CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2013) — Toyo Tire U.S.A Corp. is partnering with Robby Gordon Off-Road's Stadium SUPER Trucks (SST) racing series.
The deal, according to Cypress-based Toyo, makes it "the first tire manufacturer to sign for the 2013 inaugural season of thrilling, stadium-style off-road racing."
The SST is described by Toyo as "a new breed of off-road featuring live motorsports, bringing back what was once the concept of legendary racer Mickey Thompson." Mr. Gordon's new concept of stadium racing involves high-powered off-road trucks racing on challenging dirt tracks consisting of huge jumps, crossovers and tight corners, the tire maker said, noting the 2013 season comprises "12 heart-pounding events providing action in the greatest venues across North America."
Toyo said it plans to have multiple Stadium SUPER Trucks equipped with its Open Country M/T tire, including that of the No. 7 racer piloted by Mr. Gordon.
The company first partnered in 2006 with Mr. Gordon, who "has maintained a winning relationship ever since," Toyo said, delivering multiple championships, wins and podium finishes for the Toyo brand. His accomplishments include the 2012 Best in the Desert Class 1500 Champion and Best in the Desert Grand Champion; 2009 SCORE Overall Point Champion and SCORE Trophy-Truck Champion; overall 2006 Baja 1000 winner; and many Dakar Rally Stage wins.
Additional drivers representing Toyo in the series will be announced at a later date, the company said. Toyo also will be the presenting tire sponsor at two televised events, including the season opener at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on April 6.
"To have Toyo Tires come on board as the first tire manufacturer for Stadium SUPER Trucks Series is a big deal," said Mr. Gordon, the series president. "I've had a great relationship with Toyo Tires over my racing career and I think it's great for them to join our series and understand my vision for the future of off-road racing. I'm thankful and excited to start providing some great events for fans to enjoy."
Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing for Toyo, said the tire maker looks forward "to being a part of the excitement and competition while showcasing the quality and performance of our tires on super trucks driven by the world's best off-road racers."
She added that Mr. Gordon's new series "will take off-road racing to the next level, introducing the sport to a new and larger audience both in stadiums across North America and on NBC television."
All 12 SST events in 2013 will be televised via tape delay on NBC networks—seven on NBC and five on NBC Sports.
In addition to the University of Phoenix Stadium, the venues include: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Long Beach, Calif.; Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles; Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego; Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis; Soldier Field, Chicago; the Georgia Dome, Atlanta; Cowboys Stadium, Dallas/Arlington; Metro Dome, Minneapolis; Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas; and a yet-to-be-named international event.
Fans can keep up with the latest news and results of the SST series at its Facebook page facebook.com/StadiumSuperTrucks and at twitter.com/SSuperTrucks.