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For Immediate Release
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OPENING WEEKEND OF OFF-ROAD SEASON FINDS HANKOOK IN PRIME SHAPE
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WAYNE, NJ
(May 23, 2007) – Hankook Tire
shouldered their way to two podium finishes at their first off-road
event of the year, the Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR).
Team Sticker Dude racing-mates Steven Federico and Lee O’Donnell,
competing in the Pro-Light division, brought home second and third
place finishes, respectively.
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Fans and racers from all parts of the
United States and Canada came to the .8 mile grueling off-road track
at the Steele County Fairgrounds in southeastern Minnesota to witness
some of the best rough and tumble off-road racing in the nation.
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In Round One, O’Donnell in his No.23
Nissan Frontier, co-sponsored by Hankook Tire, lead the pack for the
majority of the race, but due to some minor mechanical problems, began
to fall back. Nevertheless, O’Donnell ultimately finished in third
place, giving Hankook it’s first podium finish of the day.
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Afterwards, O’Donnell commented, “Following practice I was pretty
excited how well the Hankook Tires hooked up with the race surface. I
was fairly confident that we would have a solid finish if we could
come out of the first turn clean. The Hankook tires allowed me to
accomplish just that and make it to the podium.”
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Not to be outdone by his teammate,
Federico grabbed the early lead in round two. On lap five, his Tacoma
experienced an intermittent power steering problem, slightly slowing
his race pace. However, the drop of the checkered flag found the
No. 24 truck at a hard fought second place. “Two solid
finishes for our team this weekend is a great way to start the
season,” said Frederico. “I couldn’t be happier.”
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Despite the two big wins, the day
wasn’t without its serious moments. In the second round, O’Donnell was
forced to drop out early after failing to clear the infield triple
jump, causing his Nissan Frontier to flip dramatically end over end.
The damage to the truck was terminal, but fortunately O’Donnell walked
away without serious injury.
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“It was a scary moment, but
thankfully everything ended up OK,” said O’Donnell. “I’m glad that I
did well the first round, it made the bruises from the second hurt a
little less!”
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All three Sticker Dude Motorsport
vehicles compete on Hankook Dynapro MT tires. The Dynapro MT
RT03 is a rugged tire designed for "true off-road drivers." The "V"
shaped tread blocks are tapered for better grip in mud, sand, or snow.
There are "ejectors" built into the tread grooves to prevent stones
from penetrating the wall of the tire. Specifically designed shoulders
keep dirt from building up and to help prevent damage from impacts.
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About Hankook Tire America Corp.
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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. 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.
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