Hankook Motorsports Driver Achievements
In the release attached and below, please find information on some outstanding achievements from Hankook Tires-sponsored Motorsports Drivers. For Immediate Release Two Hankook Tires' Drivers Honored for Outstanding On-Track Achievements Joel Lipperini Posts Record Number of Victories while Jon Kofod Wins ITA Rookie of the Year and Frank Pohanka Award WAYNE, NJ (February 12, 2006) To say it was a successful year for Hankook Tire America Corp., and its Hankook Motorsports drivers would be an understatement. Two-time SSC National Champion Joel Lipperini of Pittston, Penn., finished the 2006 season with a record number of victories and championships. Jon Kofod collected more trophies than he could carry in his inaugural season racing in the Mid Atlantic Road Racing Series' (MARRS) ITA class. "Hankook Tire America is extremely pleased with the results achieved by our drivers and their race teams in 2006," said Jeff Koehler, Motorsports Marketing Manager for Hankook Tire America Corp. "We plan to continue our support for them and other racers in SCCA Club Racing in 2007 with tailored sponsorships and an attractive Contingency Program." Lipperini dominated the three classes in which he campaigned his Hankook-sponsored Ford Mustang, Mazda Miata and Honda Civic, collecting 15 victories, two seconds, three third-places and five new track records. All of that success added up to a national Championship, two Divisional Championships, and a third-place podium finish in the SCCA National Runoffs. "I will go out on a limb and say that there are very few teams out there that worked as hard in any series to finish with the results we did in 2006," Lipperini stated. A model of consistency, Lipperini finished on the podium in 19 of the 21 events he entered during the regular season. Hankook-sponsored rookie driver Jon Kofod had an equally impressive debut. His Flatoutracing.net/Hankook Tires team battled season-long in their first foray into the MARRS ITA class, coming up just a few points short of the class championship in their inaugural attempt. Just missing his third consecutive road racing championship, Kofod still managed to score four victories, four pole positions and five fastest laps in the nine rounds of the 2006 MARRS championship. "I really have to thank Hankook Motorsports for their support over the past three seasons," said Kofod. "I think the highlight this season was our three consecutive season ending wins in ITA." For his outstanding efforts, Kofod received the 2006 MARRS ITA Rookie of the Year award, and a runner-up trophy for the MARRS ITA Championship. Kofod also was selected to receive the Frank S. Pohanka, Jr. Award. This award has been given annually since 1958 for outstanding achievement for a racer in his first full season of production racing. About Hankook Tire America Corp. Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that supports motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels. Hankook is known and respected around the world for its superior competition tires that outlast the toughest opposition. Hankook remains at the forefront of performance tire development to achieve cutting-edge results. As Hankook expands its motorsports activities, the focus will remain on technology that will keep Hankook-equipped vehicles in the winners circle. Hankook is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, manufacturing a wide range of tires for almost any vehicle. For more information please visit Hankook Tires on the web at www.hankooktireusa.com <http://www.hankooktireusa.com/> . # # # Media Contacts: Kim Milman Tyler Horton Account Director Account Executive Phone : 818-992-4353 Phone : 818-992-43530 Fax :818-992-0543 Fax : 818-992-0543 Email: kmilman@jmprpublicrelations.com Email: thorton@jmprpublicrelations.com Tyler Horton Account Executive Phone: 818 992-4353 Fax: 818 992-0543 www.jmprpublicrelations.com <http://www.jmprpublicrelations.com/>