Sizzling Hyundai Tuner Vehicles Invade Tuner Challenge, August 26-28

LEXINGTON, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2005 -- Hyundai will be hosting some of the nation's hottest tuner vehicles this weekend at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course's annual Tuner Challenge. This marks the second year that Hyundai has invited its faithful tuning enthusiasts to the venerable raceway.

"Last year, our tuning guests raved about the event and its on- and off- track activities," said Curt McAllister, Midwestern PR Representative for Hyundai Motor America. "To a person, they all said 'we want to go back to Mid-Ohio in 2005.'"

In 2004, Hyundai hosted 32 third-generation (MY 2003, 2004) Tiburons. Owners came in from 10 different states, some from as far away as Florida and New York. Many of the owners entered their vehicles in the event's speed, style and audio challenge. Hyundai owners walked away with 16 trophies in all, nearly one-third of the awards presented that weekend.

Hyundai, an event sponsor again this year, expects an even bigger turnout August 26-28, the same weekend as the EMCO Gears Classic/Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series.

"So far, we have about 60 Hyundai owners who've pledged to come to Mid- Ohio this year," McAllister said. "There's been a lot of good-natured banter, going back and forth, among last year's competitors. Some of our tuners have made new, significant modifications to their cars so they can earn bragging rights for a whole year."

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 660 dealerships nationwide.