SCCA SPEED World Challenge, Toyo Tires and Modified Magazine Announce Winner of 2005 Fan Focus Model Search

TOPEKA, Kan. (Jan. 25, 2006) - SCCA Pro Racing(r) SPEED World Challenge(r), Toyo Tires(r) and Modified Magazine have announced the winner of the 2005 Fan Focus Model Search. Kelsi Vasquez of Golden, Colorado, was selected over nearly 400 applicants from around the U.S. who competed to win a one-year modeling contract to become a Toyo Girl for 2006. Toyo Girls are icons in the automotive world, their images appearing on television, in magazines and at events such as exciting SPEED World Challenge(r) race weekends.

Of the nearly 400 eligible applicants that entered the 2005 Fan Focus Model Search, twenty were chosen to appear at select SPEED World Challenge(r) events throughout the 2005 season. During the events, they participated in a variety of roles including autograph sessions, pre-race ceremonies, Winner's Circle presentations, on-site photo shoots and general fan interaction. In addition, some models also received television, print and web exposure. From that select group, six finalists were chosen, (listed below in alphabetical order with hometown and the venue where they appeared):

Anna Comingore, Bryan, Texas (Grand Prix of Denver)
Pearl Nalani Daacon, New York, N.Y. (Grand Prix of St Petersburg)
Jana Lee Hill, Portland, Ore. (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca)
Summer Nix, Chatsworth, Ga. (Road Atlanta)
Kelsi Vasquez, Golden, Co. (Grand Prix of Denver)
Shelly Vest, Woodbridge, Va. (Lime Rock Park) 

Vasquez first appeared before SPEED World Challenge(r) fans during the CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver Presented by PacifiCare in August 2005. According to Vasquez, "When I got the phone call saying I had won the model search, I was just blown away. I am excited to get a chance to work with Toyo and definitely recommend this experience to others."

According to Travis Roffler, Senior Director of Marketing, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, "We are very pleased to have Kelsi represent Toyo Tires as one of our Toyo Girls in 2006. She will do a great job in her new role." Roffler also states, "The 2005 Fan Focus Model Search by Toyo Tires, SPEED World Challenge and Modified Magazine was successful at introducing many attractive and talented young women to race fans. These beautiful participants exhibited great enthusiasm for cars and motorsports."

"In addition to cars, Modified Magazine prides itself in seeking out the most beautiful and most talented women the United States has to offer," Modified Magazine Director of Marketing Jason Bauer said. "We are happy to do our part by offering our web site as the starting point for young ladies to take their shot at becoming SPEED World Challenge models and hopefully winning a contract with Toyo Tires."

The search for 2006 Fan Focus Models is already underway. To enter, visit www.modified.com <http://www.modified.com/> and click on either the "Modified Mag" or "Modified Girls" buttons at the top of the page. Once there, click on the "2006 Fan Focus Model Search" advertisement and fill out the entry form.

Three models will be selected to participate at each of the 11 SPEED World Challenge venues, with a winner chosen from the pool of 33.

Model contest judges are already looking to select participants for the season-opener, March 15-17, as SPEED World Challenge(r) drops the green flag on its 2006 season with its first round at Sebring International Raceway, in Sebring, Fla.

For more information about SCCA SPEED World Challenge, visit www.world-challenge.com

. For more information about Toyo Tires, visit www.toyo.com