Toyo TiresR Announces Sponsorship of Xtreme Rock Racing

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA -- Toyo TiresR announces their sponsorship of the Xtreme Rock Race Association (XRRA). The 2006 season titled "Toyo Tires Presents the Xtreme Rock Racing Series", will be featured on SPEED Channel's popular "Lucas Oil Presents" television program. The TV program is known for extreme events which are unique and exciting in their nature.

Xtreme Rock Racing is fast-paced compared to conventional rock crawling, as it is man-and-machine against the stopwatch. Courses vary in both complexity and terrain, requiring different tactics each time competitors arrive for an event. Spotters may help from outside the vehicle, or on high-speed courses, remain on board for the sprint. Last season, Peter and Frank Wells of Wells Brothers Racing won the championship driving their specially built buggy equipped with Toyo's 37-inch Open Country M/TT tires. According to Robert Waytashek, Events Project Manager, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, "XRRA events have crowds pumped and on their feet as they never know what to expect during each run. The format can range from technical climbs to all out straight course racing against the clock."

Michael Weaver, Chief Operating Officer, Xtreme Rock Race Association stated, "In 2005 the XRRA series saw an explosion in the popularity of Rock Racing. Spectators and competitors alike have expressed their excitement for this sport. Toyo is widely known throughout the off-road industry for their involvement and support of premier events, and we are proud to have them as our partner." The 2006 season kicks off during the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah on April 15th at the Area BFE Off-Road Park. Moab is the first event of a five-race series which runs the States of Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

For more information on the Open Country M/TT, winner of multiple championships in 2005, log on to toyo.com. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of high performance and original equipment replacement tires for passenger car, light truck, commercial truck, bus, off-road and construction applications.