PR-SONOMA- Joe Windham inks Big O Tires Inc. as Primary Sponsor

For Release 9 a.m. PDT
Courtesy of Joe Windham
July 15, 2005

Big O Tires Inc. Signs as Primary Sponsor of New A-Fuel Race Team

Two Northern California Big O Franchisees ink 2005/2006 Sponsorship Agreement

Sacramento, CA— July 15, 2005 — Bill Windham and Greg Mitchell, two Northern California Big O Tires multi-store franchisees, have recently purchased Mitch Myer’s world record holding, complete A-Fuel dragster operation. The purchase was completed in May, 2005 and Bill and Greg have been working on updating the operation and assembling a new crew. “Greg and I are excited about acquiring Mitch’s operation and look forward to continuing with the success that Mitch had last year with this car” said Bill. “We are determined to do whatever it takes to compete and win races” he added. Mitch Myers’s EPHA Company will continue to be involved as an associate sponsor for 2005/2006.

Big O Tires Inc. will be the primary sponsor for 2005/2006. . Suppliers and vendors of Big O Tires will be given the first opportunity for associate sponsorship. “We will be competing at Infineon Raceway for the division 7 event, as well as the division 6 event at Woodburn in July before the team undergoes its transformation into the Big O Tires colors”, Bill stated. “Our national event debut will take place at the Autolite Nationals in Sonoma at the end of July. What better place to debut our team than at our home track, Infineon Raceway, where Big O Tires is a major track sponsor as well”.

Rick Henkelman retained as crew chief

“Our first priority, after acquiring the race operation, was to assemble the right crew. We are very fortunate to have retained Rick Henkelman as crew chief. Rick has a wealth of knowledge in both A-Fuel and Top Fuel and he knows how to win races. He will be instrumental in making the Big O team competitive. We are excited to have him on our team”, Bill stated. Rick will be assisted by Garrett Bateman. Garrett will also handle the clutch duties. “Garrett will be an asset to this team in many ways and we look forward to his involvement”.

Other crew members include: Dave Thornhill of Thornhill Engineering in Sacramento, who will be handling the lower engine service with Kirvin Holtz. Bill and Greg will be active team members servicing the engine top end.

“We feel that we have the right team to accomplish our goals…to win a National Championship and ultimately graduate to a Top Fuel car in 2007,” said Bill, “We are planning to evolve this team into a competitive Top Fuel team with the help of our sponsors.”

Joe Windham to drive

Bill’s younger brother, Joe Windham, will handle the driving chores. Joe has been involved in various capacities with John Force as well as other NHRA race teams for many years. This will be his first opportunity to drive at this level and he recently licensed in Randy Meyer’s A-fuel car. Joe is a graduate of Frank Hawley’s school, where he first received his Top Alcohol license.

“The plan is to compete at select divisional and national events for the remainder of the 2005 season. We will run a full schedule in 2006 in our quest to win a National Championship”, Bill commented. The operation will be based out of Sacramento, CA and currently plans to run in division 7.

Big O Tires serves over 560 franchised stores, primarily in the Western and Midwestern states, and also distributes tires and other automotive service products to Associated Dealers in Western Canada. Since 1996, Big O Tires has operated as a subsidiary of Memphis-based TBC Corporation.

TBC Corporation is one of the nation's largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through a multi-channel strategy. The Company's retail operations include company-operated retail centers under the "Tire Kingdom", "Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers" and "National Tire & Battery" brands and franchised retail tire stores under the "Big O Tires" brand. TBC markets on a wholesale basis to regional tire chains and distributors serving independent tire dealers throughout the United States and in Canada and Mexico. The Company's proprietary brands of tires have a longstanding reputation for quality, safety and value.