Cooper announces Formula 2000 sponsorship

Aug. 9, 2003

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. recently agreed to sponsor its own racing series. The Cooper Tire Championship Series will be the home of the Formula Ford 2000 Zetec racing program in 2004.

Cooper signed a five-year agreement with Formula Motorsports Inc. to supply Cooper Zeon racing radials for not only the Ford 2000 Zetec series, but also Pro Championships in the Formula SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and SCCA Sports Racer categories.

"We think this sponsorship demonstrates Cooper Tire's commitment to precision and performance in developing replacement tires for sports and performance cars, as well as SUVs, light trucks and 4x4s," says Tom Dattilo, Cooper's chairman, CEO and president.

Cooper joined the international racing community in 1997 when it purchased Avon Tyres Ltd. The resulting company, Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd., manufactures Cooper Zeon racing slicks in Melksham, Wiltshire, England.

Cooper added to its racing pedigree when it acquired Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels in March of this year. Mickey Thompson will provide track support for Cooper's involvement in all three series.

The company also is sponsoring professional desert racer Bob Land in the 2003 SCORE (Southern California Off Road Enterprises) race series.