Following a very successful 2009 Traxxas Off-Road Championship racing season in which Kumho drivers finished in the Top 3 overall in all major classes, Kumho Tire announces its driver line-up for 2010.
“We are excited to be an integral part of the fastest, most punishing short course racing series on the planet and prove our technology and capability to compete with the best. After our tremendous success in the inaugural season of TORC, Kumho and our drivers can’t wait for the heart pounding TORC racing season to start and rack up more victories. We have newfound energy, more passion than ever and are ready to dominate the TORC series again this year.” said Rick Brennan, VP of Marketing at Kumho Tire USA.
Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ricky Johnson, who finished the 2009 season just four points shy of the top spot in Pro 2WD, is back in his Kumho Tire/Red Bull Ford truck for another exciting year of short course off-road racing. Johnson, a living legend in AMA motocross and supercross, has made a seamless transition to off-road truck racing and is looking to add another title to his impressive resume. After finishing on the podium in 11 races last year, Johnson looks to improve on that feat and claim the overall title in 2010.
Joining Ricky Johnson in Team Kumho after exciting racing campaigns in 2009 are Scott Douglas and Chad Hord. Racing in his Kumho Tire/Amsoil Ford, Douglas was the model of consistency with 9 podium finishes and an overall third place finish in the Pro 4 class. Douglas is looking to renew his battles with Rick Huseman and Kyle LeDuc in the Pro 4 class and take the top spot in 2010. One of the most exciting and fearless drivers in TORC, Chad Hord is back with Kumho and ready to take on all comers with his “pedal to the metal” racing style. Hord had a great 2009 campaign, finishing 3rd overall in the Pro Light class. Hord is making the move up to Pro 2 from Pro Light in 2010 and ready to make a huge impact in the ultra-competitive Pro 2 class.
Also returning for off-road action is Steve Barlow in the Pro 4 class. Last year, Barlow finished the season with a bang placing 2nd in the last race of season after just missing the podium on four separate occasions. Barlow in his Kumho Tire/Red Bull Ford looks to improve on his 2009 season and become a podium regular in the new season.
Finally, Kumho Tire is proud to introduce wunderkind, Luke Johnson, as Kumho’s newest and youngest driver in the Pro Light class. Already a proven competitor in various racing circuits, 18-year old Luke, son of legend Ricky Johnson, is ready to show the world what the next generation of Johnsons can do on the track. Under the expert guidance of Ricky, Luke is looking to make a huge impact in TORC in his Kumho Tire/Red Bull truck riding on Road Venture MT tires.
“We are excited to have Ricky, Scott, Chad, Steve and newcomer Luke on Team Kumho for 2010. These drivers embody what Kumho Tire is all about – passion for excellence, extreme performance and a winning spirit. We are anxious to start the 2010 season with all of our outstanding drivers and prove to the public that Kumho can compete and beat all others in the marketplace today.” added Brennan.
The first race of the 2010 TORC season is May 1st and 2nd at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona. More information can be found on HYPERLINK "http://www.torcseries.com" www.torcseries.com.
