Hankook Tire Strengthens Grassroots Racing Support - Gives further incentive and choice to racers who aspire to be the best

WAYNE, N.J. Mar. 15, 2010 – Hankook Tire America Corp. is asking race enthusiasts to put Hankook racing tires to the test by supporting them with an incentive program for the 2010 motorsports season.

Hankook supports motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels and this new program is no different. Hankook is offering amateur and professional racing enthusiasts alike the chance to earn dollars off Hankook’s Ventus R-S3 or Ventus Z214 DOT R Compound tires based on their performance in specific racing circuits. Racers have an opportunity to earn incentives during each individual competition event.

“This incentive program allows Hankook to offer the benefits of its products to both the weekend racer and the top drivers in the country,” said Jason Kim, motorsports manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. “Both the Ventus R-S3 and Ventus Z214 provide the latest racing technology and superior performance on the track. We stand behind our products and are confident that enthusiasts will love the results.”

Racers who compete in SCCA ProSolo Championship Series, SCCA Solo National 6, 7, 8 and SCCA National Championship Runoffs will be able to earn certificates toward the purchase of Hankook’s Ventus Z214 DOT R. Racers who compete in Formula Drift, Pro-Am Drift Series, Redline Time Attack and Super Lap Battle will be able to earn certificates toward the purchase of Hankook’s Ventus R-S3.

Certificates will be awarded in the following racing series:
· 2010 Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Championship Series
· 2010 Tire Rack SCCA Solo Nationals 6, 7, 8
· 2010 Tire Rack SCCA National Championship Runoffs
· 2010 Formula Drift Championship Series
· 2010 Pro-Am Drift Series: Los Angeles, Las Vegas
· 2010 Redline Time Attack
· 2010 Super Lap Battle

“Right now, grassroots racers are demanding a high-value tire that produces results on the track,” said Kim. “Hankook’s Ventus line-up provides racers with high-value, high-quality products without sacrificing performance.”

The Ventus R-S3 is Hankook’s extreme performance summer tire developed for drivers looking for race-like traction on the street or for use in autocross, drifting and track events. The R-S3 delivers extreme dry grip with Hankook’s proven racing tread compound. The pattern owns many wins and podium places by professional and amateur racers alike.

The Ventus Z214 DOT R offers a symmetric tread design and utilizes a smooth tread surface with two longitudinal tread grooves for outstanding performance on the circuit in both dry and damp conditions. The successor to the proven Z211, the Z214 is the premier semi-slick tire in the market. The Z214 has achieved many wins and track records within the last several years, clearly demonstrating its consistency and compound prowess.

For more information on program participation, please visit Hankook’s website at www.Hankooktireusa.com or contact Hankook directly at Motorsports@hankooktireusa.com .

About Hankook Tire America Corp.

Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as medium truck and bus tires to more than 400 independent dealers through 3000+ retail sales locations in the United States and Canada.

For more information, please visit the Hankook website at www.hankooktireusa.com