Team Lexus and Cooper Tire Form New Partnership

 

Cooper Expands its Motorsports Presence

 

Findlay, Ohio, April 22, 2004 - COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
today announced a partnership with Team Lexus, which is participating in the
U.S. Drift series for the first time in 2004. Team Lexus is competing on
Cooper's ultra high performance Zeon 2XS tires.

 

"This partnership with Team Lexus enhances Cooper Tire's commitment to
motorsports, the ultimate proving ground for our tires. How our tires
perform and what we learn from that performance helps Cooper produce better
tires," said Carl Casalbore, vice president retail sales and high
performance tire development for Cooper Tire. "Being associated with a
strong, well supported team like Team Lexus brings new exposure to the
Cooper brand. A new market segment is going to see our performance tires in
action in the fastest growing motorsport - drifting."

 

Drifting is a skilled motorsport that relies heavily on driver talent and
tire performance. Drivers apply the brakes to initiate a slide, or drift,
and control the car as it slides from side to side through a marked course.
The drift is maintained with a precise balance of power, braking and
steering. Drivers are judged on execution and style as they complete the
course.

 

"We believe Team Lexus will deliver a significant return on Cooper's
investment in us," said Team Lexus Director Chuck Goldsborough. "This is an
alliance of two great brands. Cooper is going to see its name and products
promoted throughout the motorsports world."

 

In addition to the Zeon tires for the drift car, Cooper is supplying
commercial grade tires to Team Lexus' transport trailer and the vehicles at
the Lexus Performance Driving School. Zeons will also be supplied for Team
Lexus cars appearing at national and international trade shows, as well as
media ride-and-drives.

 


About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company 


Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, specializes in
the manufacture and marketing of products for the global automotive
industry. Products include automotive, motorcycle and truck tires, inner
tubes, tread rubber and equipment, as well as sealing, trim, NVH control
systems and fluid handling systems. Cooper has more than 20,000 employees
and 52 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries. For more information, visit
the company's Web site at www.coopertireandrubber.com.

 

About Team Lexus

Team Lexus, the Lexus factory motorsport program, is driven by the
award-winning standards that have propelled its parent company to the
pinnacle of the luxury car segment. Formed in late 1998, Team Lexus quickly
rose to prominence, giving Lexus its first victory world-wide in September
1999.  Along with many track records and numerous pole positions, Team Lexus
won two championships (driver and team) in 2002. The team is now
diversifying. In addition to road racing, the team will drift into the
future on Cooper Tires.