the finish line as the sun was setting and avoiding the dangers of navigating through the dunes at night. "We lost a tire today and I had to replace it with a new General Grabber on a non-beadlocked Method Race Wheel," navigator Skyler Gambrell explained. "I was concerned about losing the bead since we were running only six pounds of air in the dunes, but it wasn't a problem." Darren and Skyler now sit in third in the Open Production 1 class after their second best stage finish of the rally.

Skilton's Baja Automotive team now enjoys a much-needed rest day as they prep the Revolution VI for the second half of the 2012 Dakar Rally. After burning up two fuel pumps on Saturday the team plans to redesign the fuel system with a high-volume, low-pressure pump feeding a sump tank for the new high-pressure fuel pumps. On Monday the team heads north through the hostile Atacama Desert on the way towards their final goal in Lima, Peru.

Dakar Rally 2012- After Five Stages in Argentina Darren Skilton Crosses the Andes into Chile

2012-01-06T00:00:00-05:00

On the road to Chilecito on Wednesday, Darren Skilton had to battle for every kilometer on Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally. "The frustrating part is that I know my car is very competitive," Skilton explained. "I am so anxious to get this fuel issue resolved so I can really show what the Revolution VI is capable of." What started as a bid for a top ten finish has turned into a fight just to survive each stage. When running properly, Skilton has demonstrated that both he and his General Tire-shod buggy are very fast. The team finished the special in 8 hours and 33 minutes, and then had to navigate to the bivouac in the dark on a narrow shelf road clinging to the side of a cliff through the Andes. "The Baja Designs HID lights on the front of the car are incredibly bright and tough as nails," Skilton reported. "Visibility is one thing that I never have to concern myself with."

On Thursday in Stage 5 the course was altered due to heavy rains that washed out the first 29 kilometers of the course. This shortened the already small Special Stage, and the rains provided the added benefit of traction in the notorious sand dunes of Fiambala. Unfortunately nagging fuel issues continue to hamper the team; and with late arrivals each night and no opportunity to test remedies before each stage the problem continues to elude resolution. Fortunately concerns about getting stuck or getting lost- problems that plagued the majority of the competitors last year- never surface in Stage 5. Skilton finished in 5:02, which is slower than the team's expectations but impressive when you consider that over 100 of the 443 competitors that started the Dakar Rally on January 1^st were merely spectators by the end of the fifth stage.

Special Stage 6 was cancelled due to heavy snow in the Andes, requiring the event organizers to re-route the entire convoy further south for passage to Copiapo. The race resumes on Saturday with a loop starting and ending in Copiapo before a much needed rest break on Sunday for Skilton's Baja Automotive team. From there the rally marches north through the harsh Atacama Desert towards Lima, Peru.

Follow the latest action from the Dakar Rally at Baja Automotive's Facebook page at:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baja-Automotive-Adventures/298123813554060.

Lucas Oil Challenge Cup Presented By Toyota on CBS - January 7th at 1:00PM EST ProLite VS. ProBuggy & PRO-2 VS. PRO-4

2012-01-05T00:00:00-05:00

January 7th at 1:00 PM EST. CBS Sports Spectacular will feature Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by Toyota showcasing the most chaotic racing action ever televised. Class on Class racing pairs ProLite VS ProBuggy and the culminating event of the Lucas Oil Off Road Series; PRO-2 VS. PRO-4 - the "Super Bowl" of Off Road Short Course Racing. This event puts up the richest payday in the sports history with $123,000 up for grabs.

ProLite VS. ProBuggy

PRO-2 VS. PRO-4

Dakar Rally Stage 3- Darren Skilton Soldiers On To San Juan

2012-01-04T00:00:00-05:00

At Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally on Monday, Darren Skilton experienced fuel delivery issues in his Revolution VI buggy that pushed him to the back of the pack, yet Skilton and navigator Skyler Gambrell were still able to complete the stage under their own power. That evening Skilton's crew made aerodynamic modifications to provide additional airflow to the fuel pumps in an effort to remedy the issues. In short, this was not successful. Just 40 kilometers before the beginning of the special stage, the General Grabbers on Skilton's car stopped turning due to the same fuel problems. The team was able to coax the car to the start line without any time penalties, but that was just the start of the special stage!

While pushing hard to close the gap on the competition, Skilton slid into a sharp rock and damaged a tire, then later on the fuel issues surfaced yet again. "The pumps were actually not that hot," Gambrell explained. "The fuel in the tank is cool, but with three separate fuel cells there is a collection point with a filter ahead of the pumps. We bypassed this system and did not experience any more fuel delivery problems after that." Already starting in the back of the pack, once they stopped the team was caught in traffic with the huge T4 trucks, which quickly degraded the track conditions and visibility.

Skilton finished 118th for the day, completing the 208 km special stage in 4 hours and 52 minutes. "I am heartbroken that my teammate Mark McMillin was not able to continue the rally," Skilton noted. "He has graciously offered his support to my race effort and that has been extremely helpful already." The team now heads to Chilecito in the shadow of the Andes mountains, with elevations on Stage 5 topping 10,000 feet.

Follow the latest action from the Dakar Rally at Baja Automotive's Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baja-Automotive-Adventures/298123813554060

Darren Skilton Finishes One Second Behind Nasser Al-Attiyah On First Stage of Dakar Rally

2012-01-03T00:00:00-05:00

Dakar Rally has typically started with WRC-style gravel roads since moving to South America, but this year the ASO course designers headed straight for the coastal dunes at Necochea for a 57 kilometer special stage to start the 2012 rally. Darren Skilton finished just one second behind 2010 champion Nasser Al-Attiyah and 9:51 behind the lead car when the times were tallied. "To be honest the size of the dunes took me by surprise," Skilton admitted. "Skyler (Gambrell- Skilton's navigator) and I just aired down the General Grabbers and had no problems staying on top of the sand." Then with the long liaison Skilton aired the Grabbers back up and made his way to Santa Rosa de la Pampa in comfort.

Now that the first stage is under the tires, Skilton is pleased. "I am very happy with my team composition and how my car performed. A strong start builds confidence and allows us to save our energy for the challenges that await." Stage 2 brings another long liaison to Nihuil, where Skilton and Gambrell will race through even larger sand dunes in Nihuil. These black dunes were the demise of Nasser Al-Attiyah in 2009 and pose an even bigger challenge than those on the first stage. "While my Revolution VI is only two-wheel drive, the floatation offered by the General Grabbers when aired down on the Method beadlocks gives us an advantage over the restricted four-wheel drive cars."

Follow the latest action from the Dakar Rally at Baja Automotive's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baja-Automotive-Adventures/298123813554060.

Fuel Deliver Issues Hamper Darren Skilton But He Will Not Be Stopped

2012-01-03T00:00:00-05:00

After a strong finish on the first short special, Darren Skilton made the long liaison to Santa Rosa de la Pampa. The second day of the Dakar Rally started with another long drive, including deep silt beds and square ledges... and that was just on the liaison! When the 290 kilometer special stage started, initially Skilton was able to run his car wide open on the loose gravel roads. "The V8 engine and X-Trac transmission allows me to reach speeds over 120 miles per hour in the right conditions," Skilton shared. Unfortunately the conditions deteriorated as the stage went on, culminating in the dreaded Nihuil dunes. Fuel delivery issues in the scorching heat of the black sand brought the Revolution VI buggy to a halt on multiple occasions, giving up valuable time to the lead cars. "We had to pour our water onto the fuel pump whenever the problem surfaced," explained navigator Skyler Gambrell.

The team also lost a wheel off the vehicle late in the special stage, costing even more time. Sounds bad? The black volcanic sand dunes ended the aspirations of Carlos Sainz and Stéphane Peterhansel in 2009, when both rolled in this same area. "I have driven the Dakar Rally enough to know not to get rattled this early in the race," Skilton stated. "Skyler and I were able to complete the stage without harming the car and I am confident my crew will have the fuel delivery problems sorted by morning." The third stage of the rally travels on fast gravel roads through the Argentine wine region of Mendoza on its way to San Juan, providing Skilton with another opportunity to uncork his Redline Performance engine.

Follow the latest action from the Dakar Rally at Baja Automotive’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baja-Automotive-Adventures/298123813554060.

General Grabber's Help Carl Renezeder 'Grab' LOORRS Pro-4 Unlimited Championship

2011-12-21T00:00:00-05:00

Carl Renezeder chalks up eighth career championship at LOORRS finale.

Fort Mill, SC - (December 20, 2011) With championships, pride and the largest pay day in short-course history on the line, the 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) season did not disappoint. Carl Renezeder led the Team GT contingency by winning the Pro-4 Unlimited championship, his eighth career championship title. Renezeder made his mark in the history annals logging in 14 podium finishes containing three wins, nine seconds and two thirds to finish out the 2011 LOORRS season. And for those keeping track, that's 14 podium finishes out of 15 races. This is simply an amazing feat for the championship driver.

"Congratulations to Carl and all of Team Renezeder on an incredible season," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "General Tire is pleased to have a fierce competitor like Carl on our team. His consistency and tenacity are second-to-none and that is verified with his eight career championships. We're proud to have him as a member of Team GT.

"Overall Team GT had a remarkable season in LOORRS racing and we're looking forward to an even better 2012."

To stay up to date with Team GT and our products check out www.generaltire.com

More information on Lucas Oil Products can be found at www.LucasOil.com.

For more information on LOORRS visit www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

General Tire to Sponsor Three Entries for the 2012 Dakar Rally, Looking to Repeat 2011 Win

2011-12-21T00:00:00-05:00

General Tire partners with Baja Automotive for the December 29, 2011 - January 15, 2012 Dakar Rally.

Darren Skilton, Joaquin De Uriarte and Mark McMillin to pilot the entries.
All three entries will race on General's Grabber tire across the rugged and unpredictable race course.

Fort Mill, SC - (December 21, 2011) General Tire is pleased to announce their partnership with Baja Automotive to sponsor three entries in the 2012 Dakar Rally. The event begins December 29, 2011 in Mar de Plata, Argentina and finishes January 15, 2012 in Lima, Peru, a pan-American adventure of more than 5,590 miles (or 9,000 kilometers). Darren Skilton will pilot an Unlimited car in the Open Production 1 (OP1) class while Joaquin De Uriarte and Mark McMillin will pilot a Raptor and JeepSpeed in the Open Production 2 (OP2) class respectively. Dakar is one of the world's great adventures and a true test of the human spirit. This is simply the ultimate event that the General Tire Grabber has been designed and built for.

"We're thrilled to partner with Baja Automotive for the Dakar Rally again," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "General's Grabber tire was born from competition and we feel the arduous terrain of the Dakar Rally is a perfect testament to what this tire is capable of. Darren drove a Ford Raptor outfitted with General Grabber's to the Class win in OP2 last year and the tire performed superbly, so we look forward to adding to our win record in 2012. We wish Darren (Skilton), Joaquin (De Uriarte) and Mark (McMillin) the best of luck as they embark on the ultimate adventure."

General Tire is "unleashing the fury" for a fifth season of off-road action with the Grabber competition tire. Designed with a tough, three-ply Duragen^TM-reinforced body construction to stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions, the Grabber also features a specially-engineered, competition-specific tread compound. In addition, the Grabber name and General Tire logo are prominently featured on the sidewall in red and white letters. The Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37x12.50R17 for Class 8 and Trophy Truck/Trick Truck and 35x12.50R17 for Class 1, 6, 7, 7 S, Stock Mini and Protruck.

General Tire also has a complete line of Grabber tires for the passenger and light truck market, including the new Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire; the Grabber HTS, which delivers the perfect synergy of comfort, durability and performance; the Grabber UHP, which sets a whole new standard in performance and ride quality for SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles; and Grabber AT2, designed for aggressive all-terrain traction in all weather conditions.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com.

General Tire and Baldwin Motorsports Amicably Part Ways

2011-12-19T00:00:00-05:00

General Tire will continue to support desert off-road racing.

Fort Mill, SC - December 19, 2011. General Tire and Baldwin Motorsports will amicably part ways at the end of this year. Following extensive internal discussions, officials at General Tire determined that they need to focus on fulfilling the needs of the high consumer demand the General Tire products and are unable to accommodate the product request required by Baldwin Motorsports by the beginning of the 2012 season.

"We did not make this decision lightly," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "At the end of the day, we made the decision to use our development resources & manufacturing facilities to meet the high consumer demand for our product right now. While we're sorry to see BJ leave, we are thankful for what he has done for our brand and wish him all the best."

General Tire will continue their support of current Team GT drivers, desert off-road racing and the entire off-road community.

Team GT Descends on Arizona Desert for Lucas Oil Off-Road Series Finale

2011-12-08T00:00:00-05:00

Carl Renezeder looks to claim 2011 LOORRS championship.
General Tire's Grabber tire to be featured on all six Team GT entries during the event held December 10-11 at Firebird Raceway.

Fort Mill, SC - (December 8, 2011) The Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series (LOORRS) wraps up their season at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, AZ, December 10 and 11 and members of General Tire's Team GT are ready for their descent on the desert. Team GT is led by veteran driver Carl Renezeder who is poised to claim victory number 98 in addition to the 2011 championship in the Pro 4 Unlimited class, which will mark his eighth short-course off-road championship.

Renezeder will compete in both the Pro 4 and Pro 2 Unlimited classes with Team GT teammate Josh Merrell joining him in the Pro 4 Unlimited class. Four more drivers will carry the General Tire logo on their entries including up-and-comer Robby Woods in Pro 2 Unlimited. Casey Currie will compete in Pro Lite Unlimited and Ryan "Fluffer" Hagy and Jason Ellis will represent General Tire in the Super Lite's.

"Team GT has a strong contingency of short-course off-road drivers," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "Our guys have done an excellent job 'unleashing the fury' on-track all year and we're looking forward to another great race at the upcoming LOORRS finale. It would be great for Team GT to cap off the year with a championship and a few more podiums."

General Tire also has a complete line of Grabber tires for the passenger and light truck market, including the Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire; the Grabber HTS, which delivers the perfect synergy of comfort, durability and performance; the Grabber UHP, which sets a whole new standard in performance and ride quality for SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles; and Grabber AT2, designed for aggressive all-terrain traction in all weather conditions.

Back-to-Back Best In The Desert Championships For Team GT's "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin and Macrae Glass

2011-12-07T00:00:00-05:00

"Ballistic" BJ Baldwin wins Best in The Desert Trick Truck championship.
Macrae Glass wins Best In The Desert Class 8 championship on General Tires.

Fort Mill, SC - December 7, 2011. "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin entered the final race of the 2011 Best In The Desert (BITD) Series with one goal, to win the Trick Truck championship. And he did just that. Following a strenuous Henderson 250 full of ups and downs, Baldwin edged out Steve Strobel for the championship. The Trick Truck championship marks his second in as many years.

Dr. Macrae Glass walked away with the 2011 BITD Class 8 championship, marking back-to-back championships for this Team GT driver as well.

"Everyone at General Tire is excited about our second straight Trick Truck championship with Baldwin Motorsports," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "We were also fortunate enough to have Macrae Glass capture the Class 8 championship which is fantastic. We're extremely proud to have General Tire on top of the podium for two straight years in two different classes."

For more information on the Best In The Desert Series visit www.bitd.com.

If you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

Team GT's Jim Riley and Fellow Racer Kane Fraser Both Capture the True Spirit of the 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

2011-11-23T00:00:00-05:00

• General Tire driver Jim Riley set his goals aside to help others in need.
• Canadian, and paraplegic, Kane Fraser races in first Baja 1000 to help raise money and awareness for the abilities of people with disabilities.
• Fraser seeks to raise $25,000 for the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Baja California, Mexico - (November 23, 2011) While Tony Stewart gave a class on how to win an oval-track race on NASCAR's big stage, Team GT's Jim Riley gave a class on how to be a winner in life on off-road racing's biggest stage, the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Following more than 36 grueling hours in the Mexican desert, the No. 1802 of Kane Fraser and the General Tire sponsored No. 7 of Riley crossed the Baja 1000 finish line at 2:00 a.m. PST on Sunday, November 20. A wrong turn forced Fraser, a paraplegic, over 100 miles off-course. Eventually he met up with Riley who offered to help the newcomer complete his goal of running the entire Baja 1000 race. While they were the last two vehicles to cross the finish line at the 44th running of the Baja 1000, both drivers emerged as big winners in the eyes of thousands of fans that were glued to the Internet cheering them on on-line and posting their support to these two brave drivers.

"This was definitely one of the toughest Baja 1000 courses ever," stated Riley following his 36 hour adventure. "Team Azunia had several mechanical issues ourselves but when I came across Kane I wanted to help him realize his goal, to finish the Baja 1000. This is a tough race for a veteran desert off-road racer and to attempt it as a true rookie is simply amazing. I have a lot of respect for what he did."

