Building on momentum from its successful 2013 Formula Drift season, which included being named the “Formula Drift Tire Manufacturer Champion,” Hankook Tire has announced its motorsports plans for 2014.
Hankook will continue its close association with Formula Drift through its official sponsorship of the race series and by sponsoring five drivers and teams. Hankook’s 2014 Formula Drift team lineup will include Chris Forsberg in the CFR Champion Nissan 370Z, Fredric Aasbo in the Papadakis Racing Speed Hunters Scion tC, Tyler McQuarrie in the Mobil1 GoPro Chevrolet Camaro, Ken Gushi in the Greddy Performance Scion FR-S, and Conrad Grunewald in the CGR Megan Racing Chevrolet Camaro.
All of Hankook’s Formula Drift drivers will compete on Hankook’s Ventus R-S3 Extreme Performance Summer tire, one of the premier tires in Formula Drift competition. The Ventus RS-3’s motorsports handling has been proven at Formula Drift races since 2009, garnering Hankook multiple podium finishes, and contributing to Chris Forsberg’s season end second place standing last year. Additionally, for 2014 Hankook will release a new updated compound for the successful Hankook Ventus R-S3.
Hankook will also support teams competing in the 25 Hours of Thunder Hill, off-road racing and Time Attack series. The company will also increase its support for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the second oldest race in America. Hankook will be the main sponsor of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, while also sponsoring drivers in off-road events, including Sean Geiser in the Torc Series with his Hankook Dynapro MT tires.
Hankook’s motorsports participation will span the continent as it continues to be the exclusive tire supplier for multiple racing series throughout the Americas. The 2014 Panam GP Series, with races in the United States and South America, will equip its Formula 3 type Formula Abarth cars with Hankook’s Ventus F200 race tire. Also using the Hankook Ventus F200 exclusively for 2014 will be the Florida Winter Series supported by the Ferrari Driver Academy, training ground for future Formula One drivers. Additionally the Intercontinental Trophy Cup series, a part of NASA (National Auto Sport Association), will sport its Porsche Cayman with Hankook’s Ventus Z214 race tires.
“Our 2014 motorsports events provide an ideal platform from which to showcase the cutting-edge technology, innovation and performance of Hankook tires,” says Paul Jho, Hankook Tire America Corp. Motorsports marketing manager. “We are proud of the impressive track record our teams and drivers have amassed over the years and look forward to another very competitive season.”
Hankook will continue to support motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels. For 2014, Hankook will offer amateur and professional racing enthusiasts contingency program benefits and the chance to earn incentives in SCCA National Solo, ProSolo and Club Racing events, NASA regional and national races, Time Attack races, the Formula DRIFT Series and Torc off-road races.
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