CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 11, 2008) — Continental Tire North America (CTNA) Inc.'s General brand has been keeping busy in the world of motorsports, taking on a title sponsorship in one upcoming competition and providing the spec tire in another.
General will be the title sponsor of the new General Tire Mint 400 Race, a rebirth of a classic desert competition that takes off on March 29.
The first race started in 1969 as the Del Webb Mint 400 Desert Rally and ran 400 miles between the Mint Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and the Sahara Tahoe. It ended when the Mint Hotel was sold in 1988.
“Coincidentally, 1988 was also the last year General Tire competed in off-road until today,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for CTNA. “With this sponsorship, General Tire has come full circle.”
This year's event will start at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino and run about 16 hours through a 95-mile course.
In addition to the Mint sponsorship, Conti's new General Grabber competition tires will be the spec tire for the Ivan “Ironman” Stewart ProTruck class in the 2008 off-road season, debuting at the Baja 500.
“We are very excited to have our new Grabber tires chosen to equip all ProTruck race vehicles this year,” Mr. Roffler said. “Ivan is one of the most accomplished drivers in off-road racing, and it is gratifying that he has placed his trust in these tires in their inaugural season.”
The Grabber features a three-ply Duragen-reinforced body and a newly developed tread compound for competition. CTNA said it is designed in size 37/12.50R17 for classes 1, 7S, 7 unlimited, 8 and trophy truck.