The race marked Fraser's first foray into auto racing. The Canadian piloted a RZR 900 XP for more than 700 miles and 36 hours after making a wrong turn that put him over 100 miles off-course. What makes the story all the more compelling is that Fraser is a paraplegic and was racing to bring awareness to the abilities of those with disabilities, enter veteran-driver Riley.

Riley fixed one mechanical failure after another on the No. 7 and stepped up to help two cars that had driven off a cliff before undertaking his next challenge. Darkness fell upon the desert Saturday night, and the teams of Riley and Fraser met up. With the dangers of the desert looming, and all the race check points shut down, Riley vowed to follow Fraser to the finish. At 10:18 p.m. SCORE operations closed the finish line but volunteers manned the check points and finish line so Fraser and Riley could finish.

Fraser's extraordinary effort helped to raise money and awareness for the Rick Hansen Foundation however, his goal of $25,000 has not yet been met. Donations can be made via the web at www.baja1000fundraiser.com.

General Tire, Wahoo's and Azunia Tequila Deliver a World of Possibilities to Rancho El Milagro

2011-11-23T00:00:00-05:00

The fifth annual Baja Children's Support Run raised $3,000 to buy supplies in addition to building a multi-media center for more than 40 orphans.

Fort Mill, S.C. - Nov. 23, 2011. General Tire, Wahoo's Tacos and Azunia Tequila, delivered an early Thanksgiving to some deserving orphans at the Rancho El Milagro (www.ranchomilagro.org) orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico last Wednesday prior to the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The group was joined by several teams participating in this year's Baja 1000 at the fifth annual Baja Children's Support Run. The volunteers collected $3,000 to buy supplies, in addition to building a multi-media center for the more than 34 children and staff of the orphanage. The focus of this year's event was to install a multi-media center, including new computers and desks, so the kids could discover the world of possibilities that lie ahead for them.

"I want to thank all the team's that participated and our partner's, Wahoo's and Azunia, for helping put together the best event yet," said Dana Zamalloa, manager of PR and communications, General Tire. "General Tire is proud to support Rancho El Milagro. To see the joy and hope in the eyes of each one of the kids was a very satisfying moment. And knowing that we made a positive change in the world is truly gratifying. We're looking forward to next year's trip."

Following a shopping trip to Costco, the group of volunteers made the journey to Rancho El Milagro and delivered a truck-load of food, cleaning supplies and toiletries. While at the ranch, the volunteers also built-out a multi-media center that included computers to help the kids at Rancho El Milagro learn and explore the world. Of course the trip wouldn't be complete without a meal fit for a Thanksgiving feast, some autographs, and a little fútbol.

Overall another successful event thanks to a fantastic group of volunteers who donated both their time and money to this worthy cause. Team GT sends a big thank you to Jim Riley and Rick L. Johnson and the Azunia Team, Wahoo's, BJ and Bobby Baldwin, and Baldwin Motorsports who donated additional money to expand the facility in order to accommodate the multi-media center. We'd also like to thank Rick D. Johnson and Team 71, Greg Adler from 4 Wheel Parts, Rob Sims from THR, Jessie Jones, PCI, Kevin Davis from Green Army, and Ricco Ferrante from NoHo Drink.

Anyone wishing to donate to Rancho El Milagro, please visit - www.ranchomilagro.org.

Kent Kroeker Wins SCORE Tecate Baja 1000 in Class 8 on General Tires

2011-11-21T00:00:00-05:00

Kroeker claims his second career Baja 1000 win.

Baja California, Mexico - (November 20, 2011) After a lengthy delay, due to a jack-knifed passenger truck towards the start line, the Class 8 division headed out for their adventure in the desert with Kent Kroeker representing General Tire (Team GT). The Baja 1000 winner maneuvered through the treacherous terrain with one goal in mind, another win. And that's just what he did. Kroeker completed the 692-mile course without incident claiming his second Baja 1000 victory.

"It's great to see General Tire get two wins at the Baja 1000," said Travis Roffler, marketing director, General Tire. "Kent is an excellent representative for General Tire and we couldn't be happier to see him on top of the podium."

"This is just awesome," said Kroeker following the race. "To win the Baja 1000 once is amazing but to win it a second time is awesome. The KORE team prepared a great truck for me and my General Tires held up great. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I have to thank everyone that helped me get here today. This is a fantastic day!"

Marc Burnett Overcomes Injury to Finish Second at SCORE Tecate Baja 1000 in Class 6

2011-11-21T00:00:00-05:00

Burnett doesn't let broken collar bone get in the way of his Baja 1000 race.
Burnett's second-place finish marks third podium for Team GT.

Baja California, Mexico - (November 20, 2011) In one of the most strenuous Baja 1000 races to date, Team GT driver Marc Burnett had to overcome a broken collar bone as he attacked the 692-mile course. Burnett got off to a great start but close to mile-marker 222 had to stop for a three hour repair. The unscheduled stop was indeed a set-back but it looked as if Burnett would be able to fight through and add to his Baja 1000 wins. Unfortunately his hopes of a win were dashed, but Burnett powered through 692 miles with un-matched grit and determination to capture second in Class 6 and second-place in the overall SCORE Series championship.

"Marc Burnett is a machine," said Dana Zamalloa, manager public relations and communications, General Tire. "For him to have gone through everything he has over the last several weeks and still race the entire Baja 1000, with an injured shoulder, is simply amazing. I have a lot of respect and admiration for his determination. He's exactly what the General Tire brand is about, toughness."

"It definitely wasn't easy," said Burnett following the race. "I wasn't going to let a little injury get in the way of a Baja 1000 win and possible SCORE championship. This Monster team worked so hard and we fought throughout the race. We had a set back at about the 222-mile mark and I thought we'd be able to come back from it but unfortunately we had to settle for second. I have to thank all my sponsors including General Tire for giving us a fantastic tire to work with in such harsh conditions."

Justin Davis Wins Baja 1000 and SCORE Championship in Class 1 on General Tires

2011-11-19T00:00:00-05:00

Davis becomes the youngest Baja 1000 winner and SCORE championship winner at just 18 years of age.

Baja California, Mexico - (November 19, 2011) In a grueling battle to the end, General Tire's Team GT member Justin Davis won the Class 1 division of the 44th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. At just 18 years of age Davis becomes the youngest driver in history to win the Baja 1000. Without hesitations Davis completed the entire 692.82-mile course by himself chalking up win number three in Class 1 of his 2011 SCORE season. The Baja win also garnered him the title of 2011 SCORE Class 1 champion.

"This is so exciting for General Tire," said Travis Roffler, marketing director, General Tire. "Justin was an iron man out there and we couldn't be more proud of him. To be the youngest Baja 1000 winner and the youngest SCORE championship winner is just amazing."

"I'm speechless right now," said the young Davis immediately following the race. "This is definitely the hardest thing I've done but I couldn't have done it without the help of my family and this great team. My General Tires were awesome out there and everything went as smoothly as it could have. I want to thank all the sponsors that have supported me this year. It feels good to win both the Baja 1000 and the SCORE championship."

General Tire Kicks Off Baja Race With First Annual Off-Road Street Fiesta at Papas & Beer

2011-11-15T00:00:00-05:00

General Tire, Method Race Wheels and Monster Energy to sponsor the first annual event held Thursday, November 17 from 3:00 - 10:00 p.m. PST.

Event open to the general public and will include driver autograph sessions, race truck exhibits, Takon Machine, and other activities for the entire family.

Fort Mill, S.C. - Nov. 15, 2011. As a kickoff to the 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race, General Tire (GT), Method Race Wheels and Monster Energy invite fans to join all the race teams for an evening of fun Thursday, November 17 at Papas & Beer (located at Blvd. Lopez Mateos and Calle Ruiz 110 in Ensenada, Mexico) for the first annual Off-Road Street Fiesta. The event gets underway at 3:00 p.m. PST and will include driver autograph sessions from 5:30-6:30 p.m., a large display of race trucks, performance by Takon Machine, flame throwing exhibitions and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. The event will wrap up at 10:00 p.m. PST.

Fans will have the chance to meet Team GT members "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin, Bobby Baldwin, Mikey Childress, Rick D. Johnson, Ken Kroeker, Jim Riley and Colton Udall along with other participants in the 44^th running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 100.

The general public is invited to celebrate the start of the most grueling race of the year with drivers from 32 states and 15 countries before they attempt to cover the rugged 692.82-mile course that will start and end in Ensenada. It's a test for both man and machine and one that requires a large dose of good luck. So come out and wish your favorite driver(s) good luck as they embark on their journey through the desert.

Team General Tire to Storm the Desert at the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

2011-11-14T00:00:00-05:00

The Grabber tire will be used by all six Team GT members during the 692.82-mile race.

Baja California, Mexico - November 14, 2011. Team General Tire (Team GT) is ready to dominate the 44^th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race. The legendary race, held on the treacherous Baja Peninsula, will begin and end in Ensenada over the course of two days (November 18-20). And with six members of Team GT entered, there's a good chance you'll see the red and white General Tire logo roll across the finish line in first.

Team GT will be well-represented as they storm the desert in Baja California, Mexico. Off-road champion "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin, Rick D. Johnson, and Bobby Baldwin will all compete in the Trophy Truck class. Kent Kroeker is entered in Class 8, Mikey Childress in Class 1 and Jim Riley is debuting the R8 in the SCORE Series. The latest edition to Team GT is off-road powerhouse Colton Udall, former teammate of the late Jeff "Ox" Kargola. He is entered in Class 22 with his motorcycle number "0x". These drivers will join over 250 other entrants in a test of mental and physical toughness where only the strongest survive.

"The Baja 1000 is a tough race," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "It's physically demanding on the drivers and the equipment but I know the Grabber is the best tire out there to help Team GT bring home a win. Every guy on Team GT is capable of winning and we're proud to support them through one of the most arduous races around."

If you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

Join General Tire, Wahoo's and Azunia Tequila in Their Race to Help Rancho El Milagro Orphanage.

2011-11-11T00:00:00-05:00

Fort Mill, S.C. - Nov. 11, 2011. General Tire, Wahoo's Tacos and Azunia Tequila, along with some of their off-road friends, will champion the Baja Children's Support Run V next Wednesday, November 16 in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico. The focus of this year's event is to install a multi-media center including new computers and desks for the children at the Rancho El Milagro facility in Ensenada. Additionally, the group will provide valuable food and daily supplies for the orphaned children and staff members at Rancho El Milagro (www.ranchomilagro.org).

The fifth annual Baja Children's Support Run is held in conjunction with the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 and will kickoff at the Costco in Ensenada at 8:30 a.m. PST. The general public is invited to stop by the Costco (located at Carr. Transpeninsular La Paz 4179; Carlos Pacheco; Ensenada) from 8:30 -10:30 a.m. to purchase and donate much needed food and supplies for the orphanage which will be delivered to the orphanage later that day. Monetary donations will also be welcome.

Following the shopping trip, a designated group of volunteers will travel to Rancho El Milagro to deliver the food and supplies and help build-out the multi-media center which will enable kids to learn and explore the world in their race to discover all the possibilities that lie ahead for them.

"Wahoo's has been a supporter of this event from its inception and we will continue to support this cause for years to come," Wing Lam, CEO, Wahoo's Tacos. "It is very important for me personally and for my brand to always give back to the community and the children at Rancho El Milagro need our support."

"Azunia Tequila is proud to offer continued support to this great cause." Jim Riley, CEO, Azunia Tequila. "The Baja 1000 is not always about racing, but about giving back to the community that supports the off-road racing year after year."

"General Tire was involved in this cause last year for the first time and it was a very rewarding experience," said Dana Zamalloa, manager of PR and Communications, General Tire. "Every kid deserves the opportunity to have the tools needed for a fulfilling life and Team GT is proud to help provide these tools for the great kids at the Rancho El Milagro."

General Tire's Carl Renezeder Charts 97th Win at LOORRS Round 14 and Josh Merrell Takes the Podium in Round 13

2011-11-08T00:00:00-05:00

Fort Mill, S.C. (Nov. 8, 2001) - Carl Renezeder hit an incredible 97 wins Sunday at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series (LOORRS) Round 14 in Pro 4, securing his spot as number one, leading points for Pro 4.

While the mood was somber at LOORRS Rounds 13 and 14 following the tragic death of competitor Rick Huseman, teams took time to remember the world-class racer and gave the fans all they could in remembrance of him. Team GT's Robby Woods honored Huseman by - painting his once blue truck green and adorning it with dozens of memorial stickers. Josh Merrell, also of Team GT, donated 2,000 commemorative shirts with proceeds going entirely to the Huseman family.

During Saturday's Pro 4 race, Renezeder took the lead early on. Fighting hard to lead the pack, Renezeder was forced into second after bumping into another driver. Renezeder battled back, but was unable to regain his ground, finishing in second followed by Merrell in third. Josh Merrell took his first podium finish in the LOORRS series and his new truck and determination paid off this weekend.

In Sunday's Pro 4 race, Renezeder hit the track again, determined to maintain his lead in points. A full-course caution was thrown when Merrell's truck rolled on the opening lap in the turn seven chicane. On the restart, Renezeder went inside to take the lead, but was pushed back to second when he took turn five too aggressively and ended up on two wheels. The battle continued and he was neck-in-neck for the lead. Renezeder closed the gap on the final turn, taking the lead and the 97^th win of his career, with only three more wins till he reaches a monumental 100.

To catch up-to-the-minute Team GT action, follow @teamgt on Twitter.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com

Casey Currie takes 3rd in 2011 TORC Pro Light Championship

2011-10-18T00:00:00-04:00

San Clemente, CA (October 18, 2011) - Casey Currie tore in to Cycle Ranch in Texas, ready to charge in his Monster Energy General Tire Nissan, and ready to defend his 2010 title in the PRO Light class. After a high-energy weekend of top PRO Light drivers chomping at the bit for the Championship, Casey takes 4th in Saturday's race, and ends an intense battle for the 2nd place podium spot on Sunday. Casey Currie proudly takes home 3rd place overall in the 2011 Championship and 7th in the Traxxas PRO Light Cup Race.

Saturday and Sunday's leaders were neck and neck; giving the fans the intense short-course action they came to see. Casey would move up to cross the finish line in 3rd place on Saturday, but after reviewing the lap counter, CJ was given the 3rd place position, putting Casey in 4th for the day.

"We had a great race truck all day, and starting on the 3rd row made it tough to get through traffic," noted Casey, "but we have a great starting position for tomorrow's race."

Sunday's race was an all-out fight, with Casey, RJ Anderson, and CJ Greaves battling in the top three. After a second full-course yellow regroups the field, Casey makes a huge acceleration on the back straight, and brings himself right on top of CJ and RJ battling for the lead. RJ Anderson is holding the lead with some bite in the turns, but CJ and Casey are out-braking him, keeping close behind. After taking the inside on Turn 5, and a little fender rubbing with CJ Greaves, Casey moves into 2nd. The two continue head to head, Casey taking turns on two wheels and hanging on to 2nd for the podium finish.

"That was a battle!" says Casey. "CJ and I battled the last couple of laps and I ended up in front of him. My truck was working well and I'm glad to finish 2nd today. We also wrapped up a podium spot on the year-end points which is a bonus for us."

In the Traxxas PRO Light Cup Race on Sunday, Casey was on fire! Starting off on the inside, Casey took the lead leaving CJ Greaves and RJ Anderson going at it for 3rd. Losing body panels, Casey remained well out front, at times by 12-15 car lengths. With only 2 laps remaining, Casey rides the outter burm of the sharp infield turn, and suffers a right rear flat-CJ Greaves jumping into the lead. Casey continues to push the Monster Energy General Tire Nissan but the flat will force him to pit. Casey gets back on track with a fresh right rear to finish 7th in the PRO Light Traxxas Cup.

"Starting on the front row I got a great start and had a great race going," Casey explains. "I had a big lead 'till lap 14 where I hit a burm wrong, giving me a flat tire. I tried to keep racing but there was nothing I could do. Two laps short-but next year we are coming for the money!!"

Always charging hard and moving forward fast, Casey is also finishing up his 2011 season in the Lucas Oil Off-Road series, where he currently holds 6th place in the Championship. For Rounds 13-14, Casey hits Sin City, to put all cards on the table and see who comes out on the top of the heap. Catch him November 5-6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For more information on Casey Currie, visit CaseyCurrie.com, become a fan at Facebook/OfficialCaseyCurrie or follow Casey on Twitter at Twitter.com/caseycurrie

General Tire and Mad Media celebrate an EMPixx Award win for their "Ballistic" commercial

2011-10-11T00:00:00-04:00

Fort Mill, SC - (DATE) - General Tire and Mad Media took home an EMPixx Award for their fast-paced commercial "Ballistic," featuring world champion of off-road racing, "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin. The EMPixx Awards, sponsored by the American Pixel Academy, honors excellence in the areas of five moving pixels, including television commercials.

