Dunlop Presents 'Maxxed Out' Awards for Tricked-Out Cars

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2, 2005 -- SEMA SHOW 2005 -- A Dallas man and his customized 1937 Ford pick-up truck received the top Dunlop "Maxxed Out" Award today.

Mitch Henderson was selected for Dunlop's best-of-show "Maxxed Out" Award at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, the world's premier automotive specialty products trade event (Booth 41427, South Hall), in Las Vegas.

John Davis, Emmy Award-winning host, producer and creator of MotorWeek, TV's respected and original automotive show, presented the Dunlop awards.

"We were looking for the ultimate in 'maxxed out' style and performance," said Andy Traicoff, director of Dunlop consumer tire marketing. "Through these awards, Dunlop celebrates the artistry and all-out performance created by the people who personalize their vehicles to reflect their personalities and attitudes."

The "Maxxed Out" Award is named after the award-winning ultra high- performance Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tire. "We've won awards globally with the SP Sport Maxx, so it's only fitting that we name an award after it," Traicoff said.

Other Dunlop category winners include: Ryan Shutt, of Baltimore, and his 2006 Honda Civic for Best Sport Compact; Ricardo Vega, of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., and his road race Ford Focus for Best Performance Car; and Ross Berlanga, of Los Angeles, and his 2005 Chrysler 300C for Top Tire & Wheel Fitment.

"We expected the Dunlop 'Maxxed Out' Awards to be very competitive, but the creativity and style exceeded our expectations. The SEMA vehicles epitomized the Dunlop attitude of passion, control and style, which is part of our DNA," Traicoff said.

To learn more about Dunlop, visit SEMA booth 41427 in the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall. The SEMA show includes 2 million square feet of exhibits.

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.