Goodyear and Dunlop Named Official Tire Suppliers

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2001) - Grand American Road Racing Association has reached a multiyear agreement with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Dunlop Tyres Ltd., making them the exclusive tire suppliers to the Rolex Sports Car Series through the 2004 season. The agreement will take effect beginning with the Rolex 24 At Daytona January Test Days, Jan. 3-5, 2002.

Goodyear will be the sole supplier of tires for the SportsRacing Prototype, GTS and American GT classes. Dunlop will be the exclusive tire in SportsRacing Prototype II and GT. Both companies will have a choice of tire compounds available to suit different tracks and conditions.

"This agreement represents just what can happen when people work toward a common goal. There is something in it for everyone," Grand-Am President Roger Edmondson stated. "Most importantly, our teams will be guaranteed equal access to tires with no one having an advantage. They will be guaranteed a steady, reliable supply so the tires they want to mount at a particular track late in the season will still be available.

"Goodyear and Dunlop are also making a major financial contribution to the sport with tire awards, a point fund contribution and marketing support that will allow us to increase our publicity and promotion and attract a larger audience to watch our teams do what they do so well," he continued.

Edmondson also explained that since its establishment Grand-Am has worked to ensure that tire distribution is open, fair and available to everyone. However, toward the end of the 2001 season a minor crisis occurred when a tire supplier had to restrict distribution due to internal production and supply problems, prompting Grand-Am to begin exploring other options.

"We are very happy to have been chosen as Grand-Am's official tire for the SRP, GTS and AGT classes," Goodyear Race Tire Director Greg Stucker said. "Goodyear has a proud history in sports car racing, and we are looking forward to carrying on that tradition through this agreement with Grand-Am."

"Dunlop's reputation for quality and performance is well known throughout the world," noted Gary Wassell, Dunlop's General Sales Manager - Motorsport. "As Grand-Am's official tire in SRPII and GT, American racers and race fans will get to understand just how good our tires are. We are definitely looking to increase awareness of the Dunlop brand in America, and working closely with Grand-Am, we will be doing promotions around the country to bring more awareness to the Dunlop brand and to the Rolex Sports Car Series."

As part of the agreement, Goodyear and Dunlop will be offering awards as tire vouchers worth $15,000 per race. In each class, the winning entry will receive a voucher for $1,000, second place will receive $500, and a $750 voucher will be given to the fastest qualifier. There will also be a lottery drawing of all other entries in each class that will award a $750 voucher to the lucky winner.

More information on the Rolex Sports Car Series is available online at www.grand-am.com.

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For more information: Grand-Am Public Relations
Christie Hyde (386) 681-4182
email: CHyde@grand-am.com