Hankook enhances its motorsports sponsorship programs

After celebrating a Formula Drift season that included podium finishes in five of the seven events for Hankook driver Tanner Foust, the company is augmenting its ongoing participation in Formula Drift with an expanded driver lineup.

Hankook is also adding “star power” to its Redline Time Attack with the addition of Paul Walker of “Fast the Furious” film fame.

The tire maker is additionally exploring a partnership with Oakley for motorsports apparel items.

In 2011, Hankook will be an official tire sponsor for Formula Drift and is once again sponsoring Team Papadakis Racing and Foust, the 2010 championship runner-up, as well as Conrad Grunewald, who has been competing in the Hankook- sponsored Conrad Grunewald Racing Chevrolet Camaro.

New for next year, the company will expand its motorsports stable to include Scion Racing with driver Ken Gushi and also Chris Forsberg of Chris Forsberg Racing.

Hankook also will sponsor Rhys Millen Racing by supporting owner/driver Rhys Millen in Formula Drift and Rally Cross Competition, plus his quest to break the world record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

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All of the pilots will compete on the Ventus R-S3 performance racing tire. Hankook has applied its latest motorsports technology to these tires, improving dry-grip performance by 30 percent, according to the company.

“We chose each of our new drivers judiciously based on their past records and potential performance,” says Paul Jho, motorsports marketing manager at Hankook Tire America Corp. “We are confident they will prove to be a valuable addition to our team and will contribute to Hankook’s growing success in motorsports.”

For the Redline Time Attack, Walker will be competing in a BMW M3. In addition, he will have Hankook’s support when he competes next month in the 25 Hour Thunderhill Endurance Race by NASA.

Walker will race on the Ventus Z214 DOT R Compound tire. It 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, Jho notes.

“Each year drifting and time attack continue to grow and gain popularity in the U.S. and influence the marketplace,” says Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communications. “Hankook will continue to be a motorsports leader, using our advanced technology to ensure the continued development of cutting-edge products like the Ventus R-S3 and Ventus Z214 to meet the demands of enthusiast consumers.”

For more information visit www.hankooktireusa.com.