AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The competitive nature of the North American tire business is moving from the dealer store to the racetrack. Or, said another way, the competitiveness of dealers is set to be unleashed at Virginia International Raceway for Dunlop Drivers Cup.
Tom Lemke, district manager for Evans Tires & Service in San Diego, said his competitive nature and "racing downhill mountain bikes" give him an advantage against seven other retailers at Drivers Cup on Sept. 18-20.
Lemke also has some advice for his competitors: "If you are slow, it's best to get out of my way."
Ken Passerby, vice president of retail operations for Advanced Auto Service & Tire Centers, with 14 locations in Arizona, might own the best name in the competition. Don't expect anyone to "pass him by."
"I like to compete. I love motorsports," Passerby said. Unfortunately for the other dealers, he drag races as a hobby. He's been an NHRA drag racing division champion and has won multiple national events in his class.
Impressive, but Jim Enger, owner and president of Enger Auto Service & Tire, Euclid, Ohio, has his own racing resume. He belongs to the Northern Ohio Racing Association, SCCA and Championship Kart Racing Association. Enger's driving style? "Drive it like you stole it," he said.
Still, Scott Johansen, national program manager for Remington Tire Distributors Inc. in Kingston, Ontario, doubts there are any favorites. Johansen said, "I'm not sure if any one man or woman has an advantage, other than to test the limits of the car and willingness to go deeper into the corners."
Janice Consolacion, marketing manager for the Dunlop brand in North America, said she expects the competitive nature of independent dealers "to manifest itself" during the U.S. Regional Qualifier in Danville, Va.
"I believe we'll see the same determination and passion to compete in Virginia that drives their success in the business world. Drivers Cup brings people together to improve and challenge their driving skills. It also provides a showcase for our tires, the same products these dealers sell at their stores. Like anything else, it's much easier for them to sell tires that they've tested and driven," Consolacion said.
"Drivers Cup also is about strengthening relationships. Spending a week with these dealers and listening to their needs helps us develop more products and marketing programs that better serve their customers," she said.
The eight retailers will be joining 12 amateur drivers from across the United States in a grueling test of driving skills. The multiple driving events include on-track activities, off-road courses, motocross, autocross and all-terrain-vehicle maneuvers.
It also teaches a few lessons. Morning sessions begin with briefings that include safety messages, and the event uses experienced instructors from around the world to help participants hone their driving skills, she added.
Other retailers competing in the driving challenge include:
-- Michael Orliw, sales manager, Albert Tire Co., Pennsauken, N.J.
-- Garrett Catalano, store manager, Discount Tire Co., El Centro, Calif.
-- Zeke Houser, store manager, Discount Tire Co., Amarillo, Texas
-- Mike Peluso, store manager, Just Tires, Rockford, Ill.
Dunlop officials in Europe started Drivers Cup nine years ago to showcase Dunlop's racing heritage and its broad range of passenger, truck, motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle tire lines. Billy Mains, a store manager from Discount Tire Co. in Houston finished fourth last year at the World Finals in Spain. For more on the competition and the contestants, go to http://www.dunloptires.com.
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