CORR: Goodyear builds on traditon

Goodyear building on tradition to bring victory at the 2002 CORR Lucas Oil Series

Avon, Ind. (March 11, 2002) As one of the most popular tire brands in America, Goodyear continues to take pride in being involved in the CORR Lucas Oil Series. Two CORR division champions; (Mark Kleiman-Stock) and John Huven (Light Buggy) used Goodyear Tires in 2001, as well as Rookie of the Year Award winners Steve Federico (Pro-Lite) and Scott Peterson (Super Buggy). Goodyear accounted for 46 CORR victories in 2001 (15 Pro and 31 Sportsman).

"CORR drivers give our tires a pounding in torture tests that we we'd be hard-pressed to devise," said Jim Alexander, Marketing Manager for Goodyear Racing. "They give us immediate feedback on where we need to make improvements. The legendary Walker Evans helped Goodyear develop its very first Wrangler radial tire in the 1970's. We depend on these new upcoming drivers for that same kind of information to help us develop an even better tire and help them win."

As one of three major tire manufacturers that take part in the CORR Lucas Oil Series, Goodyear's involvement helped introduce many fans to Goodyear tires. According to the 2001 CORR Demographic Study, 34 percent of those polled used Goodyear tires, which was the highest among the group.

"The value of Goodyear's participation in CORR can be found in the 2001 Demographic Study. That number says volumes about Goodyear's CORR involvement," said Alexander.

As in most cases with each sponsor in the CORR Lucas Oil Series, Goodyear takes advantage of the platform CORR provides to test and improve their current products. Much of what they learn on the track about the performance of their tires can be used for future developments.

"CORR is a great platform to test the durability of our Wrangler MT/R tires," said Alexander. "More importantly, however, we use the CORR experience to help us design and engineer tires like our Wrangler MT/R. What we learn in CORR is used in our computer models and laboratories to develop the next `secret weapon'."

As in years past, Goodyear's association with the series will include at the track assistance by providing and grooving tires to the specifications of each driver. According to Alexander, both the drivers and Goodyear prosper by working together.

"That crucial communication speaks volumes about their wins and our tire development," he said. "We rely on those drivers to dish out the punishment; they count on us to develop more durable, faster tires. Together, we can make that happen."

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