While the viewers may only see a 30-second clip, an enormous amount of work goes into its production. General Tire works off the principle, no detail should be spared and that's why we've chosen to work with some of the best photographers and producers in off-road footage - Mad Media.

The commercial features Baldwin in his off-road truck fitted with General's Grabber competition tire - the ultimate off-road, high-performance tire, tested in some of the world's most treacherous conditions and most rigorous terrain.

"Less than one percent of the earth is paved," says the narrator as Baldwin's truck mounts rocky hills. "Go attack the rest."

As the intense, 30-second spot comes to a close, the narrator ends with, "General Tire. Anywhere is possible."

The spot was produced by Mad Media of Oceanside, Calif., and was filmed in the torturous terrain of the Nevada desert. To catch a glimpse of Baldwin blazing through the desert, you can view the commercial on General Tire's YouTube

General Tire releases new commercials featuring off-road racing champion, Carl Renezeder

2011-10-06T00:00:00-04:00

Fort Mill, SC - (DATE) - When an off-road racer drives to work, he doesn't sit in morning rush hour, he doesn't get stuck at red lights and he never has to find a new route when road conditions get rough. This October, General Tire will be releasing two new commercials starring seven-time off-road champion Carl Renezeder hard at work.

The fast-paced action based commercial features Renezeder in his short course race truck fitted with General's Grabber competition tire - the ultimate off-road, high-performance tire, tested in some of the world's most treacherous conditions and most rigorous terrain. While the second commercial demonstrates that off-road racers also demand performance for their street trucks and the Grabber is the optimum choice for on and off-road conditions. As the dramatic 30-second spots come to a close, the narrator ends with, "General Tire. Anywhere is possible."

The spots were produced by Mad Media of Oceanside, Calif., and were filmed on the highway and desert terrain of California's Inland Empire. Slated to be released in October on CBS, SPEED and Versus, the adrenaline-pumping spots aren't for the faint of heart. To catch a glimpse of Renezeder blazing through the desert, you can view both commercials on YouTube's General Tire Channel: www.youtube.com/teamgeneraltire

The 2011 General Tire SNORE Mint 400 airs on Fuel TV in Sept with a YouTube teaser release

2011-09-08T00:00:00-04:00

The 2011 General Tire Mint 400 will air on Fuel TV Sept. 18^th, 21^st, 28^th and 29^th, with October and November airing schedules to be announced at a later date
Intense, action-packed General Tire Mint 400 teaser hits YouTube Sept. 6

Las Vegas, Nevada - (DATE) - Off-road racing fans and adrenaline junkies alike don't have to wait till Sept. 18 to catch a glimpse of the 2011 General Tire Mint 400 madness. General Tire is releasing a heart-pounding teaser on YouTube that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Directed by the Martelli Brothers and produced by Mad Media with executive producer Dana Zamalloa at the wheel, the less than two-minute clip will give you just a taste of this year's grueling desert race. But it's bound to leave you hungry for more.

Don't miss a minute of the action. Tune in to Fuel TV to see the race from beginning to end on Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET; Sept. 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET; Sept. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET; and Sept. 29 at 4:30 a.m. ET. October and November airing schedules will be announced at a later date.

This year, Team General Tire crushed the competition, sweeping the podium in Las Vegas March 26 - the first sweep at the Mint 400 since the '80s. 'Ballistic' BJ Baldwin unleashed his fury, taking first overall and first in Unlimited Truck. He was followed by father Bobby Baldwin in second overall and second in Unlimited Truck, and by Mikey Childress and Rob Sims, crossing the line at third overall and first in Class 1.

The General Tire Mint 400 is considered by many to be the roughest, most spectacular off-road race in North America. Started in 1976, the Mint is steeped in American lore as thousands of racers as well as celebrities from around the world have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert. The 2011 Mint 400 was an epic battle between some of the top off road racers in the world in twenty-five different classes of vehicles.

Shot entirely in HD by the largest, most experienced film production crew in off-road Mad Media, The Mint features stunning cinematography captured in some of the most remote spots on the racecourse. Witness the bumper-to-bumper battling from helicopter, feel the power of these incredible vehicles from the passenger seat, watch as racers fall away embroiled in the agony of defeat, and share in the glory of victory. Drivers with special features in the show include "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin, Jim Riley from Azunia, and Harvey Letner.

Tune in to Fuel TV Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET and experience the legendary Mint 400 yourself.

Defending TORC champion, Casey Currie, sweeps the TORC Series Round 5 and 6 in PRO Light

2011-07-25T00:00:00-04:00

· Currie of Team General Tire takes first Friday and Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

· Currie takes three 1^st place finishes in a row. LOORRS at Miller Motorsports June 26^th and TORC at Charlotte Motorspeedway July 22^nd and 23^rd

Concord, NC – (July 25, 2010) – TORC champion and one of Team General Tire’s newest drivers, Casey Currie pulverized the competition at Round 5 and 6 of the Traxxas TORC Series in PRO Light this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., topping the podium both days.

Currie hit the track hard Saturday night, ready to battle it out in PRO Light. He shot out to first place early on, and refused to back down, leaving his competitors in a cloud of dust. The other drivers scrambled to close the gap between themselves and Currie, but were unable to push past him. Holding strong, Currie didn’t give up his spot at the head of the pack for the entire 20-lap race. He soared across the finish line, taking home first place.

“The TORC Series is like home to me,” said an elated Currie as he took the podium in Concord Saturday. “I set out here to win, and that’s exactly how I plan to finish the weekend — on top. I’ve had such great support from General Tire and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

On both Friday and Saturday night, there was palpable excitement in the air as the crowd braced itself for the open race— Pro Light. Starting out as a three-way battle for the top spot, Currie’s competition was fierce. Friday’s race: after one of the driver’s lost control and flipped over, the yellow flag was waved and Currie and the other top two leaders were now bumper-to-bumper. After the restart, Currie pushed ahead stealing first and topping the podium for the second time this weekend.

Known for sweeping the TORC championship weekend at Crandon in 2010 and taking home the series PRO Light title, Currie is no stranger to winning. He started racing motorcycles when he was just 5-years-old and trucks at 16, taking home his first major win in 2003 — the championship title at the MDR series.

Currie is also known for his appearance on MTV’s hit show Fantasy Factory where he gave the show’s Rob Dyrdek lessons in off-road racing.

Up next for the TORC series is Rounds 7 and 8 at Bark River Raceway in Bark River, Mich., August 13 and 14.

Stay tuned for Casey Currie win updates during the TORC and Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing series at www.generaltire.com and www.caseycurrie.com. If you can’t be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt. You can follow Casey Currie at www.twitter.com/CaseyCurrie.

General Tire dominates the podium at LOORRS Round 7 and 8

2011-06-28T00:00:00-04:00

Saturday, Currie takes first in Prolite and Quentin Tucker took home first on General Tires in Limited Buggy
Renezeder unleashes his fury, taking second in Pro 4 Saturday and first in Pro 4 Sunday
Sunday, Woods takes 3^rd in Pro 2, Wyatt Kirchner steals first in SuperLite and brother Dawson Kirchner walks away with third in SuperLite

Tooele, Utah - (June 28, 2011) - Team General Tire's Carl Renezeder is unleashing his fury this season, taking second in Pro 4 Saturday and first in Pro 4 Sunday at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Round 7 and 8 of the legendary series were sizzling this weekend for the Team GT powerhouse. Saturday, Casey Currie topped the podium in Prolite and Quentin Tucker took home first in Limited Buggy on General Tires. The series got even hotter Sunday with Wyatt Kirchner taking first in SuperLite, followed by brother Dawson Kirchner in third. To top off the heart-pounding weekend Robby Woods stole third in Pro 2.

After the LOORRS Opening Ceremonies Saturday, the crowd was ready to get back into the action with the Pro 4 Unlimited race. Renezeder started out in the front row and grabbed an early lead. He fought hard, but was muscled out of his position after door-to-door contact with another driver. He fell into second but pushed hard in the final lap, trying to regain his lead. The gap between first and second was too large at this point, but Renezeder fought to the last second, taking home a close second.

Currie hit the track in the Prolite race, leading the pack in the top five. A massive crash broke up the race early on and Currie held fourth after the restart. Another crash and more carnage brought out full-course yellow. After the second restart, Currie held second and an intense battle for the lead ensued. After several laps of back-and-forth, Currie crossed the finish line, taking first and making it the first win for a V-8-powered Prolite Unlimited.

On Sunday, Renezeder took to the track for more action-packed chaos and another shot at victory. Renezeder shot to the head of the pack early on. While an intense battle persisted behind him, he sailed smoothly along with a sizable lead, claiming first on the podium in Pro 4 and taking home the 96^th win of his career.

Stay tuned for more Team GT wins throughout the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. If you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

Ryan "Fluffer" Hagy debuting "Ox" Brand SuperLite

2011-06-21T00:00:00-04:00

Toole, UT - (June 22, 2011) Ryan "Fluffer" Hagy, Freestyle MX rider and Director of Metal Mulisha clothing, will be debuting the "Ox" brand SuperLite truck at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Race June 25^th and 26^th at Miller Motorsports Raceway. In addition to the truck debut, this race marks Hagy's debut and entry into off-road racing. The "Ox" brand SuperLite is a race team that has been started to honor the memory of Off-Road/Freestyle MX/Baja MX racer Jeff "Ox" Kargola. Kargola was establishing a promising racing career in the LOORRS series until his tragic accident in Baja April 29, 2011. In the spirit of Kargola's passion for racing, the "Ox" brand truck will race in his memory with close friend Ryan "Fluffer" Hagy in the driver's seat.

"Driving the "Ox" truck is such an amazing opportunity for me to celebrate his life and continue his passion for this sport," said Ryan Hagy. "I have been testing the truck at Glen Helen and I am focused on giving this race my all, just like Jeff always did."

The "Ox" truck will be a sister truck to Kargola's SuperLite race truck. The design of the truck is inspired by Kargola's new 2011 design. Kargola's sponsors, General Tire, Metal Mulisha, Boost Mobile and Method Wheels, will be sponsoring Hagy's "Ox" race truck for the Miller Motorsports Race. The doors and hood of the race truck will display the Jeff "Ox" Kargola logo that is featured on the Metal Mulisha Jeff "Ox" Kargola Memorial fund shirts, sold at www.metalmulisha.com/ox with all proceeds going to help support the San Felipe Hospital in Mexico. Kargola's race truck will be on display at the General Tire booth at the LOORRS races this season.

"Jeff had such an amazing attitude and passion for life. The "Ox" truck should inspire us all to live life to the fullest and make every day count," said Dana Zamalloa, Marketing, PR and Communications Manager, General Tire. "We developed this program as a way for him to still inspire people and keep "Ox" racing."

Rick "Hurricane" Johnson and Jim "Rooster" Riley takes first at the Baja NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally on General Grabbers

2011-06-08T00:00:00-04:00

Baja California, Mexico - (May 8, 2011) - The General Tire "Snortin Nortins" Nova, a modified '71 Chevy Nova and 6,500 pounds of American steel, roared onto the desert last week at the Baja NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally in Baja California, Mexico - North America's premier showcase of vintage and alternatively fueled vehicles. Owner Rick "Hurricane" Johnson and driver Jim "Rooster" Riley piloted the indestructible machine on General Grabber tires down the treacherous Baja Peninsula for a first place win.

The ultimate desert tires, the General Tire Grabber competition tires, never faulted the duo once on their 1000 mile trek through the infamous Baja.

"We couldn't have done this without the support of General Tire," said Johnson following his victory. "We needed tires we could rely on and we knew Grabbers were the perfect fit for Snortin Nortins, and we knew they could stand up to the heat and demand of the Baja without fail."

The Snortin Nortins Nova was restored and modified for the event in a remarkable 90 days.

"We're proud to have been able to trace the roots of the pioneers who blazed a trail down the Baja Peninsula in the late 60s," continued Jim Riley. "And this win was the perfect ending to our remarkable journey."

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Team GT's Marc Burnett tops the podium in Class 6 at the Baja 500

2011-06-07T00:00:00-04:00

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico - (June 7, 2011) - The legendary 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 500 saw intense desert action this weekend, with Team General Tire's Marc Burnett topping the podium in Class 6.

With 254 registered starters competing in 28 Pro and seven Sportsman classes, Burnett left no time for the dust to settle, knocking off his competitors one by one. Focused on a win for GT, Burnett pre-ran the course for weeks prior and all his hard work and team efforts paid off.

"The SCORE Baja 500 is a huge deal," said Burnett after taking the podium in downtown Ensenada. "This is one of the world's harshest desert races, and I'm so proud I was able to dominate this race and bring victory for Team GT in class 6. Without their support and the General Grabber competition tires, I couldn't have done it."

Burnett has been drawn to the podium before. A former Baja 1000 winner and a two-time Baja 500 winner, Burnett also took home first place in Class 6 at the San Felipe 250 and first at the 2008 Baja 1000.

General Tire is also "unleashing the fury" for a fifth season of off-road action with the Grabber competition tire at the Baja 1000. Designed with a tough, three-ply Duragen^TM-reinforced body construction to stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions, the Grabber also features a specially-engineered, competition-specific tread compound. In addition, the Grabber name and General Tire logo are prominently featured on the sidewall in red and white letters. The Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37x12.50R17 for Class 8 and Trophy Truck/Trick Truck and 35x12.50R17 for Class 1, 6, 7, 7 S, Stock Mini and Protruck.

Stay tuned for the latest wins from Team GT, and if you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com, or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

General Tire's Casey Currie lands a spot on the podium at the Traxxas TORC Series opener

2011-06-01T00:00:00-04:00

Buchanan, Mich. - (June 1^st, 2011) - Team GT's Casey Currie was revved to hit the track in a big way Saturday for the Traxxas TORC opener at the Red Bud MX in Buchanan, Mich. Currie, newly signed by Team GT in 2011, did just that - taking home second in Pro Lite class.

Known for sweeping the TORC champion weekend at Crandon in 2010 as well as, taking home the series championship Pro Lite title, Currie is no stranger to winning. He started racing motorcycles when he was just 5-years-old and trucks at 16, taking home his first major win in 2003 - the championship title at the MDR series.

In 2004, Currie switched to Pro Truck and Class 1, taking second in Pro Truck at the Baja 1000 and third in Class 1 at the Baja 500. And his podium wins get even more impressive still; He took home 2^nd overall in the 2008 and 2009 King of Hammers and finished second in Round 1 and 2 of the 2010 M4SX in Trophy Kart.

"I'm so excited to be racing this season as a part of Team GT, and this was a great start to the series for me," said Currie after he took the podium in Buchanan. "2010 was a great year for me and I'm going to see to it that 2011 is even better."

Stay tuned for Casey Currie win updates during the TORC and Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing series at the www.generaltire.com and www.caseycurrie.com. If you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Team General Tire's Carl Renezeder tops the podium at Round 5 and 6 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series

2011-05-24T00:00:00-04:00

Renezeder takes first in Pro 2 and Pro 4 at Round 5
Renezeder storms the podium once more, taking first in Pro 2 and second in Pro 4 at Round 6
Team GT’s Dawson Kirchner steals first in the Round 6 Superlite race
Special Tribute to Jeff “Ox”Kargola during opening ceremonies

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – (May 24, 2011) – The beautiful sunny and clear California weather didn’t disappoint this weekend, and neither did the action-packed Round 5 and 6 races of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series at Glen Helen Raceway May 21 and 22. Team General Tire’s Carl Renezeder stormed the podium, taking first in Pro 2 and Pro 4 Saturday, followed by first in Pro 2 and second in Pro 4 Sunday. GT’s young gun, Dawson Kirchner, stole first in the Round 6 Superlite race Sunday.

Following a beautiful opening ceremony dedicated to teammate Jeff “Ox” Kargola, who passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident in Baja April 29. Team GT honored Jeff with sky writing “We love u Ox” followed by a tribute video and dove release. A special superlite numbered 0x raced in his honor bearing only Ox logos on the race truck driven by Jeff’s close friend Trigger Gum.

At the Pro 4 Unlimited race Saturday, the fastest class of the day, Renezeder started at the back of the pack and was forced wide, nearly pushing him outside the k-rail and landing him in last position on the track. After turn one, Renezeder amped up his speed to take fifth place. Quickly and steadily, Renezeder began knocking off the leading drivers, moving up to first place and holding his position for the win.

