Yokohama Named Official Tire at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Courtesy Michael F. Hollander

FULLERTON, Calif. -- (Feb. 27, 2006) Yokohama Tire Corp. today announced that it will become the Official Tire of the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the next three years and during several prestigious racing events that include the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, U.S. Sports Car Invitational, and Monterey Sports Car Championships, which will host an American Le Mans Series race. The pact was inked with the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula, which oversees the raceway's operation.

"Motorsports is an integral part of our marketing strategy," said Jim MacMaster, Yokohama executive vice president, Business Division, "and our affiliation with Mazda Raceway presents us with several new opportunities to showcase Yokohama and our ultra-high-performance ADVAN tire line. Our presence at Mazda Raceway will be visible on the Yokohama Tire bridge as well as with signage around the historic track in the hills above Monterey."

The traditional spring U. S. Sports Car Invitational provides west coast fans with the chance to see Daytona Prototypes and GT cars of the rapidly-growing Grand American Road Racing Association's Rolex Sports Car Series.

In August, the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races are a highlight of a weekend that also includes the Concours d'Elegance at the landmark Pebble Beach, where Yokohama is also an Official Sponsor.

The racing season wraps up in October at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the exotic prototypes and sports cars of the American Le Mans Series, in which Yokohama Tire is a major participant. Team PTG's BMWs will fly Yokohama colors as they compete on ADVAN tires and vie for top places in the main event.

About Yokohama Tire Corporation:
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company, a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.

About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP:
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who's who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.