T&O Racing in Style With New Client American Racing Wheels

    IRVINE, Calif.--July 15, 2002--The T&O Group, a leading Southern California advertising, interactive and public relations agency has been hired as the Agency of Record for American Racing Wheels, the nation's leading independent wheel company.
    American Racing, with headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., owns, manufactures and distributes seven different brands competing in various automotive aftermarket segments including -- American Racing, American Racing Vintage, Epic, RO_JA and Motegi Racing.
    Founded in 1956, American Racing Inc. is one of the largest aftermarket and original equipment wheel manufacturers in the world selling specialty products in more than 25 countries worldwide. Owned by Noranda Inc., an international natural resources company, American operates 41 factory-owned, satellite-connected distribution centers in North America supported by 1,500 employees and four manufacturing plants, with additional strategic and satellite manufacturing partners in Italy, Germany and Asia.
    With historic roots in racing and performance, American Racing is legendary for its original designs that have earned numerous design patents, making American Racing a consistent, trend-setting industry leader. The Southern California firm, known for its famous Torq Thrust racing wheel, holds license grants for programs with General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Mattel Hot Wheels, DuPont Teflon and Porsche. American Racing's Teflon wheel, a program in final stages of development under license from DuPont, is slated for launch in early 2003.
    Tony Picarello, director of marketing at American Racing said: "Following a nationwide agency search, it became clear to us that T&O had the best combination of relevant experience in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry, which was important. The chemistry between our companies is very strong."
    "It's always exciting to work with a category leader," said Dave Robinson, president of The T&O Group. "The various brands give us some terrific creative opportunities."
    The advertising will be focused on enthusiast print, with some testing of "different media vehicles."

    About The T&O Group

    Specializing in consumer, high-tech and e-business marketing communications, The T&O Group is one of Orange County's largest entrepreneurial, owner-operated agencies. With more than 50 employees and 2001 billings of $60 million, the company provides an integrated approach to marketing and communications programs.
    Major clients include In-N-Out Burger, National Association of REALTORS(R), Fantastic Sams, Pioneer New Media Technologies, Sempra Energy, Phillips 66 Co., and UNIGLOBE Travel. Expanding its global capabilities, The T&O Group is the Southern California shareholder of Worldwide Partners Inc., the world's largest strategic business network of multi-local entrepreneurial, owner-operated marketing and communications firms.
    For additional information, contact The T&O Group at 949/833-8006, or on the Internet at http://www.theTandOgroup.com.