Renezeder’s luck wasn’t over yet. At the last race of the day, Pro 2 Unlimited, Renezeder started on the front row. Despite accidents, mishaps and vehicle fires, Renezeder emerged from the chaotic race unscathed to take first and his second win of the day.

“I wasn’t about to let Team GT down on Ox’s day,” said Renezeder after taking the podium in San Bernardino Saturday. “He was a fighter and a winner, so I fought to win these for him. It wasn’t easy gaining my lead in Pro 4, but I had to do it, and I’m proud to say I was able to make it happen.”

During Sunday’s Round 6 event, Renezeder unleashed his fury once more, again taking first in Pro 2 and earning second on the podium in Pro 4. Team GT driver and the race’s youngest competitor at just 18 years old, Dawson Kirchner, stole a first-place victory at Sunday’s Superlite race.

.
For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

For more than 90 years General Tire has offered a complete quality line of ultra-high performance, passenger, light truck, off-road and commercial tires to meet all your needs. General Tire is a proud supporter of Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing, Chili Bowl, Pro-Pulling, Late- Model Dirt Series, Drag Boat Series, Boost Mobile FreestyleMx.com Tour, Spec Tire of Trophylite and Pro Truck. Team GT supports off-road and short course teams including BJ Baldwin, Carl Renezeder, Rick D. Johnson, Jerry Zaiden/Jason Campbell, Jason/Rich Voss, Scott Steinberger, Ed “Clyde” Stout, Ted Hunnicutt, Marc Burnett, Kent Kroeker, Mikey Childress, Carey Hart, Josh Merrell, Robby Woods and Jeff “Ox” Kargola.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Upcoming LOORRS TV schedule

2011-04-19T00:00:00-04:00

2011 Monster Energy Rip to the Tip presented by General Tire

2011-04-06T00:00:00-04:00

KICKS Off RAGING 1500-Mile Baja Moto Rip With McGrath, Campbell, OX, Steele and Currie!

San Clemente, CA (April 6, 2011) Over 475 years ago, Spanish Conquistador Hernandez Cortez sailed into the Bay of La Paz kicking off the beginning of exploration for thousands of adventure seekers, which continues now into modern day history. Cortez discovered trade routes connecting the Pacific Ocean with what is now called the Sea of Cortez. Horses and mules transported lobster and fish from the oceans to the mountains and deserts, which were beaming with a plethora of wildlife.

Fastforward more than four hundred years and the adventure is still the same only the horse has become a motorcycle.

Nowadays, the 70 horsepower two-wheel steel horse navigates the same routes forged centuries ago and those who ride have created a vibrant culture thriving for the wild untamed land known to many as "the Baja."

Nestled against the southern border of the United States is a vast 800-mile shard of land considered by many to be one of the last natural wonders of the world. It's painted deserts, remote white sand beaches and dramatic marvels of geology all combine together in protecting the land from the reaches of civilized mankind.

Venturing into Baja's abyss is not for the weak at heart. Adventure seekers have long bombed south to Land's End skirting the most difficult terrain and oftentimes trekking through the path of least resistance.

The 2011 Monster Energy Rip to the Tip presented by General Tire is a trek of man and machine over 1488-miles, where seasoned moto riders will battle every type of terrain and element the Baja can throw at them.

This year's 8-day journey through the Baja Peninsula will test both the physical endurance and the mental fortitude of each and every rider. For the third consecutive year, riders will commence in Tecate, Mexico and will crisscross southbound down the Peninsula through some of the most amazing and difficult terrain the Baja has to offer, finishing at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet in Cabo San Lucas. Each rider will be seeking the coveted "Full Pull," where every mile of the ride is achieved.

In 2006 the idea of an adventure Baja ride took shape with 13 riders taking off from Ensenada headed for Land's End in Cabo, on what would be the first ever Rip to the Tip.

Now, five years in existence, the adventure has grown to a new level for year six.

The 2011 edition has the riders dropping down the "Elevator" on Mexico's steepest grade, named La Rumarosa. This route is not for the faint of heart.

Riders will descend over 5,000 feet in less than 2 miles to the Laguna Salada dry lake bed at sea level and then traverse the dry lake bed for 75-miles before climbing back into the Sierra De Juarez mountain range as they battle the legendary "Summit," near the top of Cerro Grande.

Challenging themselves riding "up" the Cerro Grande Summit merely marks the halfway point of the first day. Only seven and a half more days before riders can say they conquered the Baja Peninsula.

The ride is scheduled through the towns of San Felipe, Bahia de Los Angeles, San Ignacio, and Loreto including all new locations in Mulege along with an overnight stay at the iconic mountain retreat, Mike's Sky Rancho.

An eclectic group of riders will take on their own individual battle of mental and physical challenges in a group setting where the riders become known as a band of brothers.

7-time SUPERCROSS champion Jeremy McGrath will make his first attempt at the Baja, while 11-time Baja 1000 champion Johnny Campbell will ride with the group in an unfamiliar setting where he's just another rider challenged by the adventure. There's no racing on the Rip, it's a journey of obstacles and mental tenacity.

Jeremy recently made his first ever trip to Baja with Rip trail leader Cameron Steele and Baja Bound Moto honcho, Tim Morton. McGrath has been seduced by the

beauty and adventure of Baja's wilderness. "It's been a long time since I've had an all new experience around every corner," said McGrath also known as "Showtime." He continued, "Baja is so amazingly spectacular."

X-Games freestyle motocross medalist and recent Baja Overall Champion, Jeff "OX" Kargola makes his third trip on the Monster Energy Rip to the Tip presented by General Tire and is one of the riders who really lives and breathes for the challenge. A smiling Ox commented, "Baja has so much to offer and the trails can be so remote and difficult, I love the battle."

Off Road Champion Casey Currie earned his 'Full Pull' status in 2010 and returns for the 2011 Rip to the Tip excited about the 1488-mile ride. Casey said, "I really loved everything about the trip last year. Baja is so fresh and wild, so new and you just never know what's around the next turn or over the next mountain."

For the third consecutive year, FUEL TV will air the Rip to the Tip adventure, but for the first time in its history, the Rip will expand beyond its normal half hour format to a FUEL TV Mini Series.

"I am stoked to have the support of FUEL TV, Monster Energy and General Tire. They are giving us the ability to share the beauty of Baja with people who may never have had a chance to see what she has to offer," said Rip TV producer and ride co-founder Cameron Steele. Steele is an accomplished off road racer and a 13-year TV broadcaster for such events as the X-Games.

Cameron reflected, "The vastness of the Baja wilderness and its beauty draws me to the places you cannot even imagine exist. Some of my best memories are watching the faces of my friends who travel with me to the most inhospitable regions in Baja. We immerse ourselves in the local traditions and people. Watching and experiencing a small part of their lives is what makes me smile day in and day out."

Once again he smiled and said, "Sharing our love for Baja with other adventurers is beyond an explanation. You have to be there to understand it."

Establishing the bar high has always been in the forefront for Rip founders, Cameron Steele and Larry Badgewell. The 2011 Rip will be no different as Cameron has gathered a stellar team of media workhorses all joining forces to provide live web programming throughout the 8-day journey. New for 2011 will be live audio interviews, editorial and on trail video coverage along with the highly successful inclusion of photography and video segments of the 2010 season.

The Rip launches an all-new web page that will track the antics as they happen day or night. You can catch it all online anytime 24/7 at www.riptothetip.com. The adventure launches at 7:00 a.m. on April 28^th.

2011 Rip to the Tip YouTube Introduction Video Trailer is here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/RiptotheTip?feature=mhum#p/c/47810B9821EE7707

General Tire dominates the legendary Mint 400 with a complete podium sweep

2011-03-26T00:00:00-04:00

'Ballistic' BJ Baldwin takes 1^st place overall and 1^st in Unlimited Truck
His father, Bobby Baldwin, takes 2^nd place overall and 2^nd place in Unlimited Truck
Mikey Childress/Rob Sims take home 3^rd place overall and 1^st place in Class 1
First Podium Sweep by GT since the 80's

LAS VEGAS, NV - (March 28, 2010) - Team General Tire crushed the competition, sweeping the podium at the 2011 Mint 400 in Las Vegas March 26. 'Ballistic' BJ Baldwin continues to unleash his fury this season. Leading the pack for the majority of the race, BJ crossed the line victorious, followed by his father Bobby Baldwin in second and Mikey Childress in third. New GT drivers Randy Merrit took 1^st in Stock Full followed by Macrae Glass with a 1^st place finish in Class 8. GT spec class drivers Perry Coan received a 1^st place in Jeepspeed Challenge and Troy Messer took 1^st in Trophylite

Stealing the off-road racing spotlight in 2010, BJ was determined to prove again his title as the king of the desert in 2011. After qualifying first at the Mint, the unstoppable BJ was off to a great start, ready to once again battle the unforgivable Las Vegas terrain.

"I was on a mission last year, and this year's mission is an even bigger one. On Team GT, it's go big or go home," said BJ after taking the podium in Las Vegas Saturday. "This race couldn't have been more perfect. These drivers out here really know how to tear it up and there's some serious competition, but with the Grabbers and with the force of Team GT/Monster Energy, Baldwin Motorsports was determined to be the unstoppable force and we proved it."

BJ is no stranger to victory. Last year, he brought home Team GT's first-ever off-road championship title since their re-entry into motorsports four years ago, winning the Best in the Desert Championship in Trick Truck. His other 2010 season podium finishes were: first place at the BITD Parker 425; second place in teammate Bobby Baldwin's truck at the 2010 SNORE Mint 400; and second place overall at the BITD Blue Water Challenge Race in Parker, Ariz. This is the first time that a father-son team place a 1^st and 2^nd in the unlimited/TT class at the Legendary Mint 400 race.

"I knew we were going to sweep the podium this year; I even twitter a podium sweep prediction before the race" said Dana Zamalloa, manager of PR and communications, General Tire. "These guys won't let anything get in their way. We are so proud of them. We have been asking for a podium sweep of our guys all last year and now our team has done it. It looks like 2011 will be a great year for General Tire."

Stay tuned for more Team GT wins throughout the season. If you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

General Tire announces the winner of the 2011 Miss Mint 400 competition - Keli Snyder

2011-03-24T00:00:00-04:00

USC student and Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing reporter Keli Snyder is named Miss Mint 400 for 2011

Snyder will receive $1,500 and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be titled Miss Mint 400. Previous Miss Mint 400 winners include Vanna White and Lynda Carter.

Fort Mill, SC - (March 28, 2011) - The 2011 General Tire Miss Mint 400 competition comes to an exciting finish. After a fierce online voting competition and rounds of interviews, General Tire crowned Keli Snyder, a University of Southern California journalism student and a television host for Lucas Oil, as this year's Miss Mint.

"Kelli is the perfect candidate for this title," said Dana Zamalloa, manager of PR and communications, General Tire. "She's ambitious, driven, has a strong passion for motorsports, and understands that character is an important part of this legendary title. We're proud to have her represent General Tire as our Miss Mint 400 for 2011."

Girls from across the country competed for this year's Miss Mint crown, which saw a record number of voters and entrants on www.generaltire.com. The title brings with it the prestigious Miss Mint title, a prize package, national exposure and a General Tire photo shoot, but only one girl can earn the title.

Kelli Snyder, 21, was a clear winner. During the interview portion of the competition, Snyder's background in motorsports, understand of the legendary Mint 400 competition and race, witty answers and her passion for off-road racing set her apart from the other candidates. Currently, Snyder is the field reporter for the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, which air weekly on the SPEED channel and on VERSUS. She was also formerly the host of the Lucas Oil Women's Motocross Championship and has worked as a pit reporter for the Monster Jam World finals and at other Lucas Oil motorsports events.

Snyder accompanied Team GT as they unleash their fury at this year's legendary Mint 400 March 25 through 27 in Las Vegas. Synder official started each race vehicle at the start line with the dropping of the green flag. In the race's heyday, the Mint was famous for its celebrity drivers and the Mint 400 Girls. Throughout the competition's history, the title has been given to a number of famous women, including Linda Carter (Wonder Woman) and Wheel of Fortune letter-turner Vanna White.

For more information on the Mint 400, "The Great American Desert Race," check out www.snoreracing.net. If you can't be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all Team GT races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Jeff "Ox" Kargola annihilates the competition, taking first at Round 2 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series

2011-03-23T00:00:00-04:00

Chandler, Ariz. – (March 23, 2011) – Team General Tire’s Jeff ‘Ox’ Kargola tore up the course Sunday, taking home his first-ever victory in Superlite and earning second position overall in the class.

As the sun beamed over the legendary Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz., March 20, the crowd at Round 2 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series anxiously awaited the sure-to-be action-packed Superlite race. Ox, a freestyle MX rider and Baja MX racer and a relatively new driver to the off-road scene, was ready to take on the rigorous course.

Though the cards were stacked against him, racing alongside several Superlite veterans, Ox and his new Superlite truck fitted with General Tire Grabber street tires fought hard for the lead, muscling his way to the front and leaving the competition in the dust.

“This win is a huge career victory for me,” said Ox after taking the podium in Chandler. “I’ve fought hard for a win since I started racing in Superlite, and to place so early in the series is exactly what I was fighting for. I’m pumped for what’s to come next with Team GT and I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season.”

Ox started his off-road career racing in the SCORE series in Class 22 and has since been making big waves in the off-road racing scene. He announced his move to Superlite at the end of the 2010 season. Fresh off his 2011 SCORE San Felipe 250 win in Class 22, he was fired up for this race. In 2010, Ox placed first at the San Felipe 250 in Class 22 and stole third in Superlite at the LOORRS Glen Helen Race. Earlier in his career, Ox earned a silver medal at the Winter X Games for “Best Trick,” was a WFA Big Air Points Champ and was the first person to complete a “Superman Seat-Grab Back Flip.” And that’s just recently — Ox has been chalking up wins and titles since 2001.

Stay tuned for more Team GT and Jeff ‘Ox’ Kargola wins throughout the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. If you can’t be there to see all the action first-hand, you can get up-to-the-minute information on all the races at www.twitter.com/teamgt.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Dakar Ford Raptor Team USA Takes Class Win

2011-01-16T00:00:00-05:00

Excitement and dust filled the air of the riverside town of Baraderos, Argentina, as the survivors of the 2011 Dakar Rally completed the final stage of the event and crossed the finish line. Since their departure from Buenos Aires on New Year's Day, competitors have battled sand, rocks, driving rain and mud, and temperatures hot enough to fry an egg on their helmets. They endured countless nights without rest, limited food, and sleeping, when they could, in the same sweaty race suit they'd been wearing for days. A good day would bring the luxury of a shower, a cold shower, to take the edge off things. In the Andes, ear-popping elevations induced headaches and fatigue, symptoms of altitude sickness. In the process, teams traversed over nine thousand kilometers through the South American continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, and back again.

For those who have never experienced the Dakar Rally first hand, it could be said that Dakar is two weeks of hell on wheels. You are on wheels, in a truck, car or on a motorcycle, and you're driving through hell. Despite the unyielding pace, harsh conditions and relentless abuse of body and machine, the people of Dakar covet all that it represents - All that it brings... good or evil. To finish is an accomplishment of spirit.

Baraderos, Argentina - Jan 15^th 2011

When the first dust cloud arrived at the finish line, the car in front of it was the #320 VW Touareg piloted by Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar. Shortly behind were Giniel DeVillers and Carlos Sainz, also in VW Touaregs. America's Mark Miller and co-pilot Ralph Pitchford pulled off a sixth place in the T1 Auto Class while California based motorcycle hotshots Quinn Cody and Jonah Street knocked off a 9^th and 12th respectively.

The Final Count Down for the Dakar Ford Raptor Team USA

During the first twelve stages and 9000 kilometers of the competition, Darren Skilton and Sue Mead have alternated driving and navigation duties each day. Skilton, a professional driver and racing team manager, shared experience and expertise behind the wheel with Mead as a coach and mentor. For Mead, a journalist by trade, Skilton's guidance was invaluable, and crucial component of the team's success.

For this final leg, an excited and exhausted Mead took the wheel in Cordoba for Stage 13, the final day of the two week competition. It was another scorcher as they made their way to the Special, a 180-kilometer sprint to the finish. Their spirits were high, as they knew they were on the home stretch and only needed to get the Raptor across the finish line. Recent rains left many sections of deep mud, which required the Raptor's four wheel drive, deep lugs of the General Grabber tires and extra traction from their ARB locker to get through. In areas of higher ground, the searing austral sun had dried the track, and blinding silt became the issue.

The shock mount, which had broken during Stage 5 and received a field repair, detached itself from the Raptor's frame again just ten kilometers short of the finish line. Skilton was able to crawl under and remove the shock in less than ten minutes, allowing the team to continue of to a 40^th place for the day. From the earlier stages when they were in 126^th position, the team managed to move up the Dakar ladder to 110^th, 95^th, 65^th and even 51^st position overall - An impressive feat for an independent team with just one support vehicle and a total of five people. At the end of the day, they held 40^th place overall, and pulled off a 1^st place finish in the Open Production Class. With the team's success, Sue Mead, who is America's first female Driver of Record at Dakar, also became first woman to achieve an automotive class victory.

Raptor Wrap-up

Although the 9500-kilometer, fourteen-day race took the team through some of the harshest and hottest conditions known to racing, the Raptor's gauges deviated from the 'normal' position only once. On Stage 10, after powering through several hours of deep, soft sand at 7psi in the tires, the transmission and motor began to heat up. A hundred kilometers from any services, Skilton and Mead decided to shut it down and let it cool. A five-minute cool-down period was all it needed and they were back on the track.

Though Sue and Darren passed dozens of vehicles with broken wheels, shredded tires, cracked windshield or failed motors, they were graced with very few mechanical issues. For the deep sands of the Atacama Dunes, which require ultra-low tire pressures, they fitted the Raptor with a new set of Grabbers mounted on Walker Evans beadlock wheels. Tire-wise, they completed the entire race with not one puncture or tire failure. From a drivetrain standpoint, the Dakar can be brutal on components. The use of Royal Purple synthetic lubricants in the Raptor's 5.4-liter Triton V-8, 6-speed transmission and differentials, eliminated any concerns of thermal viscous breakdown during these extended and demanding conditions. Hidden away behind the sheet metal, a set of Deaver springs and King racing shocks managed suspension and dampening duties without complaint. Under the hood, the only modification to the Raptor was the addition of a pair of high-output Odyssey batteries.

From the driver's view, comfortable Cobra Racing seats and Crow harnesses kept Sue and Darren securely tucked in place. Because the terrain varies by the hour, the need to deflate and inflate the tires is a regular occurrence in every stage. For quick air-ups, the team utilized a PowerTank from Advanced Air Systems, and also had an onboard ARB compressor mounted in the engine bay. To protect the Raptor's windshield, headlights and front clip from flying debris and rocks, the entire front end and glass was coated with XPEL protective film. When the dust settled in Buenos Aires, all were in tack and in perfect condition. When the sun set on the Atacama, a set of high performance Soltek LED auxiliary lighting lit the way.

Team Wrap Up

Dakar is a like running a fourteen-day marathon. You train and train for months, pay attention to the details and prepare as best you can for the unknown (which Dakar is famous for). But no matter how prepared you are, how much you have fine-tuned your mental and physical being, when you roll into Buenos Aires on the final stage, if you make it that far, you are exhausted. You have pushed the physical and mental limits of mind and body. Your internal clock has counted down this moment, exerting every ounce of energy and reserve. When the moment arrives, excitement and elation battle exhaustion and fatigue. Your body is spent.

In a moment of reflection after the team took their place on the podium in Buenos Aires, Skilton said, "We all had so much invested in this program, I'm really happy with our results. Everyone brought a unique skill set to the table; they did their job the best that it could be done. Everyone came together as a team and that is one of the things I love about Dakar."

Sue Mead:

"When I began looking into making this a reality ten months ago, my greatest hope was just to just get here, to participate. I was turning sixty and really wanted to do something big. I'd navigated for Darren in the 2000 Dakar in Africa, an incredible experience. He knows what he is doing and I knew he had the know-how required to manage the team. As we completed each stage, as brutal as they were, we just rolled into the next. Before I knew it, we were more than half way done. So many others had broken down, crashed or dropped out, yet I began to think we could actually see the finish line. At that point our entire focus fell on keeping the Raptor in one piece and getting it back to Buenos Aires. When we cleared Stage 12 in Cordoba and all the other Open Production cars were out, it sunk in. "We could actually win our class."

Troy and Dan, our mechanics, have been amazing. They were always there when we needed them. They worked all night if needed, then drove 800 kilometers the next day, set up for our arrival, then did it all over again. Our media manager Chris Collard was up until 2am each night getting our press releases out and updating media outlets. Many times he would be gone early in the morning, headed out with his cameras before we got up.

I'm so thankful to be here. I'm a very spiritual person and have drawn on the prayers of friends and family. Getting here has really been on a wing and a prayer. To be the first American woman to race, and then to win, is overwhelming. I'm so proud and grateful to everyone."

It is a huge accomplishment and credit to all players involved for a stock vehicle, such as the Ford SVT Raptor, to compete and complete an event as demanding as the Dakar Rally. The combination of the FabSchool's careful attention to detail in preparing the truck, a few select aftermarket additions, and a team that works as a team, were a winning combination for the 2011 Dakar Rally.

Dakar Rally Crosses Andean Peaks a Second Time

2011-01-13T00:00:00-05:00

The last forty-eight hours have continued the breakneck pace for competitors in the 2011 Dakar Rally. Beginning from Copiapo, Chile on January 10^th, teams were once again directed into the barren and desolate waist lands of the Atacama Desert. Though the stages leading up to the rest day in Arica, and the two days in Copiapo, were beyond brutal to man, woman and machine, organizers have not eased the pressure or intensity. Dakar, as it seams, is all about selfless subjection to abuse, life in a perpetual sleep deprivation, sleeping in sweat-soaked clothes in a dirty sleeping bag the midst of a dusty noisy dirt lot turned 24-hour auto shop. If you are lucky, you have good set of earplugs. It is the aforementioned qualities that levy such a high level of pride and accomplishment in completing what the world has come to know as Dakar.

Copiapo, Chile to Chilecito Argentina - 862km

Stage 10, from Copiapo, Chile to Chilecito, Argentina brought the total distance from the starting point in Buenos Aires to a staggering 7,328 kilometers. As the day turned to night, rough conditions of the stage resulted in additional culling of the remaining field. The leader board in the auto class has been shuffled in the past few days. Carlos Sainz, of Spain, who lead early in the week, now trails Al-Attiyah of Kuwait by almost two hours. De Villiers of South Africa, while our own Mark Miller slipped to sixth overall.

The Dakar Ford Raptor, driven by Sue Mead and Darren Skilton and the only remaining team in all of the OP classes, had a hard and close encounter with a large boulder yesterday. Mid-way through the Stage, they took a hard hit to the lower A-arm on the driver's side. The A-arm was remained attached but the mount to the frame was torn open. Skilton contacted the support team that it would be a late night, as he and Mead would try to limp the Raptor into camp. After sixteen hours behind the wheel, they rolled into the bivouac, and in an unbelievable 37^th position in the auto class.

Team mechanics Troy Johnson and Dan Moore immediately assessed the situation and went to work. At 2am, they had the front end of the Raptor disassembled, had straighten the bent A-arm mount, welded bracing where needed and were in re-assembling mode. It is not surprise these guys know how to 'Get It' when it comes to fixing things. Johnson owns The FabSchool, Dan Moore is his lead instructor, and they, along with their Fall 2010 class of students, were responsible for race-prepping the Raptor for Dakar.

Chilecito to San Juan, Argentina - 786km

The bright side about today's section is that there are flies. Yes, flies are a good sign. It means that there is stuff for flies to eat. And that means there is water, vegetation and life... non of which are found in the Atacama.

Did I mention the attrition rate at Dakar is through the roof. Of the 250+ T1 (autos) and T4(Semi trucks on steroids), only 101 would take a position in the starting line up this morning. Of the total 786km today, the Special, or dirt section, would be 622km.

While meeting with the crew last night, Dakar Ford Raptor team manager Darren Skilton said, " I'm really happy to be here and that the truck is holding together. These past two days have been unbelievable, scary and very dangerous. It is just crazy out there. I was driving when we hit the slit beds. It was a mess. Cars went in, disappeared and never came out. I was driving and pulled quick Baja move. We took the far right side away from the dog pile found our own track. We could hear the engines and carnage in the cloud of slit. But we got around all of it and must have passed fifteen cars." Skilton continued, " That is the good news. The bad news is we hit that rock really hard, damaged the car, and I was really worried that we could put ourselves out the race. We got lucky this time... but we have to drive smart to finish this thing."

Autos, bikes and trucks are filtering into the bivouac as this goes to print. Mead and Skilton have passed Check Point 2 and are on the Liaison portion (paved). At this point there are racing only against themselves. All other OP/1 and OP/2 are out of the race. If they can keep the Raptor together for three more days, they will land a podium finish for one of the only production vehicles in the race. Official postings last night showed the team in 37^th position in the Auto Class

For Stage 12 tomorrow, organizers are changing it up a bit. At 0415 hours, the T4 trucks will lead the stage to Cordoba - followed by bikes and then autos. Today's stage kicked up the ante to 8117 kilometers, and tomorrow will tack on another 700km. You can view real time Iritrack position updates at Dakar.com and follow the team at Facebook under Dakar Ford Raptor. Or, stay tuned here.

Ford Raptor Team USA Leads SCORE Class at Dakar Rally

2011-01-10T00:00:00-05:00

Stage 8 of the 2011 Dakar Rally was a great day for the FabSchool-General Tire Ford Raptor Team. The Stage, which encompassed 776 kilometers, was the forth of five extremely difficult days of the rally. Beginning in the Chilean coastal town of Antofagasta, competitors again headed towards the unforgiving interior of the Atacama Desert. The first 268kilometers, the liaison or paved section, brought them to the base of the sand dunes near Pan de Azucar. From there they began another 500+ kilometers of dunes, hard-pack and loose rock.

If you have been following the progress of Team Raptor USA you know that Sue Mead and Darren Skilton have been practicing disciples of the "You have to finish to win" philosophy. The duo has been maintaining a fast yet cautious pace; doing everything they can do to reduce navigation errors and the possibility of damaging the vehicle. Early frustrations of being passed by a number of cars each day have diminished as they have slowly climbed the leader board from 126^th. Their strategy is paying off.

Darren Skilton, co-driver and team manager for the Dakar Ford Raptor team, said this morning, "We lost a lot of vehicles in the past three days. It is very, very dangerous out there, especially when it gets dark. People are breaking, rolling, getting stuck... your can hear engines screaming as drivers try to push their vehicles to the limit. We had a really rough time the other night. It was about 3a.m. we'd been trying to make our way to a waypoint and ran into a dozen other teams doing the same thing. The problem was that no one could get up a really steep and really loose dune. There was no moon and we could find no way around. We ended up sleeping for a while, when we awoke it was a mess. Cars everywhere, a T4 rolled over nearby. It was just crazy."

During the past year, in the months preparing for this type of challenge, the team considered product selection very carefully. Dakar is a very expensive race to attend. If just one aspect is compromised or overlooked, it could mean the difference between winning, not finishing, breaking and going home on a tow strap, or worse. Over the past four days in the Atacama, the team has passed dozens of cars with punctured or destroyed tires. While no tire is indestructible, and flats are often diver error, the team's General Grabber tires have been bulletproof thus far. FabSchool, while preparing the Raptor's roll cage and adding King Racing shocks, installed an ARB Air Locker in the rear axle. It has been an invaluable asset in providing 100% traction to the tires with the flip of one button on the dash.

In the dunes, the team is regularly reducing tire pressure to 18, 13 and even 7psi. These low air pressures would not be attainable without the use of the Walker Evans beadlock racing wheels.

Because this type of competition subjects engine and drivetrain components to some of the harshest conditions know to internal combustion engines, oil selection was not taken lightly. Team Manager and co-driver Darren Skilton chose Royal Purple lubricants for the entire truck. Chief mechanic Troy Johnson said, "Racing is brutal on engines... and your motor oil is not the place to compromise quality."

As of the start of competition earlier today, Stage 9, a mere 270 kilometers, the Dakar Ford Raptor team was in 51^st position in the automotive class. The track today is a loop run from the bivouac near Copiapo, into the Atacama and back to the bivouac. Though shorter than other stages thus far, today's course will challenge teams with three major dune crossings. At this point all vehicles in their class (SCORE Class), with the exception of Eliseo Salazar of Chile in a Robby Gordon HUMMER, have been eliminated from the race.

!!STOP THE PRESS!! !!STOP THE PRESS!!

Word is just into the Dakar Village headquarters that Salazar in the Robby Gordon HUMMER have burn up a transmission in the sand dunes and are out of the race!!! This will put Sue Mead, America's first female driver of record, and team mate Darren Skilton officially in first place for all SCORE Class vehicles. If the team can keep the Raptor in tact and complete the next four days and Special Stages, this could mean a spot on the podium and a Dakar Class Championship.

With this news, several TV crews are gathering around the team's MAN Support Truck for interviews with the team when they arrive. Sue and Darren have passed checkpoint two and the completion of day's Stage. They should be on the paved road heading for the bivouac this very moment. We're sure their spirits are through the roof at this time.

We'll keep you posted with details as they arrive. You can view real time Iritrack position updates at Dakar.com and follow the team at Facebook under Dakar Ford Raptor. Or, stay tuned here.

Dakar Ford Raptor Team USA Leads Class after Stage 7

2011-01-09T00:00:00-05:00

The sun’s first rays spread across the protected harbor of Antofagasta, Chile, this morning as competitors prepared for the eighth leg of the 2011 Dakar Rally. After the rest day between stages six and seven, the field had been trimmed by more than twenty-five percent. With each leg of the race, a few more vehicles crash or break, a few more motorcycle riders go down with injuries, and another massive T4 truck is eliminated.

Leg seven, from Arica to Antofagasta, teams got back to the business of racing in heart of one of the harshest deserts on the planet, the Atacama. At 819 kilometers, this was the longest Stage of the race. But after loosing so many vehicles in leg six, organizers trimmed the Special Stage, or dirt section, by 250 kilometers. This reduction in the daily abuse was a welcome reprieve and most teams had completed the stage by 2200hrs. When the dust settled, Spanish driver Carlos Sainz remained overall leader, followed by Al-Attiyah of Quate and Stephan Peterhansel of France.

The big news on the American front is that of the eight U.S. teams, or riders, who rolled off the podium in Buenos Aires seven days ago, four are still in the competition. Mark Miller lost some ground today but remains in sixth place overall, in the automotive class two hours and thirteen minutes behind the leader. Motorcycle riders Quinn Cody and Jonah Street held on to 11^th and 14^th positions in the Moto Class.

Sue Mead and Darren Skilton, piloting the FabSchool-General Tire Ford Raptor, have been working their way up from a low of 126^th position. Over the course of the past seven days of racing and 5300 kilometers, the duo has cut that number in half, starting in 51^st position in the automotive class, and 1^st in their specific vehicle class. The two have been sharing driving duties, swapping driving/navigator on alternate days. For Stage 7, the traded positions mid-day. Mead said, “ I felt really bad because I got us stuck on a sand ridge and it cost us time. Darren though, is such an amazing coach and teammate. He keeps his cool no matter what seems to be happening. His navigation is perfect, and as a driving, Darren has a constant awareness of his surroundings, knows how far he can push the car, and us. We got hi-centered again latter when Darren was driving. He didn’t get upset or frustrated, he just got out and dealt with it. When it comes to racing, he is a true professional.

The two arrived at the bivouac around 2100hrs last night and were strapping into the Raptor at 0630 this morning. Today’s Stage will take the duo inland, back through the Atacama, and 776 kilometer to the south. When the sun sets on the Pacific the team will hopefully be at the nightly bivouac in the Chilean town of Copiapo. You can view real time Iritrack position updates at Dakar.com and follow the team at Facebook under Dakar Ford Raptor. Or, stay tuned here.

Image:

Team Manager Darren Skilton and the crew relax a bit on the rest day in Arica, Chile. (right to left: Troy Johnson, Sue Mead, Dan Moore)

The FabSchool-General Tire Ford Raptor raised it’s game in the past five days, rising from 126^th position to 51^st position for the beginning of Stage 8

"Nothing About Dakar is Easy"- Following the Dakar Ford Raptor Team USA in the Toughest Race on the Planet

2011-01-08T00:00:00-05:00

There must be a deeply rooted need for personal discomfort that drives one to participate in the Dakar. Nothing about it is easy; not for the support teams, the organizers the media. And God help the drivers and navigators. It's been a flat-out grind from the moment the green flag dropped in Buenos Aires. Scorching humidity in the Argentine lowlands near San Miguel de Tucuman kept everyone's skin and clothing in a permanent state of sweat-soaked stickiness, and Torrential downpours in San Salvador de Jujuy sent rivers of muddy slurry through our tents. The day of Stage IV, the 2500 people involved with Dakar ascended the Andes to an ear-popping elevation of 16,000 feet in less than twenty-four hours, sending almost everyone for their meds kit for Tylenol, asprin or other remedy for high-altitude headaches.

