Got the Right Stuff for Dunlop Drivers Cup? 'Drivers Know'
AKRON, Ohio, June 16 -- Whetted your appetite on a racetrack and can't wait to get behind the steering wheel of a hot car? You're a prime candidate to compete in the Dunlop Drivers Cup, according to Cup organizers.
Have the right stuff? That's a tougher question in the challenging Dunlop Drivers Cup, which is admitting U.S. drivers for the first time. Go to Germany for insight on what it takes to compete in the multi-event competition.
"Drivers know," says Jochen Hoim, manager of trade marketing for Dunlop Germany. Hoim should know, since Dunlop Germany began the competition in 1999.
"Drivers Know" is a tagline for Dunlop advertising and marketing communications in Europe and the United States. Hoim says it's an apt description for the people who should apply to compete in the long-running international driving competition.
The unique challenge features competition at the racetrack, an autocross, a rocky off-road trail, an all-terrain-vehicle course and a motocross course.
Hoim said people adept at sports car driving and interested in motorsports usually are proficient in other forms of competition, such as off-roading and motocross. "They are driving enthusiasts. And drivers know."
No apprehension here, no self-doubt. "Drivers Cup competitors apply for the events to get the chance to drive on a racetrack... to drive the quads, the motorcycle and so on. They also want the chance to qualify for the finals in the United States next year," he said.
Dunlop Germany started Drivers Cup with German drivers and held the first finals in South America. Other countries - such as Austria, Switzerland and Romania - joined the competition in later years. Now, Dunlop USA is bringing driving enthusiasts to the international event.
"We started the competition to showcase Dunlop's racing heritage and the depth of the brand. Dunlop has become a true drivers' brand," Hoim said.
In 2000, Drivers Cup was held in the United States, but no Americans competed. The Cup finals were held in South Africa, Australia, Malaysia and Mexico in ensuing years. Competitors recently visited Italy for a 10-day driving experience.
Hoim said the finals are held in the most picturesque areas on Earth. In fact, the competitions could be a travelogue for each country. "The beauty of the surroundings are part of the driving experience. The countryside is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated."
In the United States, there are two ways to gain a coveted spot as a U.S. team member:
* Car club members - for Porsche and BMW - are competing to decide who
will advance to the next stage on September 10-11.
* Eligible driving enthusiasts also can apply to compete on one of the 12
two-person teams at www.dunloptires.com.
In addition to a short list of qualifying questions, entrants must submit an essay that explains their unique qualifications, passion and attitude for driving. The contest is open to licensed non-professional U.S. resident drivers 21 years of age and older. Drivers have until July 31 to submit their entry.
But how do you know if you're good enough? "It's easy," Hoim said. "Drivers know."
To learn more about Dunlop Drivers Cup and for official rules, go to www.dunloptires.com . No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
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.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/CLW036AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com