Dunlop Fuels America's Joy Ride, Despite High Gas Prices

AKRON, Ohio, July 11 -- For 60 million automotive enthusiasts, there's not much joy in their joy rides anymore, thanks to soaring gas prices at the pumps. But if you act by Saturday, Dunlop Tires may fuel your driving excitement.

Enthusiasts -- slated to fill 12 available slots -- have until July 15 to apply for Drivers Cup at http://www.dunloptires.com/driverscup. Entrants must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license.

Dunlop is offering "seat time" for hard-core amateur drivers. In fact, the tire brand is looking for a dozen people to drive hot sports cars -- among other vehicles -- using someone else's gasoline. That would be petrol bought by Dunlop.

"It's all for a good cause -- people who are passionate about driving. After all, commuters can rely on carpooling, the bus and the train. Vacationers can re-discover local hot spots. Automotive enthusiasts should have their own outlet as well," said Janice Consolacion, brand planning manager for Dunlop Tires in North America.

Enter Dunlop Drivers Cup, a unique international driving competition for people who want to drive "on-road, off-road, in cars and trucks, on dirt bikes and ATVs or just about any vehicle you can imagine," Consolacion said.

"We're looking for individuals who share our passion for driving and have an appropriate level of experience across all event categories. They'll get to drive to their heart's content using gas supplied by Dunlop. Well-balanced two-person teams will be formed to represent the United States and compete with the best amateur drivers from around the world," she said. The World Finals will be held in Europe early next year.

Consolacion said the tire brand also wants to increase dealer and media involvement in the competition. "These two groups are naturally competitive; they'll add an interesting dimension to the U.S. Regionals as they compete in special classes."

Dunlop officials in Europe originally started Drivers Cup to showcase Dunlop's racing heritage and its broad range of passenger, truck, motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle tire lines. Now, it's the opportunity for passionate drivers to experience their favorite pastime -- on Dunlop tires, with gas and vehicles supplied by Dunlop.

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.

For more on Dunlop performance, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/.