Pikeville, Ky., Racer Lands Spot in Dunlop Drivers Cup

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 5 -- A Pikeville, Ky., motorcycle and ATV racer has been selected to participate in the Dunlop Drivers Cup driving challenge.

Bennie Cobb, 26, will be competing against 11 other amateur drivers at the U.S. Regional Qualifier in Danville, Va., on Sept. 11-15.

Cobb said the Virginia International Raceway event could help fulfill his racing dream. "I've been racing ATVs, dirtbikes and motorcycles for more than 16 years. In Colorado, I rode street bikes on a track, had a sponsor, but he passed away. I need to compete again."

Cobb said he realizes Dunlop Drivers Cup is completely different from any other type of driving challenge. A unique competition, it includes on-track racing, autocross, off-road sport-utility, off-road all-terrain vehicle and motocross events to test the skills of hard-core driving enthusiasts.

Two two-driver teams from the three-day U.S. Regional Qualifier will represent Dunlop USA at the world Drivers Cup next year. The 10-day excursion is scheduled to travel through six European countries - with driving events in each nation - and finish on the African continent.

Janice Consolacion, brand planning manager for Dunlop in North America, said Cup organizers were impressed by Cobb's ATV and motorcycle competitive experience. "He's looking for opportunities to showcase his skills. Drivers Cup gives him that chance."

Cobb said the drivers' challenge is another milestone in his lifelong love of racing. "I live and breathe racing. I dream about it all the time. All I ask is for this shot."

European Dunlop officials started Drivers Cup in 1998 to showcase Dunlop's racing heritage and its broad range of passenger, truck, motorcycle and all- terrain-vehicle tire lines. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ultra-performance tires and Mud Rover off-road tires will be featured in the competition.

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.

Cobb applied to compete in Drivers Cup after seeing an item in "Import Tuner" magazine.

Applications are being accepted now for those interested in competing in the 2007 Dunlop Drivers Cup U.S. Regionals. To apply, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/.