Dunlop Drivers Cup Essays Push Limits of Driving Skills

AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 10, 2005 -- The chance to compete in Dunlop Drivers Cup had grown men -- and a few women -- pushing the limits of their driving capabilities and relishing their two-hour drive to work.

"I came out of my mother's womb in a perfect four-wheel drift, tires blazing, ready to compete in this event," a 29-year-old from Little Rock, Ark., wrote in his Dunlop entry. A Bayonne, N.J., man composed: "I enjoy driving, but I love driving against the skills of others more. I value my two-hour drive to work as 'practice' while others consider it torture."

Dunlop officials said the entries are in for the Sept. 10 and 11 Drivers Cup U.S. Regionals in Phoenix, but the essays by non-professional drivers are telling. Most drivers say they're ready -- or at least they claim they are -- for the unique international driving competition in autocross, off-road, motocross and all-terrain vehicle events.

If U.S. Cup organizers were looking for creativity, they found it in more than 1,500 entries. They came in nationwide from many walks of life -- police officers, firefighters, office workers, dentists, product managers, musicians, teachers, movie stuntmen, airline pilots and physicians.

Andy Traicoff, director for the Dunlop brand in North America, said, "While their backgrounds and experiences were varied, they all share a passion for driving and competition. They will make the Dunlop Drivers Cup fun and exciting, with a touch of Survivor intrigue and Ironman Triathlon toughness."

Most entrants say they are up to the challenge. A Yorba Linda, Calif., man wrote: "Let me get this straight. You want to give me the opportunity to drive autocross, off-road and motocross, and you'll pay my way to do it . . . You need me on your team. I'm set, I'm stoked and I'm ready. When do we begin?"

An Okauchee, Wis., man was even more adamant about his capabilities. "I'm 100 percent certain that my whole life has prepared me for EXACTLY this . . . You couldn't possibly do better for what you are looking for, I promise." For good measure, he and others attested to their love of Dunlop tires.

A Malibu, Calif., English teacher couldn't resist the play on words for Dunlop's new SP Sport Maxx tire. "I am your Driver Maxx. With the help of Dunlop, I can take the dream of a little boy and his Hot Wheels and become the race car driver I know that I'm meant to become."

A Houston man was insistent. "I truly believe the opportunity to participate in this event is exactly what I need."

Traicoff said organizers are whittling the entries down to eight to 10 finalists. "We're looking for driving enthusiasts who embody the Dunlop lifestyle, the 'in-the-know' driver who understand the importance of tires in accelerating, braking and cornering an ultra-performance sports car."

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.

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