The Atacama Desert is akin to a visit to the moon. It is absolutely void of flora and fauna. Not a damn thing lives there. Flies won't even call it home. The view of the Chilean Pacific coast would have been a pleasant reprieve from the previous five days - but most competitors arrived in the coastal town of Iquique well into the night - many, not until sunrise of the following day. The good news was they only had another 760 kilometers back through the Atacama desert before arriving in Arica, Chile, for a rest day. As I said, " Nothing about Dakar Rally is easy. "

Statistics for Stages so far are as follows.

Buenos Aires to Victoria: 377km
Victoria to Cordoba: 758km
Cordoba to San Miguel de Tucuman: 740km
Tucuman to San Salvador de Jujuy: 752km
Jujuy to Calama: 761km
Calama to Iquique, Chile: 459
Iquique to Arica: 721km

Cumulative from Buenos Aires: 4,504km

Competitors Out Of The Competition

Motorcycles - 41

Autos - 37

T4 Trucks - 18

Today is the rest day, and if you made it this far it is a welcome and much needed reprieve. The past two days in the Atacama were beyond brutal and have thinned out the contingent fairly well. More than twenty-five percent of the completion was knocked out in Stages six and seven. America's popular Robby Gordon lost a wheel bearing in Stage six, had to get towed three hundred kilometers into the bivouac. His late arrival disqualified him from the race.

Team Dakar Ford Raptor USA

For Sue Mead and Darren Skilton Stages 5 & 6 were forty-eight hours of hell. The Raptor was modified with competition-grade King Racing shocks for the harsh conditions of Dakar. Unfortunately, the right rear shock mount, though tough enough for 99% of what off-roading has to offer, gave it up in the Special Stage and broke. Skilton was at the wheel and after numerous attempts at a field-fix, needed to slow the pace considerably. Darkness came and the duo was out in the middle of the Atacama dunes with several dozen other 'lost' racers. Massive T4 semi-style trucks were rolled over, other cars were buried in the sand or broken, and the sound so screaming engines could be heard in the darkness. They and about a dozen other teams hunkered down until dawn to continue.

Skilton piloted the Raptor into the bivouac within minutes of the witching hour. If they did not complete the stage within an hour of the there scheduled start time for the next day, they would have succumbed to the same fate as Gordon. As it was, team mechanics Troy Johnson and Dan Moore dug in with wrenches, grinders and welders and with only minutes to spare, they had the Raptor patched up and ready for the track. Johnson said, " That was just about the ugliest weld I've ever done.. and I'm a run a certified welding school. But were work with the tools that we have. It doesn't look good but it will defiantly hold."

The team endured another twenty-four hour day, not arriving at the Arica, Chile bivouac until 0630hrs this morning. The support crew waited for the team at a course checkpoint at kilometer 450 until 2230hrs. Though it was only for moral support (support crews are not allowed to assist unless in the bivouac), Mead said this morning, "My lord, it was so uplifting to see you guys out there in the dark waiting for us. It made us feel like we were not alone out there."

"To finish is to win in my opinion." Mead said. " This isn't about just bringing home a trophy; this is about bringing the truck and the team across the finish line. Everyone has a roll, it we cross the finish line, we cross as a team. It is the guys who wait for hours and days just to fix the car if needed. Everyone's roll is unique, no one person can succeed in this type of race along. It is one of the things I love about racing, everyone putting their skills together, each bringing a valuable part of the puzzle to the table to see the whole picture. Only this type of collaboration can make it work. "

"I've prayed many nights in the past year that I would be here... last night my prayers were that we survive." Mead, who turned sixty this year, has held the dream of racing the Dakar for more than a decade (when she ran with Skilton as navigator/co-driver), wanted to do something BIG for her 60^th... as they say, be carful what you wish for.

Sue took her place in the support trucks sleeping quarters while Skilton retreated to his roof-mounted ARB tent. They were out in about twenty-five milliseconds and enjoyed a long 4-hour sleep(long being a relative term to Dakar). The order of business on the rest day is more work. Troy and Dan replaced one of the General Grabber tires that had sustained a sidewall gash, drained and replaced engine and differential fluids with Royal Purple lubricants, checked welds, lights, suspension components and torqued nuts. Then cleaned the Raptor inside and out.

The bivouac on this day, unlike the five previous nights, was akin to a State Fair or carnival. The Chilean visitors bureau, Chilean Military and local vendors were on hand to add to the atmosphere. Sue and Darren spent the afternoon doing radio interviews and photo shoots with the Raptor.

What is to come...

Skilton, a Dakar veteran who in almost no circumstance raises his voice above a contemplative directive, said, "The next three days will really be the test for us. We're back in the dunes for part of tomorrow, which could be though, but the loop stage from Copiapo to Copiapo is going to be the real deal. There is no way we will reach the dunes in the daylight... so it will be another test of how well we can cope with navigating some really rough terrain at in the dark. There will probably be a lot of cars out there, a lot of carnage "

Last check with the ASO officials showed Sue and Darren starting at 0630 and in 73^rd position. Total distance will be 817 kilometers as they ascend the coastal mountains to the Atacama, heading south towards the Tocopilla and Antofagasta, tomorrow night's bivouac. You can view real time Iritrack position updates at Dakar.com and follow the team at Facebook under Dakar Ford Raptor. Or, stay tuned here.

Image Captions:

Dakar mid-race 39

Darren Skilton and Sue Mead take a breather near Arica, Chile with the General Tire/FabSchool Ford Raptor.

Dakar mid-race 40

Other than a competition-quality roll cage and other required modifications, the only changes to the Raptor's suspension was fitting a pair of King Racing shocks. This is a testament to the type of vehicle the Raptor is when it rolls out of the factory.

Dakar mid-race 41

The team chose the General Grabber racing tire for its ultra-rugged construction and ability to provide traction in a wide variety of terrain. After 4500 kilometers the team has had no flats or punctures.

Dakar mid-race 42

Stuck in the endless dunes of the Atacama Desert, the team implemented an entire array of ARB recovery gear: Winch line extenders, tow straps and d-shackles, and even the ARB exhaust powered air jack.

Dakar mid-race 43

After a twenty-four hour day on the track, and with no sleep, Sue Mead, America's first female Driver of Record in the Dakar Rally, studies for another 24-hour marathon day.

Dakar mid-race 45

Stage six, from Iquique to Arica, Chile, sent competitors into the depths of the Atacama Desert.

Dakar mid-race 47

The Dakar Rally attracted millions of people in the streets of Buenos Aires. But even out here in the Atacama, locals drive great distances to be part of game.

Dakar mid-race 50

Alone and in the Atacama - The motorcycle riders may have it tougher than any. The must be driver, navigator, mechanic and medic, and must endure the forces of nature head-on.

Dakar mid-race 51

American Robby Gordon, who is a regular crowd pleaser would wide, lost a wheel bearing in Stage 5 and did not complete the Stage in the required time. He was disqualified from the race.

Dakar mid-race 52

The T4 class trucks are like semi trucks on steroids. The are loud, fast, and can pass just about anyone unfortunate enough to be in front of them on the track.

The Dakar Ford Raptor Team Reaches The Pacific Ocean

2011-01-07T00:00:00-05:00

The saga continues at the 2011 Dakar Rally. In the past two days competitors made their way from Argentina's wine country near Calama, over 16,000 foot passes of the Andes and through the Atacama Desert before descending back to sea level at the Pacific Ocean.

Big news is that American's own Robby Gordon, who suffered a blown transmission on State Two but was able to get back in the race, lost a wheel bearing yesterday. The result was a long tow back to the bivouac, disqualification from the race and an empty slot in the starting order this morning.

Though today's dust has not settled yet, and dozens of teams remain out on the track in the dark, Mark Miller was able to hold a respectable 5^th place in the auto class, just twenty minuets behind rally leader Peterhansel of France.

Dakar Ford Raptor Team USA

After yesterday's 700 kilometer effort, which began in a torrential downpour near Jujuy, Argentina, Sue Mead and Darren Skilton were in good spirits. They'd regained the ground that they'd lost on Stage II, and were back in position 105 for this morning's start. This would be the first day of extended sand, and the team decided to install their Walker Evans Racing beadlock wheels with a new set of General Grabber tires. The first set was still in great shape, but ultra-low air pressures required for the Atacama sand dunes required the beadlock wheels.

While the support team of Dan Moore and Troy Johnson were busy with the Raptor, Mead reflected on the day (yesterday). " It is really scary when the T4 trucks need to pass you in a narrow section of track. They are so big, and all you can see is their headlights and grill in the rearview mirror." "But Darren and I are getting into our groove. It is ironic that we had less than one hour in the car together prior to the start. But it is working out. Darren has so much experience and is a great coach.

"Tomorrow we head into the Atacama Desert. The guys are installing our Walker Evans Beadlocks and I'm sure our ARB air-locker is going to be a great help in maximizing traction in the sand. I think the guys are changing all fluids tonight as well. We chose Royal Purple lubricants because in a race like the Dakar, only the best will do."

Calama, Argentina: 15,000 feet elevation

After clearing the near-16,000 pass over the Andes and driving for several hours through the moonscape that is the Atacama, competitors lined up an the base of a canyon for this morning's start.

Details are slow coming in, but Sue and Darren are currently limping the Raptor towards the bivouac with a broken rear shock mount. This is a set back for the day, but not a race-ender. As long as they are rolling under their own power, they only take the hit for the extended time. Troy and Dan will be up late repairing the shock mount and inspecting the entire vehicle for secondary affects.

Tomorrow the 2500+ people of Dakar Village will move north to Arica, Chile, the northernmost point of the race. After seven days of completion, competitors will enjoy a well deserve rest day.

You can view real time Iritrack position updates at Dakar.com and follow the team at Facebook under Dakar Ford Raptor. Or, stay tuned here.

The Dakar Ford Raptor Team Endures Marathon 72 Hours

2011-01-04T00:00:00-05:00

It's been a brutal seventy-two hours for the FabSchool - General Tire Ford Raptor Team USA. After departing Buenos Aires late afternoon on New Year's Day and making the long drive to Victoria, the team finally went to bed at 0200hrs. 0600 came fast, and the four-hour nap would be an indication of the schedule to come.

The Special section (the dirt) heading to Cordoba was mostly hard-pack with many rocky sections. They lost some ground mid-way in the stage due to a few unexpected stops and large concentrations of spectator traffic on the road and pedestrians clogging the start line. They were also warned for speeding in two places during the liaison stage (a whole three km/h over the limit). The Iritrack system monitors speed throughout the day and automatically flags teams for infractions. The penalty is 100 Euros, the second infraction could cost 500 Euros.

With the big crunch to get the Raptor completed before shipping it to Chile, this was Darren and Sue's first hours in the truck together. They were both happy with the Raptor's performance and handling gave kudos to the combination of the General Grabber tires and King racing shocks.

The entire team was in the bivouac by 2100hrs but would not see a pillow until after midnight. Troy Johnson and Dan Moore detailed diagnosed a check engine light that came on mid-day, and inspected and cleaned the Raptor. Sue Mead and Darren Skilton reviewed the next day's roadbook and discussed the pros and cons of the day. Media Manager Chris Collard finalized details for a 0200 departure with a Bulgarian media team and threw his sleeping bag down for a one-hour nap before heading out for the next Stage.

January 4, 2011: San Miguel de Tucuman to San Salvador de Jujuy

Drivers Sue Mead and Darren Skilton took their place in line for a 1000hrs starting time, behind the 130-plus motorbikes that traditionally begin before four-wheeled vehicles. The beginning of the dirt section, or Special, was a 2.5-hour drive from the bivouac. Since organizers pushed the motorcycle start time down to 0430, so Chris and the Bulgarians were again out of camp by 0200 after arriving at midnight. He snapped the attached image at kilometer marker 157.

Sue and Darren are still on the track as this is written, but sailed the Raptor passed Chris at about 1300hrs in a sandy section of wash on the lee of the Andes. Chris is pirating an Internet connection at a roadside café, and Troy and Dan are in route to San Salvador de Jujuy to set up the camp. Tomorrow, if all goes well, they will cross into Chile through a 15,000 pass and head for the highly revered sand dunes of the Atacama Desert. You can view real time Iritrack position updates at Dakar.com and follow the team at Facebook under Dakar Ford Raptor.

Dakar Ford Raptor Team USA Begins the 2011 Dakar Rally

2011-01-01T00:00:00-05:00

Buenos Aires brought the New Year in with a bang today with the beginning of the 2011 Dakar Rally. Considered one of the top five adventures in the world of motor sports, it is on the Bucket List of every off road racer and race fan. Synonymous with grit, determination, and guts, the Dakar, over the next fifteen days, will demand every thread of character from the four-hundred-plus who crossed through the grand stage arches this afternoon. Celebrating its third year in South America, the rally continues to draw larger crowds and expanded international attention.

At 1837 hrs this afternoon, America's own Sue Mead and Darren Skilton parked the FabSchool/General Tire Ford Raptor atop the starting line stage and jumped out waving an American flag. To their right was the only other Ford Raptor in the race, along with its pilots Javier Campillay and Pablo Rodríguez. The two teams not only started this 9500-kilometer adventure together, they will be collaborating throughout the race to make sure that both Raptors cross under the checkered flag in fifteen days.

After and early New Year's night (1am), the morning began for Team Raptor with the regular 0800 meeting where the team manager Darren Skilton shared his thought on the upcoming day and making sure the support crew, Dan Moore and Crew Chief Troy Johnson, we squared away with the route to tonight's bivouac in Victoria. Breakfast was followed by a comprehensive driver's meeting at the Dakar Village, and a few hours back at the hotel with final organizing of their MAN 4x4 support truck. About 1600, media guy Chris Collard headed for the starting line at the Obelisk in the city's center.

The electronic issues of the previous day were behind them and everyone was charged up to jump in the Raptor and make their way through the streets of Buenos Aires.

Troy, who was chief mechanic for the team a decade ago when Sue navigated for Darren in the Dakar to Cairo rally, said "It feels good to be back at Dakar with the team from the 2000. Sue was navigating for Darren on that race. It was really rough go but they learned to work like a well-oiled machine in the process. That race was 7000 miles, this one is about 5000, and we've got a great vehicle with the Raptor. In the preparation phase we set the rear differential with an ARB locker, fitted King Shocks at each corner, and wheels from Walker Evans Racing. We chose Cobra seats for and Crow Harnesses because of their reputation for comfort and quality. Under the hood the Raptor is mostly in factory form except for a pair of Odyssey batteries and Royal Purple Racing oil. I'm really excited to be here and thing Sue and Darren are going to do great."

With an 1830hr starting position, it would be another late night for everyone. The team charged off to Victoria, a 377 kilometer sortie, for the first stop of the race and will continue on to Cordova tomorrow. Stay with us for daily post on Team Dakar Ford Raptor as they make their way to Arica, Chile in the 2011 Dakar Rally.

Team General Tire's Carl Renezeder and Robby Woods take the podium at the close of the 2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series

2010-12-15T00:00:00-05:00

Renezeder takes 2^nd in Pro 2 Unlimited and finishes 3^rd with Pro 4 in the LOORRS Rockstar Energy Challenge Cup, taking home $7,500
Robby Woods places 3^rd in Pro 2 Unlimited and in the Cup Race
Dawson Kirchner takes 2^nd in Superlite on General Grabber AT2 tires
Jeff "Ox" Kargola finishes 4^th in Superlite

PHOENIX, Ariz. - (Dec. 15, 2010) - Team General Tire's 2010 off-road racing season culminates in solid finishes, with Carl Renezeder taking second in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Pro 2 Unlimited battle Dec. 11^th, and tacking on a third-place victory in the Rockstar Energy Challenge Cup Dec. 12^th at Phoenix's famed Firebird Raceway. On Saturday, Team GT's Robby Woods took home third place in Pro 2 Unlimited and also in the LOORRS Rockstar Energy Challenge Cup, Dawson Kirchner took second in Superlite on General Tire Grabber AT2 tires and Team GT's Jeff "Ox" Kargola took fourth in Superlite on Saturday.

The roar of the off-road racing season may be coming to a lull, but it was far from silenced at this weekend's LOORRS event. Under the glare of the Arizona sun, Renezeder made his mark at Saturday's Pro 2 Unlimited race, the final race of the day. Renezeder and Team GT's Robby Woods were at the front of the pack, with Woods in hot pursuit of the lead. After Woods nearly spun out and slid across the track, Renezeder took second position, pushing Woods into third. Even with a rock lodged in his shifter, Renezeder was able to maintain his second place spot till he crossed under the finish line. Woods finished third, for an almost-podium sweep by Team GT.

