Hankook Tire Announces 2017 Motorsports Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an incredible 2016 Formula Drift season which saw Hankook driver Chris Forsberg win his third Formula Drift Championship, Hankook Tire announced its plans to bolster its Formula Drift roster and racing tires heading into the 2017 season. Reigning champion and Formula Drift legend Chris Forsberg will be back for his 7^th consecutive year with Hankook, alongside friend and fellow Hankook teammate Ryan Tuerck. The returning duo will be joined by four new dynamic drivers, boosting the Hankook drift roster to six for the 2017 season. 

Hankook welcomes Pat Goodin, Nate Hamilton, Jeff Jones and Kevin Lawrence who will debut as Hankook sponsored drivers for the 2017 Formula Drift Season. The Formula Drift Pro Season begins this Friday, March 31st in Long Beach, Calif. 

Chris will be back behind the wheel of his signature Nissan 370Z, and Ryan will again pilot his Toyota GT86 competition car, but both vehicles will have a slightly new look. Earlier this month, Hankook announced the release of its Ventus R-s4 tire which will be used in all competitions for the 2017 season. The new performance tire will help drivers achieve better cornering grip and steering response thanks to an improved shoulder block design and tire compound.

"We are excited to kick off the 2017 Formula Drift season this weekend with an expanded driver lineup, in addition to defending the Formula Drift Driver's Championship Title with Chris Forsberg," said Donato Bonacquisto, Hankook Motorsports and Events Manager. "Our drivers will use the newly introduced Ventus R-s4 tire this season, and we are confident the tire will provide our drivers with the confidence to push the limits even farther, creating an exciting and competitive season on the track."

In addition to Formula Drift competition, Hankook will sponsor Rhys Millen at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the seventh consecutive year. Rhys is coming off a historic year after setting various records within the electric vehicle category at last year's competition. Rhys and Hankook will bring the heat to Colorado for the 101^st annual race starting on June 25th.

Hankook will bring regular motorsports updates and multimedia content to its fans via its social media channels including HankookUSA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HankookUSA), Twitter (@HankookUSA), and Instagram (@HankookUSAracing).

About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Hankook Tire markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as truck and bus tires in the United States.

SOURCE Hankook Tire America Corp.