News Release: Teams Choose Praxis Suspension In 2004 One Lap Of A merica Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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      (877) 201-2373


 


BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE'S PRAXIS(tm) IS SUSPENSION OF CHOICE FOR

POTTER, FULLER TEAMS IN 2004 TIRE RACK(tm) CANNONBALL(r)

ONE LAP OF AMERICA PRESENTED BY CAR AND DRIVER (tm)

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 21, 2004) - Endurance is the name of the game in the
Tire Rack(tm) Cannonball(r) One Lap of America Presented by Car and
Driver(tm) competition, and several private teams competing in the event are
looking to Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems' Praxis(tm) Advanced
Suspension system to get them through the grueling event.

 

"The acceptance of our fully-adjustable aftermarket air-suspension system
with these two teams of seasoned motorsport enthusiasts is testimony to the
reliability and performance this product delivers," said John S. Vincent,
managing director, Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems. "We're very
enthusiastic that these teams have chosen our system for such a vital
component of their vehicles."

 

Both Blake Fuller of Braille Auto Development and Mike Potter of Team Racing
for the Children will be driving 2004 Subaru WRX STis in the Cannonball One
Lap of America - an event each has competed in before. 

 

Keenly aware of the physical demands presented by the One Lap schedule,
Fuller sees Praxis as crucial to his showing. "Competing on seven racetracks
in seven states in seven days requires a product that is both durable and
dependable," said Fuller. "We'll do in one week what most enthusiasts would
do in a year.  With a suspension system like Praxis, we can select the
ride-height, spring-rate and damping in three different modes - Touring
mode, Sport mode or Track mode - whether we're on the street or on the
track, this will certainly give us a competitive edge."

 

Fuller, who last competed in the One Lap of America race in 2001, has been a
regular entrant in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and a number of
SCCA events. His company, Braille Auto, has recently expanded into a new
facility, allowing him to advance the development of both an all-wheel drive
Acura Integra and an RSX-powered Insight, as well as a variety of prototype
performance products. 

 

Having experienced the One Lap of America race four times in five years,
Potter also understands the importance of reliability under such demanding
conditions. "Knowing I can count on my vehicle gives me the confidence to
drive to the best of my ability, and with the Praxis suspension system,
there's no question. It's that simple," said Potter. "Its ease of
adjustability from everyday street driving to track driving will help us get
the best possible track times and keep us sane through nearly six-thousand
miles of driving." Potter and co-driver Enrique Ramirez have raised
thousands of dollars for the Save the Children organization in their racing
efforts and continue to promote the charity in this year's One Lap event.

 

The Praxis advanced suspension system was first developed for the Subaru
(www.subaru.com <http://www.subaru.com/> ) all-wheel drive, high-performance
WRX sedan and sport wagon models in 2003, and is currently sold through The
Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com <http://www.tirerack.com/> ). At the 2004
Chicago Auto Show, Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems announced two new
applications for its Praxis line - the Ford Mustang (1994 to 2004) and
3-Series BMWs (1999 to present - coupes, sedans and wagons). 

   

In the early 1970s, legendary automotive journalist Brock Yates, Sr.,
created the Cannonball Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, a race from
New York City to Redondo Beach, Calif.  In 1992, Yates redesigned the event,
creating the Cannonball One Lap of America: a nearly 24-hour-a-day driving
experience combined with time trial competitions on racetracks throughout
the country. The event is one of the greatest challenges of endurance and
vehicle preparation: no support crews are allowed and only one set of tires
(and two spares) is permitted per team.

 

Although scoring is based on performance at the racetracks, the vehicles and
their drivers must survive more than 5,000 miles of driving interspersed
with "the finest meals found at gas stations and convenience stores."
Competitors include both unknown amateurs and seasoned professional drivers,
who battle fatigue, weather, traffic and the demands of strenuous driving
competition.

 

Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems, an operating unit of BFS Diversified
Products, LLC (BFDP), is responsible for the design, tuning, and integration
of original-equipment and aftermarket suspension systems.

 

BFS Diversified Products, LLC, based in Carmel, Ind., is a subsidiary of
Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH).  BFDP is responsible for BSAH's
non-tire businesses in the Americas including the building and industrial
products, synthetic and natural rubber, and fiber and textile businesses.
BFDP's businesses lead their industries in innovation and market share.

 

Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. is a subsidiary of
Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAH,
through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of
tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including
consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment
manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries.
The companies also produce Firestone air springs, roofing material,
synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles and operate the world's
largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.

 

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Regards,

 

Tiffany Bryant

Public Relations

Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.

535 Marriott Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

 

615.937.1418 - voice

1.877.201.2373 - media center