But Renezeder's weekend wasn't over. The Rockstar Energy Challenge Cup - notorious for its cut-throat competition and praised for its epic pay-out - was still to be conquered. The Challenge pits 12 Pro 2 drivers and 14 Pro 4 drivers against each other in the ultimate battle for the winner's $30,000 purse. Sunday's much-anticipated battle didn't disappoint. Renezeder drove hard, charging the competition to take third in the grisly race that saw just 15 drivers make it to the finish line. Renezeder took home $7,500 for his third-place spot in the Cup.

"This has been a remarkable off-road season for General Tire," said Travis Roffler, General Tire director of marketing. "Team GT drivers have taken countless podiums this year and this is exactly how we wanted to finish out our year. I couldn't be more excited to see the fury Team GT unleashes in 2011."

The Superlite class has proven to be an extremely exciting class to watch for spectators.

Team GT's Jeff "Ox" Kargola in his rookie season also stirred up the competition Saturday, earning a fourth place spot in Superlite. Dawson Kichner, also in Superlite, took home a second on the famed General Grabbers AT2 tires.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

# # #

General Media Contacts:

Dana Zamalloa

704-583-8165

dana.zamalloa@conti-na.com

Abbey Linville

Crowl, Montgomery & Clark

330-494-6999, ext. 207

alinville@crowlinc.com

General Tire and Lucas Oil Sign-on To Produce Best in the Desert's 2011 Five Event TV Coverage

2010-12-13T00:00:00-05:00

December 13, 2010 - Corona, CA

For nearly two decades, America's premier open desert racing series, Best In The Desert, owned by Casey Folks, has organized the most grueling and longest off road competitions this sid

e of the US/Mexico border. Deemed "The American Off Road Racing Series", the organization is very popular and widely known for being highly organized, retaining an exceptional safety record, and courses that offer a variety of terrain.

Best In The Desert has strived to deliver the ultimate package of desert racing to motorsport enthusiast. Beginning in 2011, General Tire and Lucas Oil have formed a partnership with Best in the Desert to achieve a new level of exciting television entertainment that will showcase the entire five event series.

"General Tire is excited to have Lucas Oil Studios on board to capture every bone jarring hit and bringing to TV the intense behind the scenes drama within the 2011 Best In The Desert Series," stated Travis Roffler, Director of Marketing for General Tire. "We have enjoyed a long standing relationship with Lucas Oil and this extension of the Team Lucas partnership will exemplify the outstanding expertise that Lucas Oil Studios brings to motorsports television. I cannot wait to watch this series and I am already looking forward to the Parker 425."

Airing on Versus and MavTV cable networks, Lucas Oil Studios will capture all the action and drama that desert racing is known for. "This will be the first time ever for the exciting Best In The Desert Series to be offered on TV in HD," stated Bob Patison, Executive Vice President of Lucas Oil Products. "We have produced shows for desert racing before and are fully aware of what it takes to create a quality entertainment package that tells the story of each event. In addition we are thrilled to announce that Lucas Oil will now be the "Official Oil" of Best In The Desert."

Directing the complex production is the highly organized Dan Walsh who brings to the table decades of off road desert racing TV experience for top entities such as ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, SpeedWeek and Motorweek. Producing the segments is Dan's long time counterpart and a very qualified Denis Torres.

Using state-of-the-art equipment, professional on air talent and a full team of gifted studio personnel, Lucas Oil and General Tire will deliver 5 HD shows that exceed the standards of a traditional desert race TV broadcast.

"I can't tell you how proud and excited I am to have General Tire & Lucas Oil team up with Best In The Desert to capture the most exciting desert racing in North America," stated Casey Folks. "I consider Lucas Oil Studios the very best in producing high quality made for TV race coverage. Their outstanding production capabilities and the broadcast of our series will showcase the excitement of true desert racing in the United States to millions of fans."

Casey Folks and his tightly run Best in the Desert organization have already released the 2011 schedule found here: http://www.bitd.com/images/stories/pdfs/2011Schedule.pdf

About Lucas Oil
Headquartered in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products was founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil has established itself as one of the fastest-growing lubrication product lines in the consumer automotive aftermarket. The Lucas Oil product line features engine oils, greases, gear lubes and problem-solving additives for everyday cars and trucks. In addition, Lucas Oil continues to be directly involved in the American racing industry at all levels through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing events. More information on Lucas Oil Products can be found by visiting www.LucasOil.com.

General Tire Dominates the Best in the Desert Championship

2010-12-06T00:00:00-05:00

Team General Tire crushed the competition taking Best in the Desert Championships in three classes. “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin unleashed the fury this season on BITD and won the Championship in the Trick Truck class. One of GT’s young guns Jason Voss followed up with a 2^nd place finish in the championship and won the Trick Truck class at the TransWest Ford Henderson 250 Dec 3^rd – 5^th. David Schneider also answered the GT calling with a championship in class 4400, as well as Louis Chamberlin gave the competition his all and won the championship in class 7-2. Procuring General’s first championship in a desert racing series since its re-launch into desert racing in 2007, Team GT pulled out all the stops at this Best in the Desert series crowning event.

Stealing the off-road racing spotlight in 2010, “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin and co-driver Johnny Nelson had their sights set on a championship in the Best in the Desert Series since the beginning of the season and accomplished the goal the “BJ Baldwin way,” no holds bars all-out ballistic racing all season.

“I was on a mission this year. I wanted to be the first General Tire racer to bring them a championship and I am proud to say we accomplished the goal and brought the fans some exciting racing all season,” said BJ Baldwin, Baldwin Motorsports. “The Grabbers performed excellent all year and are a huge factor in my winning strategy. My team is so pumped on winning this championship and we are looking forward to dropping the hammer again on the competition next season.”

And Baldwin is no stranger to victory. His results for the 2010 season have been: first place at the BITD Parker 425; second place in teammate Bobby Baldwin’s truck at the 2010 SNORE Mint 400; and second place overall at the BITD Blue Water Challenge Race in Parker, Ariz; as well as securing a 4^th place finish in the SCORE Baja 1000.

The unstoppable team of Jason and Rich Voss walked away with an incredible second place in the Best in the Desert championship and earned first place in Trick Truck at the Henderson 250.

“These wins are exactly how we wanted to end the 2010 off-road season,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. “Our performance here proves that Team GT isn’t going anywhere. We’ve made our mark on the desert with some of the best drivers and best tires in the industry and we are here to stay. We are extremely proud of our entire Team GT results and look forward to an outstanding 2011 off-road season.”

Driving on General Tire Grabber Competition tires, David Schneider won the BITD championship in class 4400. Louis Chamberlin, sporting the invincible Grabber AT2 tires, won the BITD championship in class 7-2.

Tire Rack rates General's AltiMAX RT the number one touring all-season tire

2010-11-09T00:00:00-05:00

Tire Rack, a leader in tire testing in the US, performed a "Touring All-Season Tire Test," in which General Tire's AltiMAX RT placed first ahead of the Firestone Precision Touring Tire, the Yokohama AVID TOURING-S and the BFGoodrich Premier Touring tire. The test was conducted using a size 205/55 R16 T tire on a BMW 328i, and was handled independently by Tire Rack on their own test track in South Bend, Indiana.

Tire Rack's 6.6-mile loop of expressway, state highway and county roads provided a variety of road conditions, including city and highway speeds, smooth and coarse concrete and new and patched asphalt. The tire distributor tested for noise comfort, ride quality and everyday handling.

The AltiMAX RT was previously rated number one by Tire Rack in an August 2007 independent road test. Based on the tire's supreme handling and exceptional wet grip, Tire Rack rated it number one again, listing it as "an excellent all-around Standard Touring All-Season tire."

The AltiMAX RT is a stylish touring tire that offers a smooth, comfortable ride without compromising treadwear. This tire features Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI®), which help consumers visually identify alignment irregularities so they are able to take proper re-alignment precautions to extend the life of the tire; Acoustic Modulation Sound Technology (AMST) - a sound wave suppression technology that substantially reduces road-tire noise; and a Twin Cushion Silica Tread Compound, comprised of unique high- and low-density treads to deliver the ultimate in ride comfort.

________________________________________________________________

Tire Rack (US)                 205/55 R16 T                                          Results

1                                General Altimax RT                                    6.43
2                               Firestone Precision Touring                      6.29
3                               Yokohama AVID TOURING-S                    6.17
4                         BFGoodrich Premier Touring                     6.07

To view the full article, visit http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=139.
________________________________________________________________

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Team General Tire storms Round 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series in Las Vegas with six podium finishes

2010-11-09T00:00:00-05:00

The beautiful sunny and clear Las Vegas weather didn't disappoint this weekend, and neither did the action-packed Round 13 and 14 races of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Nov. 6 and 7.

The Round 13 Pro 2 Unlimited race Saturday saw an intense neck-and-neck battle for first place between two members of Team General Tire, Carl Renezeder and Robby Woods. Woods and Renezeder led the pack for the entirety of the race, creating a daunting gap for rest of the drivers to overcome. After several turns, Renezeder pushed hard to take first position from Woods in turn eight and held the lead till the race's end, taking home first place with Woods in second. Woods celebrated his first podium finish in 2010. The extreme action continued at the Pro 4 race Saturday where Renezeder made his mark once more, stealing second in the final lap.

On Sunday, Renezeder and Woods continued their attack on the competition, taking second and third respectively in Pro 2. Renezeder led the pack in Sunday's Pro 4 race, but was forced to pull off the track in the final lap due to issues with his truck. In the Round 14 Superlite race, Ox battled his way once more from the back to take an impressive third place, but in the last lap, he was hit and landed sideways in a dead-stop. Suffering an injured right leg, Ox was taken off the track by ambulance. Kyle Kirchner was able to grasp the 2^nd place podium in the Superlite class on General Grabber AT2 tires. The Superlite class is definitely proving to be one of the most exciting classes to watch with intense battles throughout the race.

All-in-all it was a thrilling weekend for Team GT at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, ending with an incredible six podium finishes.
.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

"Ballistic" BJ Baldwin takes second at the BITD BlueWater Desert Challenge

2010-10-19T00:00:00-04:00

PARKER, AZ - (October 19, 2010) - Podium finishes at the 2010 Baja 500, 2010 Mint 400 and 2010 Parker 425 were not enough this year for General Tire's "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin. Baldwin headed to the desert once again to take first and second in Trick Truck at the Best in the Desert BlueWater Desert Challenge - the latest addition to the American Off-Road Racing Series - Oct. 16 and 17 in Parker, Ariz.

At the inception of this exciting race, Baldwin took home second place, firmly marking his position as one of the top drivers. But Baldwin didn't stop there. On day two of the treacherous course, Baldwin shouldered past his competition to take first.

"The newly designed racecourse for the BlueWater Challenge was nothing short of thrilling," said Spencer Robinson, events coordinator, General Tire. "BJ hit the course with the same ferocity he always does, and he came out on top. BJ is remarkably talented and it's an awesome experience to see him tear up a course like he did here in Parker."

Unlike any other Best in the Desert challenge, BlueWater spans a 30 to 35-mile loop with one central pit for all drivers. The central pit - the famous Parker 425 Main Pit - was strategically placed by both the start and finish lines.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com, or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Carl Renezeder charges the competition at 2010 LOORRS and comes out on top with first in Pro 4 and Pro 2

2010-09-29T00:00:00-04:00

SURPRISE, AZ - (September 28, 2010) - The heat of the Arizona desert was no match for the heat of Round 11 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Race at the legendary Speedworld Off Road Race Park in Surprise, Ariz. Saturday. General Tire's Carl Renezeder battled it out for first place in Pro 4 and Pro 2, marking unbelievable milestones in his off-road racing career - his 90^th and 91^st wins. To top off the victorious weekend, Renezeder took home second place Sunday in Pro 2.

As the flag hit the dirt at the much anticipated Pro 4 race Saturday, Carl Renezeder took off close to the head of the pack in fourth position. After an enormous pileup required a full restart, Renezeder pushed hard, taking second. He muscled his way past the competition to take the lead. In the final lap of the race, Renezeder set the pace at 54.562 to hold his 1^st place position for the win, and to add a 90^th victory to his already remarkable career.

But the action-packed weekend had not seen its final thrills. In Pro 2, Renezeder stole the spotlight Saturday for an incredible win at perhaps the most exhilarating race of the day. Renezeder started in fourth position again, but positions meant little this early on, with an unbelievable mix-up about to ensue. Driving deep down the inside of turn three, Renezeder passed his opponents to take third. He picked up second position, driving at incredible speeds and battling hard to steal first place. In the final lap of the race, Renezeder held strong to take home his second win of the day and the 91^st win of his career.

"This was a heart-pounding race. The crowd was going wild and no one could have predicted who would finish first. But Carl is an incredible driver and he fought hard for this win," said Spencer Robinson, events coordinator, General Tire. "We're so proud of Carl, and as always, we can't wait to see what kind of fury he'll unleash next."

On Sunday's Round 12 of the series, Renezeder stormed the podium once more, with a second place standing in the Pro 2 race.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com, or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

General Media Contacts:

Dana Zamalloa

704-583-8165

dana.zamalloa@conti-na.com

Abbey Linville

Crowl, Montgomery & Clark

330-494-6999 ext. 207

alinville@crowlinc.com

Renezeder Ready to Battle in Desert Heat

2010-09-22T00:00:00-04:00

LAKE FOREST, CA (September 22, 2010) - Summer is officially over, but Arizona didn't get the memo. Carl Renezeder and his seven-time championship team will compete this weekend at Speedworld Motorsports Complex just north of Phoenix, where temperatures are forecasted to reach well into the triple digits all weekend. But battling the desert heat will be minimal compared to the uphill fight for points and the top spot on the podium.

"We're definitely not where we want to be in points, and we've had our share of bad luck this season," commented Renezeder before heading out to rounds 11 and 12 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. "Our goal for Arizona is to get back to winning. We need to be in the hunt every round."

After a double-championship season in 2009 (Pro-4 and Pro-2), it's been a bit of a shock to the system to be well over halfway through the season with only two marks in the win column. This weekend he will work again on capturing the illusive 90^th short-course win of his career.

"We want to finish out the back half of this season with momentum heading in a positive direction, where we feel like we're back in the game," concluded Renezeder.

The weekend of racing will begin with two practice sessions on Friday, as the teams prepare for Saturday morning qualifying for round 11 that afternoon. Sunday morning they will qualify again for round 12, set for Sunday afternoon.

About Carl Renezeder

Birth date: April 16, 1964
Residence: Laguna Beach, CA
Home Town: Montebello, CA
Family: Wife: Kelley; 4 Children

89 Career Short Course Wins (13 in Lucas Oil Off Road Series, 65 in CORR, 10 in WSORR, 1 in RJORGP)

7-time National Champion (LOORRS U4 - 2009; LOORRS U2 - 2009; CORR Pro-4 - 2003, 2007, 2008; CORR Pro-2 - 2005 & 2006)

2010 to date: 1 win in LOORRS Pro-4 Unlimited; 1 win in LOORRS Pro-2 Unlimited

2009: LOORRS Unlimited 4 Champion; LOORRS Unlimited 2 Champion; 8 Unlimited-4 wins including the inaugural Rockstar Energy Lucas Oil Challenge Cup; 3 Unlimited-2 wins

2008: CORR Pro-4 Champion; 4 CORR Pro-4 wins; 2 CORR Pro-2 wins; 2 WSORR Pro-4x4 wins; 2 WSORR Pro-2WD wins; 1 RJORGP GP4 win; Won Day 2 of SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge

2007: CORR Pro-4 Champion; 8 CORR Pro-4 wins including the Jason Baldwin Memorial Cup; 3rd in CORR Pro-2 points; 7 CORR Pro-2 wins; 3 WSORR Pro4x4 wins including the FCP Chairman's Cup; 3 WSORR Pro2WD wins; Won 40th Annual SCORE Baja 1000 with Riviera Racing

2006: CORR Pro-2 Champion; 6 CORR Pro-2 wins; 2nd in CORR Pro-4 points; 4 CORR Pro-4 wins; Won SCORE Laughlin Leap (159'), Won Day 1, 2nd overall at the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge; 3rd in SCORE Las Vegas PRIMM 300

2005: CORR Pro-2 Champion; 9 CORR wins, including the Nissan Nationals in Pro-4; 2nd in CORR Pro-4 points

2004: 8 CORR wins; Governor's Cup Champion; 2nd in CORR Pro-4 points; 3rd in CORR Pro-2 points

2003: CORR Pro-4 Champion; 8 CORR wins; Borg Warner World Champion; 2nd in CORR Pro-2 points

1994-2002: 9 CORR wins and multiple podiums in CORR; Won SCORE Baja 1000 (Class 1 - 1994); 2 podium finishes in SCORE Baja 500

# # #

For more information, please contact Jennifer Bissett at 949.472.4461 (office) or 707.718.5402 (mobile)

Team Wandahsega takes home a Crandon World Championship title on General Grabbers

2010-09-12T00:00:00-04:00

Crandon, WI - (Sept 12, 2010) - Ben Wandahsega and Team Wandahsega took home the title of World Champions at Crandon International Off-Road Speedway along with their first-ever Crandon World Championship rings in Crandon, WI racing on the street legal General Grabber tires in the Limited 2 Class.

