A 15-year-old past All American Soap Box Derby champion raced and beat NASCAR driver Greg Biffle April 29 in Goodyear's Fuel Max Challenge at Derby Downs raceway in Akron.
Tyler Shoff, nicknamed the “Derby Diva,” coasted past Mr. Biffle in the 90-second, quarter-mile challenge and finished more than three car lengths ahead of the NASCAR Busch and Truck Series champion.
The two drivers competed in identical soap box cars, but Ms. Shoff's was equipped with Goodyear's new Assurance Fuel Max all-season tires. Mr. Biffle's car was fitted with the company's original Assurance tires.
“The outcome of today's race clearly demonstrates that the breakthrough tread compound in the new Fuel Max tires helps deliver 27-percent less rolling resistance than the original Assurance tires,” said Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director.
Goodyear rolled out its Fuel Max tires in February at the company's 2009 dealer meeting in Washington.
The company designed the tire to provide 4-percent better fuel mileage than its original Assurance tire, launched in 2004.
The tire maker is backing the Assurance Fuel Max tire—available in 27 sizes—with a 65,000-mile limited tread life warranty.