Cooper Tire Powers Team Primitive Arctic Challenger to Alcan Winter Rally Wins

FINDLAY, OHIO, MAY 1, 2008 - Team Primitive Arctic Challenger chose Cooper Tire's Weather-Master S/T 2 tires for their battle with the icy terrain of America's northernmost points during the 24th Alcan Winter Rally. The partnership resulted in first place finishes in Classes II and III, as well as the First Place Team Award.

The rally took 24 vehicles and 55 contestants from Kirkland, Wash., on February 16 to Jasper, Alberta, on February 26. The Cooper-sponsored, three-vehicle team consisted of Glenn Wallace and R. Dale Kraushaar in a Subaru Forester XT in Class II, Paul Eklund and Kala Rounds in a Subaru Forester XT in Class III, and Steve Perret and Kathryn Hansen in a Subaru Impreza in Class III.

Choosing the right tires is a critical part of any race, and for R. Dale Kraushaar, the decision to go with Cooper was an easy one. "We liked the way the Cooper Weather-Master S/T 2 tires were cleated," said Kraushaar. "We were looking for a durable and reliable tire with an aggressive tread pattern that included studs, and all of that was available with this tire."

The Weather-Master S/T 2 is Cooper's premium studable winter passenger tire designed for drivers looking for excellent traction on snow and ice. Not only do the tires outperform, but the partnership with Team Primitive Arctic Challenger has resulted in a great relationship with Cooper.

"Over the past eight years, Cooper tires have taken care of us," said Kraushaar. "We use them in all the winter events."

A seasoned veteran of rally racing, Cooper Tire has always been on Kraushaar's mind. "Cooper was very active in the early days of rally in the U.S.," said Kraushaar. "Many aspiring young drivers of the time chose to use Cooper."

Cooper is now bringing that trend in to the 21st century giving drivers like Kraushaar and the rest of Team Primitive Arctic Challenger the boost they need to rally to victory.

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car, light truck, medium truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in motorcycle and racing tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has 67 manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located around the world. For more information, visit Cooper Tire's web site at www.coopertire.com.