The start of the race weekend wasn't looking to promising for any type of racing. Rain and windy conditions led to the cancelation of the Friday night race for three different classes, including Limited 2.

Undesirable weather conditions continued into Saturday morning, but by the time the Limited 2 class hit the starting line at 12:45 p.m., the track conditions were near perfect. Team Wandahsega started in the second row, and when the flag dropped, their Wegner Motor pulled hard with assistance from their new General Grabber street legal tires.

Wandahsega ended up 5^th around the first corner, and immediately went to work, looking for the podium positions. Though they had some trouble getting by slower traffic and by the competition yellow, they held a solid position in 3^rd place. When the green flag waved again, Team Wandahsega was in perfect position to run at the leaders. After bumping the lead truck, Wandahsega moved to the front of the pack, holding their leading position in the last four laps to win the race.

"This is our team's first World Champion Title, and to go along with that, it is a Crandon World Champion ring," said Ben Wandahsega. "Every racer wants to get one in their racing career. Winning this race was our goal, not only for ourselves, but for our great sponsors like General Tire."

Along with Wandahsega, the Wandahsega Team was made up of drivers Mark Wirhanowicz, Kevin Oslund, Jesse Cretens, Kevin Meyers, John Knapp and Russ Wolf, with spotting from RJ Flanagan.

"We're very pleased by Team Wandahsega's world-class performance at this exhilarating race," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "We're proud to see our General Grabbers succeed in unleashing their fury on a world-renowned track like the one here in Crandon."

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Rick D. Johnson takes home first in Trick Truck and first overall for Team GT at 2010 BITD Vegas to Reno

2010-08-23T00:00:00-04:00

LAS VEGAS, NV - (August 23, 2010) - Team General Tire's Rick D. Johnson stole the show with an incredible victory at the 2010 Best In The Desert Vegas to Reno Race Aug. 20, landing him not only first in Trick Truck, but first overall.

The dust did more than soar for Johnson's opponents at Friday's heart-pounding BITD race - it consumed them. The Team General Tire Trick Truck driver left his contenders in a cloud of dust as he took an incredible 3-mile lead. He held his position strong, battling through the desert's rugged terrain and remaining at the head of the pack at mile marker 355.

"This was an awesome race," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "This was a dominating race for Rick, he took the lead early on and his determination to finish on top never wavered. For everyone here at BITD Vegas to Reno, it was an incredible show! We're so proud of Rick and we're thrilled to have him as part of Team GT."

Johnson was also the overall winner at the 2008 BITD Vegas to Reno race, and has a winning track record with first place at 2009 SCORE Baja 500 and third at the 2010 SNORE Mint 400.

"The General Tire Grabbers hooked up all day and the crew did an awesome job setting up the truck and running flawless pits," said Rick Johnson, driver/owner, Team 71, "Vegas to Reno is definitely my race. This race in 2008 was my first big win and I am so happy to repeat as overall winner again."

General's Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37x12.50R17 for class 8 and trophy truck/trick truck and 35x12.50R17 for class 1, 6, 7, 7 S, stock mini and Protruck. All teams that run General Tires receive free pit support from Baja Pits.

General Tire also has a complete line of Grabber tires for the passenger and light truck market, including the new Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire; the Grabber HTS, which delivers the perfect synergy of comfort, durability and performance; the Grabber UHP, which sets a whole new standard in performance and ride quality for SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles; and Grabber AT2, designed for aggressive all-terrain traction in all weather conditions.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Team General to take on 2010 BITD Vegas to Reno

2010-08-19T00:00:00-04:00

LAS VEGAS – (August 19, 2010) – Team General Tire will once again unleash the fury on the desert at this weekend’s BITD Vegas to Reno race, and will field teams spanning several classes.

• “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin, Trick Truck
• Rick D. Johnson, Trick Truck
• Jerry Zaiden and Jason Campbell, Trick Truck
• Jason and Rich Voss, Trick Truck
• Marc Burnett, Class 7200
• Mikey Childress/Jimmy Tucker- Class 1500

“Team GT is performing better than ever this year on our Grabber competition tires and we are proud to be official tire of Best In The Desert Series,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. “Our teams are fired up and ready to win this race!”

If you can’t be there in person to see all the heart-pounding action, real-time, up-to-the-minute information on the event can be found at www.twitter.com/teamgt; tracking and live streaming video will be available at www.generaltire.com.

General Tire is ‘unleashing the fury’ for a third season of off-road action with the Grabber competition tire. Designed with a tough, three-ply Duragen™-reinforced body construction to stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions, the Grabber also features a specially-engineered, competition-specific tread compound. In addition, the Grabber name and General Tire logo are prominently featured on the sidewall in red and white letters. The Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37x12.50R17 for class 8 and trophy truck/trick truck and 35x12.50R17 for class 1, 6, 7, 7 S, stock mini and Protruck. All teams running General Tires receive free pit support from Baja Pits.

General Tire also has a complete line of Grabber tires for the passenger and light truck market, including the new Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire; the Grabber HTS, which delivers the perfect synergy of comfort, durability and performance; the Grabber UHP, which sets a whole new standard in performance and ride quality for SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles; and Grabber AT2, designed for aggressive all-terrain traction in all weather conditions.

For more than 90 years General Tire has offered a complete quality line of ultra-high performance, passenger, light truck, off-road and commercial tires to meet all your needs. General Tire is a proud supporter of Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing, Chili Bowl, Pro-Pulling, Late- Model Dirt Series, Drag Boat Series, Boost Mobile FreestyleMx.com Tour, Spec Tire of Trophylite and Pro Truck. Team GT supports off-road and short course teams including BJ Baldwin, Carl Renezeder, Rick D. Johnson, Jerry Zaiden/Jason Campbell, Jason/Rich Voss, Scott Steinberger, Ed “Clyde” Stout, Ted Hunnicutt, Marc Burnett, Kent Kroeker, Mikey Childress, Carey Hart, Josh Merrell, Robby Woods and Jeff “Ox” Kargola.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

For further information, please contact:

Dana Zamalloa

Manager, PR and Communications

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

1830 MacMillan Park Dr.

Fort Mill, SC 29716

Phone: 704-583-8165

E-mail: dana.zamalloa@conti-na.com

Abbey Linville
PR and Communications
Crowl, Montgomery & Clark
123 Wilbur Dr., NE
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone; 330-494-6999 ext. 207
Email: alinville@crowlinc.com

Media database on the Internet: www.continental-corporation.com

Jeff "Ox" Kargola Takes the Podium with the New General Grabbers at His Debut in the Superlite Class at LOORRS Glen Helen Race

2010-08-11T00:00:00-04:00

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – (August 10, 2010) – The dust soared for freestyle MX rider and MX Baja racer Jeff “Ox” Kargola, in his first foray into off-road competition, as he took on an arduous short-course during Round 10 of the 2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series at Glen Helen Aug. 8 to bring home third place in Superlite class.

After a tough race during Round 9 Saturday, Ox had to start at the back of the pack and battle his way to the front. Dawson Kirchner took the first lead, but was thrown into third after a pile-up, trailing Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg in first and Ox in second.

Neck-and-neck for the majority of the race with Twitch, a fellow Metal Mulisha racer, Ox battled it out for a lead position. Holding a solid second, he stuttered on the fourth turn and was overtaken by CJ Greaves, pushing him into third place. In a heart-pounding finish, Ox placed third for the first time on the General Tire Grabber street tires. He was trailed by Kirchner in fourth and Team GT racer Chad Leising in fifth, both running General Grabber At2 tires.

“We are so excited with Ox’s podium finish today. It was an extremely tight course, but he managed to podium in his first ever off-road series,” said Dana Zamalloa, manger of PR and Communications, General Tire. “It was very impressive to see him go from the back of the pack to the front in just a few rounds, and we are looking forward to many more podium finishes with Ox on our team this season.”

Ox debuted the new General Tire Grabber street tire — born from the Baja, tamed for the streets, the General Grabber is the ultimate contender for the intense, adrenaline-pumping, door-to-door action of short-course racing.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com, or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

Jeff "Ox" Kargola Debuts the General Grabber in His First Off-Road Racing Truck at the 2010 LOORRS

2010-08-03T00:00:00-04:00

FORT MILL, SC – (August 3, 2010) – Freestyle MX rider and MX Baja racer Jeff “Ox” Kargola, in his first foray into off-road competition, will debut the new General Tire Grabber street tire in the Superlite Class during the upcoming Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series (LOORRS) weekend at Glen Helen August 7th and 8th. Born from the Baja, tamed for the streets, the General Grabber is the ultimate contender for the intense, adrenaline-pumping, door-to-door action of short-course racing.

While new to off-road racing trucks, Ox is no stranger to racing — or to winning. Ox placed first place at the 2010 SCORE San Felipe 250 in Class 22, 2^nd place at the 2010 SCORE Baja 500 in Class 22, was a silver medalist at the Winter X Games for “Best Trick,” was a WFA Big Air Points Champ and was the first person to complete a “Superman Seat-Grab Back Flip.” And that’s just recently — Ox has been chalking up extreme wins and titles since 2001.

“Ox is definitely a natural born athlete. We were impressed with his performance during the testing of the tire on the Superlite trucks and I am confident he will do well at Glen Helen,” said, Dana Zamalloa, manager of PR and communications, General Tire. “Ox is one of the personalities featured in our Grabber advertising and we are excited to see him race on the same tires he uses on his Toyota Tundra!”

Born from the Baja, Tamed for the Streets

General’s race-winning Grabber Competition tire has proven to be a champion of the desert, so General brought this advanced technology to every-day use with its new extreme-traction tire for the street and for off-road, the General Grabber. Ox plans to add the 2010 LOORRS events to his list of impressive victories with this cutting-edge tire, tuned for ultra-high performance.

“Our new General Grabber is the perfect tire for off-road enthusiasts who take their trucks on- and off-road,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. “It’s specially engineered to take on the rigors of off-road competition, while still maintaining road manners and a comfortable ride.”

A tough 3-ply reinforced-body construction and a race-proven chip- and tear-resistant Duragen tread compound stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions with the General Grabber. General Tire's Duragen technologies consist of ultra-high strength steel belts and a new 3-ply casing. The steel belts in one Grabber tire are strong enough to lift a trophy truck, and the ultra-durable micro-fiber 3-ply casing makes the Grabber the strongest General tire ever produced, and the ultimate tire to make dust soar at the 2010 LOORRS.

For media information, visit www.ctamedia.com, or www.ctamedia.mobi.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. (www.generaltire.com). CTA, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 134,500 in 46 countries.

The Lucas Oil TOTALLY OFF ROAD RADIO Show for Wednesday August 4 1020!

2010-08-03T00:00:00-04:00

SoCal SuperTrucks invites you to their 1st Annual Open House on Wednesday, August 4th from 4PM to 9PM at their shop in San Bernardino, CA with TOTALLY OFF ROAD RADIO's Off Road Night LIVE!!!

Co Hosted by Team GT Driver Jeff "OX" Karola

Some of the Guests include:

Robert "Fig" Naughton

Curt LeDuc

Ricky James

Chad George

Brooke Kawell

and Many More!!

Plus "Breaking News" with Shaun Ochsner With all the Latest Dirt in the World of Off Road!

Be sure to swing by the shop and take part in all the action!

• Totally Off Road Radio Show Live Broadcast

• Free Tire Rotations

• Free Food, Drinks and Entertainment

• Great deals on ALL store items

• Top Industry Vehicles on Display

• Meet top LOORRS drivers and get up-close to their race trucks

• Leading industry brands in attendance,

Over $5,000 in Givaways, Merchandise , Tickets for the Race weekend & a set of General Tires!!

• We also have Coupons for $5.00 off tickets for the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series on August 7th and 8th at Glen Helen Motorsports Park

Wow , Are you Kidding? Definately the Place to Be Wednesday Night!

TELL EVERYONE!!

As always,We want to hear from you 'The Fans" with any

questions or comments that you have!

The station's call in number is 760-720-5236, You can also

Email questions to desk@torrshow.com or text to

760 805-6994

We hope that all of you that are in the nearby So CAl area can come down to SoCal Supertrucks

for the LIVE TORR Show and say hi but if not, We hope you can Listen in!

The show is LIVE from 6-8PM on AM 1000 & can be heard

at www.torrshow.com where you get more information

Again, We hope you can all make it out to SoCal Supertrucks

For more information, please call SoCal SuperTrucks at (909) 383-5454

www.Lucasoil.com

Jim Holthus / HOST

TOTALLY OFF ROAD RADIO

Wed 6-8pm on Am 1000

www.torrshow.com

760-805-6994

Setbacks & Comebacks for Renezeder in Utah

2010-06-28T00:00:00-04:00

TOOELE, UT (June 28, 2010) - Rounds seven and eight of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at the spectacular Miller Motorsports Park played host to a wide spectrum of mental, emotional and physical moments for Team Renezeder this past weekend (June 26-27). From a stress-free set-up day on Thursday to working 50 out of 60 hours from Friday morning to Sunday night, from the excitement of qualifying number one in both trucks Saturday morning to the terror of watching the Pro-2 go end over end in a brutal wreck that afternoon, the moments of calm and sanity were few and far between.

The team made the 700-mile trip to Tooele, Utah (just southwest of Salt Lake City) without any problems and was parked, set up and teched by two o'clock Thursday afternoon. When Carl Renezeder put both trucks on the pole Friday morning, it looked like the bad luck that had plagued the team over the past few months had finally made its way out of the team's pit. In fact, it wasn't until the white flag lap of the Pro-4 race that the bad luck gremlin proved to still be keeping residence in their camp. Renezeder was battling back and forth for the lead with the division's points leader, Rick Huseman, and just as they took the white flag for the final lap the motor kicked a rod out through the pan, ending Renezeder's day in an impressive ball of flames.

The crew kept their wits about them; the spare motor in the hauler would have to go in, but it wasn't an overwhelming task ahead of them. Everyone had high hopes for the Pro-2 race later that evening to redeem the day. It was short-lived. The truck was working flawlessly, Renezeder was driving a smart, methodical race, and then one moment changed it all. The truck launched off a tabletop jump on the backstretch and came down nose first, snapping the truck end over end. Crew chief, Mike Seat, immediately asked Renezeder if he was all right, and the crew all sighed in relief when he answered right away. The truck was another story. And the further the team dug into the truck the more they found wrong. After a couple of hours of work it became apparent that the truck needed more hours of work than the team had until they'd be required to stage for qualifying the next day. They devised a plan to work until 2:00 a.m. and then be back at the track at 7:00 a.m. to finish what needed to be done for the Pro-4 qualifying session at noon and the races in the evening. As promised, the trucks were ready, and Renezeder was too, despite some overall soreness from the wreck.

Qualifying was a mellow event, with Renezeder securing the fifth position and a front-row start with the invert. The only things left to on the agenda for the weekend were the two races and the process of packing up. By lap three of the Pro-4 race, Renezeder radioed to the crew that front-wheel-drive was gone, so he settled in and salvaged what he could, bringing home a sixth place finish - a great result considering the circumstances.

One last chance to make the 1,400-mile round trip, three hours of sleep, and emotional investment worthwhile: the Sunday evening Pro-2 race. The task at hand seemed big when the #17 truck rolled out of staging, looking lonely on its own at the back of the field. But once the green flag flew, Renezeder clicked into hunt mode and started picking them off. By the time they reached the mandatory caution at the halfway point, he was in eighth place and running the same lap times as the leaders. The second half of the race was full of great battles and Renezeder raced his way to fourth place at the finish line. He then got a call over the radio that someone in the top three was disqualified, so he jumped on the radio and said, "Sweet! I'm going the podium - I want a trophy! Great job everyone...what a way to end a weekend like this."

What seemed like an endless week of work was suddenly over in what felt like just a snap of the fingers. Throughout the weekend there were moments that deserved exclamation points, and some that required question marks, but on Sunday night, the exhausted, elated, reflective, satisfied crew were simply happy that it was all done. Period.

(Attached photos courtesy of Jeff Nemecek)

About Carl Renezeder

Birth date: April 16, 1964

Residence: Laguna Beach, CA

Home Town: Montebello, CA

Family: Wife: Kelley; 4 Children