Crank it up! Johnson's dB Drag Gives New Meaning to 'Tuner' Vehicles

AKRON, Ohio, May 9, 2005 -- Like most automotive competitors, Scottie Johnson brings his Dunlop-equipped vehicle to competitions in a trailer.

But while most enthusiasts brag about horsepower, Johnson boasts about watts. Others seek to win by seconds; Johnson's dB Drag wins come in decibels.

Like most automotive competitors, the audio aficionado selected Dunlop SP Sport 9000 ultra-performance tires for his 134,400-watt Chevy van.

The Morgantown, Ky., builder of audio competition systems broke the world record last November in Kansas City with 168 decibels. (As a point of reference, a top fuel dragster registers 130 dB.) He also placed first at the dB Drag Spring Break Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., in April.

Although his black Chevrolet van -- a "trailer queen" -- only travels to and from its trailer for competitions, the Dunlop tires play an important role in the competition.

Johnson credits his Dunlop tires for the sweet music -- or at least partly for the wins. "They're part of the total package. They look the part, just as the paint scheme and wheels play important roles before we turn up the volume.

"Before the World Finals in Kansas City, judges selected the top five or six from thousands of competitors for Best of Show based on past showings and vehicle appearance. I couldn't compete without my Dunlops, my wheel supplier and my painter," Johnson said.

Of course, his 12 woofers, 28 amplifiers and 80 -- yes, 80 -- car batteries power the equipment and the competitor's wins. Johnson's Sound Pressure Technologies built the Astro sound system.

Mike Pulte, Dunlop's marketing manager for vehicle personalization, said the 255/35ZR20 SP Sport 9000 tires create an aura on the aural-bent vehicle. "The auto enthusiast appreciates top performance on the street and in competition -- even if that contest is dB drags.

"Dunlop tires are built for 'in-the-know' drivers. Dunlop is the tire choice for many who want to personalize their vehicles and make a difference in its performance."

Surveys among sport compact car enthusiasts found that more than 70 percent updated their vehicle's exhaust, tires, air intake, audio systems and wheels.

"People who personalize their vehicles often want more performance in their tire and audio packages. That's why you see Dunlop sponsoring customized vehicles like this one "tuned" by Scottie Johnson. We love all types of competition," Pulte said.

The Kentucky man, who began competing in car audio shows in 1998, won his first event and caught the audio bug. His vehicles have finished well in db Drag Racing World, MECA/IASCA and USACi events.

Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original- equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships.