Hankook Tires Conquers IMSA Lites Series
For Immediate Release
Bonilla and Cochran Blister the Field at the IMSA Lites Presented by
Hankook Performance Tires
Record Breaking Crowd at Lime Rock Park Treated to Tremendous Races on
the Fiftieth Year of Competition
WAYNE, NJ (July 17, 2007) - Gerardo Bonilla and Jay Cochran engaged in a
close competition for first place in both races at the IMSA Lites Series
Northeast Grand Prix. Presented by Hankook Performance Tires and hosted
at the historic Lime Rock Park. The IMSA Lites showcased the best races
of the season for a record number of fans.
In Round 5, Bonilla set a fast pace with a qualifying time of 49.544
seconds and shared the front row with Kerry Jacobson in the #38 Inspire
Motorsports/Hankook Tire DP02 Lites 1 entry. By controlling the race
from the first lap, Bonilla gained an impressive win in his #9 BK
Motorsports Mazda/Skip Barber Elan DP02, while Cochran finished closely
behind in second place.
"With the help of the new and improved Hankook F200 C91 compound tires,
our car handled the best it has all year. Compared to the beginning of
the year, it's a nice evolution," explained Bonilla. "The tires sustain
and grip better than our previous tires and they aren't as sensitive to
changes in the weather."
In turn one of the Round 6, Cochran surpassed the younger Bonilla for
first place in his fourth IMSA start. The drivers put on a show for the
crowd as Bonilla challenged for the top spot throughout the entire race.
As the battle continued, Cochran flawlessly and held on to win his first
IMSA Lites race of the season.
"Bonilla and I had a little tussle through turn one, but it was super
clean. After the great start, I just had to put my head down and keep
going. The Hankook tires delivered a better and more consistent grip on
the track," said Cochran. "We are really happy this race. The team did
a super job and it was just great to be on the podium."
The Lites 2 and Lites 3 races also featured great competition from
veteran drivers. Mark White, driver of the #02 Accumoto
Motorsport/Throttle Threads.com/Duraform, captured the Lites 2 win.
While the Lites 3 race would see last years' winner of both Lime Rock L3
races, Richard Spicer, dominate and capture the top spot on the podium.
The Lime Rock Park track celebrates its fiftieth year of racing
beginning with the "Little Le Mans" endurance race in 1957. Lime Rock
Park is a 1.53 mile road course that features elevation changes and
sweeping corners. The track has played host to many great race car
drivers and series over its long history. From Carroll Shelby to Roger
Penske, Mark Donahue, Al Holbert and Tom Kendell, and from Trans-Am to
Can-Am, IMSA GTP, NASCAR and the American Le Mans Series, Lime Rock Park
has seen it all.
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/> .
# # #
Hankook Tire America Corp Media Contacts:
Bill Bainbridge Kim Milman
Lucy Capurro
Director Brand Communication Account Director
Account Executive
phone: 973- 633-9000 ext. 531 Phone : 818-992-4353
Phone : 818-992-4353
fax: 973 633-0028 Fax :818-992-0543
Fax : 818-992-0543
wbainbridge@hankooktireusa.com
kmilman@jmprpublicrelations.com
lcapurro@jmprpublicrelations.com
Kim Milman
Account Director
JMPR Public Relations
5850 Canoga Ave. #300
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 992-4353 x13
(818) 992-0543
