JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 9, 2005) — Goodyear's Dunlop brand will be the exclusive tire sponsor of the 10th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance—considered one of the most prestigious vintage car salons in the U.S.—March 11-13.
To mark its debut as a sponsor, Dunlop has created the Dunlop Award for the most elegant sports cars on display. This marks the first time the Concours will honor sports cars separately, according to the organizer.
The Amelia Island event is limited to 275 classic and vintage cars that compete for best-in-show trophies. A vehicle auction also takes place. The charity event has raised nearly $1.3 million for the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida Inc., which provides assistance to terminally ill patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay.
Warren Croyle, marketing manager for Dunlop consumer tires, called the Amelia Island event the “ultimate automotive experience for the refined car enthusiast. The Concours aligns perfectly with Dunlop's heritage in motorsports and as original-equipment on many collectible European automobiles such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and BMW.”
Dunlop will use the event to promote its Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ultra-performance tire for luxury sports cars. The firm did not disclose the value of its sponsorship.