Pirelli-Shod Urban Race Team "Drifts" Into Motorsports

ROME, Georgia, August 4, 2005 Continuing its trend of leading the way with pioneering, ground-breaking initiatives in the urban automotive sector, Pirelli Tires will see the official launch of the Pirelli-shod Team X race team at this weekends Formula Drift championship in Chicagos Soldier Field. Team X is a new racing venture formed by Pirelli urban marketing consultant Dele Atanda to promote African-American participation in motorsports and to facilitate innovative relationships between the motorsports and entertainment industries. Team X features professional racing driver and veteran racing instructor Tony Brakohiapa alongside internationally known professional fashion model, Tyson Beckford as the teams drivers. The team is entering two identical factory developed Saleen S281 Supercharged Mustangs in the Formula Drift series. Brakohiapa will drive car #18 while Beckford runs car #19. Brakohiapa cut his teeth racing Formula Mazdas in the SCCA Formula Russell Championship where he achieved numerous race wins and podium finishes. In 2004, he was the "Rookie of the Year" in the ESPN Karting Championship, finishing second overall in the series. In addition to racing for Team X, Tony works as a racing instructor for the Jim Russell Racing School at the Infineon Raceway in California. Tyson Beckford, of course, is well known for his many years as a Ralph Lauren model and spokesperson, appearing on countless magazine covers, as well as television programs, such as "Good Morning America", "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and "Oprah" to name a few. Now an actor, popular culture icon and a Pirelli spokesperson, Tyson's success has allowed him to pursue his passion for automobiles, motorcycles and motorsports. He recently established Beckford Wheels, a high-end wheel manufacturing company, and is really excited about his inaugural season in this unique new form of motorsports. Beckford and Brakohiapa will continue on from Chicago to the Formula Drift season finale at Irwindale Speedway, Calif. on August 28. The team then has its sights set on the 2006 Formula D championship.