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February 7, 2005BFGoodrich® Tires Names 2004 Motorsports Person of The Year; Off-Road Racing’s Rod Hall Awarded Top Motorsports Honor Greenville, SC BFGoodrich® Tires, building on a tradition it started in 2003, has named Rod Hall as its 2004 BFGoodrich Tires Motorsports Person of The Year. The award annually recognizes the contributions of teams, drivers and officials in each of the racing series that BFGoodrich Tires competes. Hall was presented the award at the Best In The Desert race this past weekend in Parker, Ariz. To win the award, the person must have made a significant contribution to racing both on and off the track, demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an uncompromising passion for motorsports, shown a sincere dedication to improve off-road motorsports for all competitors and leave a positive and lasting mark. Great legends have risen to mythical proportions in off-road racing, but none have come close to matching the accomplishments of Rod Hall. With over 160 major off-road racing victories, spanning five decades, across four continents, Hall is recognized as the most successful driver in off-road racing history. "Rod is an unusual blend of competitor and businessman. He is a leader with a down to earth sense of humor that makes him a popular champion a favorite among both fans and competitors," said Thom Peebles, BFGoodrich Tires brand director. "We are extremely pleased to recognize Rod Hall by presenting him this award." Hall began his racing career in 1964 by winning the Afton Canyon Jeep Junket in the desert outside of Riverside, California. Although this was perhaps the first organized off-road race in the U.S., it was 1967 before desert racing was to begin on a regular basis in Baja California and Hall won the Mexican 1000 in his Jeep CJ-5. After 32 years, he has raced in every Baja 1000 and remains the only driver to ever win the Baja 1000 overall in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Today, Hall can be found splitting his time between racing for Team HUMMER, teaching off-roading and serving as chairman of the newly created Off-Road Hall of Fame. In addition, he runs his own business (Rod Hall Products) selling aftermarket parts and accessories for HUMMER vehicles and conducts off-roading schools to let BFGoodrich tire dealers obtain first-hand experience with off-road tires by using off-roading as a training tool. From this experience he has grown his clinics to include hands-on training for tire dealers, the U.S. Border Patrol and off-road enthusiasts. "Rod's involvement and contribution to motorsports has resulted in more than five decades of success," said Todd Steen, BFGoodrich Tires motorsports marketing manager. "In a sport where a dozen major wins can define a successful racing career, Rod's record stands out and we're proud to recognize his accomplishments, both in and out of the driver's seat." Hall's accomplishments as a racer include being a ten-time winner of the Mint 400, ten-time winner of the Parker 400, 12-time winner of the Fireworks 250, 12-time winner of the Baja 500 and the only 17-time winner of the Baja 1000. Over the course of his racing career, Hall has won 14 major class points championships in production four-wheel-drive vehicles and more than 150 major events. Each year, five finalists are selected by BFGoodrich Tires with one winner selected from the distinguished group. The inaugural winner of the award in 2003 was Sal Fish, president of SCORE International, the world's premier off-road racing series and home to events like the SCORE Baja 1000. "This award is about giving back to racing," said Steen. "From the first street tire to race at Le Mans to the brand's 19 consecutive Baja 1000 wins, BFGoodrich Tires has had the opportunity to work with some of the best and most recognized names in racing throughout the years and it is important that we take time to recognize the achievement and sportsmanship of those who make racing what it is today." In addition to being named BFGoodrich Tires Motorsports Person of The Year, Hall's name will be engraved on a large crystal trophy that is on permanent display at BFGoodrich Tires' headquarters in Greenville, S.C. Hall will also receive a replica of the trophy to add to his already large display of honors. BFGoodrich Tires has one of the most comprehensive and storied motorsports histories in the world. In 2004, the brand was actively involved in more than 13 race series. BFGoodrich® Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle from ultra-high performance tuner vehicles, sports cars and SUVs to the hottest sport trucks, pickups and rock-crawling rigs in the world. BFGoodrich Tires has built its reputation on using motorsports as a proving ground. Success on the street begins with winning on the track and BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, road, drag, desert and extreme rock-crawling. With 19 consecutive Baja 1000 wins, the most wins in rock-crawling history and an unmatched record on pavement, BFGoodrich Tires has proven the only records it breaks are its own. |
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