Toyo expanding motorsports program

CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2016) — Toyo Tire U.S.A. Inc. is expanding its efforts this year in off-road racing, adding two drivers to its stable of sponsored drivers in the various off-road venues where it competes, while continuing to support several road-racing series as well.

The new drivers are two-time Baja 1,000 winner Gustavo (Tavo) Vildósola Jr. and 2015 Stadium Super Truck (SST) series champion Sheldon Creed, who will compete in SCORE-International/Best In The Desert off-road races and SST and selected Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series events, respectively.

They join Kyle LeDuc (LOORS Pro 4 class champion), desert/off-road racing specialists Robby Gordon and BJ Baldwin on Team Toyo.

On track, Toyo renewed its partnerships with National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and Cadillac Challenge and joined forces with Porsche Club of America to create a Spec Cayman class that will use the Toyo Proxes RS1 slick race tire already in use by NASA and at several invitational endurance races.

Toyo's deal with NASA extends its 13-year relationship with the series through the 2020 racing season.

NASA specs the Toyo Proxes RR two-groove DOT competition tire for several classes, including: Spec Miata, Spec Iron, Honda Challenge, Spec E30, the recently added Spec Z, and the NASA Prototype that debuts this season.

Toyo's deal with the Cadillac Challenge extends Toyo's role as presenting sponsor for a fifth season.

 “Toyo Tires prides itself on delivering race-winning technology accessible to both professional and amateur racers,” said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing for Toyo Tire U.S.A.

“Whether using our Open Country products for off-road racing, or Proxes tires in road racing, teams and competitors can count on a Toyo Tires product to deliver both durability and podium results.”