For Immediate Release
Re: RoC Asphalt Tour Changes
2012 Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour Signs on With American Racer as Official Series Tire.
BINGHAMTON, NY…The Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour has signed on with American Racer as the official tire of the tour for the 2012 racing season. The Modified teams will be making the switch this season to the American Racer tire after successful testing was conducted this past fall.
The change in tire for 2012 is certainly part of an overall effort by series officials to take the successful RoC Tour and continue build it for the years to come. The change in tire is just part of an overhaul on the series for 2012 that will also allow the regional Sportsman Modified teams to run for their own title in part along with the Modified Series.
With the change in tire manufacturer the upcoming season’s point fund will also see a boost with well over $30,000 being posted for the upcoming point trail. Series Director Andrew Harpell commented, “We are extremely excited to have been able to put together such a strong program for our teams in 2012.” He added, “We cannot move forward without first noting what a tremendous partner Hoosier Racing Tire has been in the past. We have had a great relationship for 18 years and our decision was certainly very, very difficult.” “Our final decision was made on what we felt would be best in 2012 for our teams and the overall health of the series. By no means does our decision diminish what Hoosier Tire has committed to us in the past and their tremendous involvement nationwide.”
The American Racer effort is being headed by Fred Woodward and the staff at Lias Tire in Indiana, PA. Currently they are a partner on the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour and devoted a tremendous amount of resources on the Dirt Modified American Racer Cup. Woodward remarked, “We are thrilled to have this opportunity with the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour. We certainly know the great caliber of the drivers on that series and are looking forward to working with them this season.”
The Modified teams will be competing on the American Racer right side 131 and left side 130 compound on all of the 2012 RoC Asphalt Tour races. An aggressive program is being put in place with series tour tire provider French’s Auto Parts for the season to make the tire process fair for all of the teams. In order to avoid potential “tire soaking” teams will be required to purchase three of their four competition tires on race day from the on site tire truck. Any team wishing to reuse or sell their used tires to other competitors will simply be required to turn in their tires at the conclusion of racing that day to the tire truck to again ensure no alterations will occur in between events.
Harpell remarked, “We believe the process that we have put in place will not only protect all of the teams from potential tire alterations but will now open up an entire new market for used tires to be purchased by teams on a lower budget.” “We anticipate that their will be plenty of “useable rubber” remaining on these tires at the conclusion of our race events.” “This will allow for teams to sell their “take offs” but also provide for limited budget teams to have a very competitive tire at a discounted price.”
Chuck Hossfeld will be officially recognized as the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour Champion on Friday, March 2nd at the Binghamton River Walk Hotel and Conference Center.
The RoC staff will have a display on March 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the annual Binghamton Area Mall Show at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City, NY. Series reps. will be on hand at the traditional Motorsports Expo at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY on March 10th and 11th as well. The Race of Champions offices can be contacted at 607-775-5555 or by emailing the office at rocpavement@aol.com. The official RoC website can be found at
www.raceofchampions.net.