The Hankook Tires/JIC Magic Porsche drift team will compete in the 2007 Need for Speed: Formula Drift Series, which is scheduled to begin the first week in April 2007 at Long Beach, Calif. The Hankook Tires/JIC Magic Porsche may compete or participate in demonstration events in other series as well, though its primary focus will be Formula Drift. Drivers include Kenji Yamanaka of Yokohama, Japan.and a second driver to be named in the future.

“We are pleased to be sponsoring this remarkable drift racer,” said Bainbridge. “The collaborative decision with JIC USA to enter the first Porsche in Formula Drift will bring another new element to the sport. This car will be unique and quite competitive.”

About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that supports motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels. Hankook is known and respected around the world for its superior racing tires that stand up against the toughest competition. Hankook remains at the forefront of racing tire development to achieve optimum performance. As Hankook expands its motorsports activities, the focus will remain on technology that will keep Hankook-equipped vehicles in the winner’s circle. Hankook is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, manufacturing a full range of tires for almost any type of vehicle.

About JIC USA /Ziel Motorsports
JIC USA was known in Japan as Ziel Motorsports, where it competed in high-profile racing series including the All Japan Grand Touring Series, N1 Endurance races, LeMans races and the BPR International Endurance Championships. In 1997, Ziel Motorsports made its way stateside, competing in prestigious events like the Daytona 24 Hours and the American LeMans Series. In 1999, Ziel Motorsports teamed with JIC Magic, a highly respected Japanese tuner to further strengthen the US motorsports industry. Currently headquartered in Downey, California, and competing wide range of racing series, JIC USA /Ziel Motorsports fields a fleet of racing vehicles for all types of motorsports, from drag racing, to drifting and time attacks.