Rhys Millen Takes The High Road On Bridgestone Potenza Tires
Earns Podium Finish @ Round Three, Chicago Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
Nashville, Tenn. (June 14, 2006) - Rhys Millen of RMR, slid his Red Bull Pontiac GTO on Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires into a second place finish in Round 3 of Formula D’s Championship Series on Saturday, June 10, at Solider Field in Chicago, Ill. This was Millen’s second podium finish this season; he placed second in Round 1 at Streets of Long Beach.
“It was a close race for first position, but under the given circumstances I am pleased with second place. Drifting is a subjective sport, and second place is a great finish,� said Millen. “The Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R really is outstanding. With each event, traction and responsiveness of the RE-01R continues to surpass expectations, even today under the colder than normal conditions. It is just unreal.�
Also running on the Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tire, Pierre Kleinubing of RealTime Drift in only his second Formula D event, battled his way into the Top 32, wheeling his Honda S2000 thru the challenging course.
“The Potenza RE-01R is impressive; I had unbelievable control of my car from the first run to the last. Behind the wheel I could remain focused on attacking the course, the tire didn’t change at all,” said Kleinubing. “With the buzz about the consistency of the RE-01R, it appeared other teams were adjusting their vehicles to mimic the handling performance of the Bridgestone shod cars; that says it all!”
Sponsored by Tire Rack and driving on Bridgestone tires, Rich Rutherford of Tool Racing was short of a top three finish, but amazed drifting fans with his performance. Rutherford made it to the Top 16 pushing what many call the “Little Evo That Could.�
“My first two laps were fairly conservative, but the grip of the Potenza RE-01R allowed me to slide on edge where I could feel the limit,� said Rutherford. “The tires never gave way!�
“Despite weather, a new course layout and other challenges, this turned out to be a great competitive event for the Bridgestone brand� said Rodreich Stotsenburg, UHP Marketing & Education Support Manager, BFNT. “We are eager to head to Infineon Raceway next month.�
Drivers will compete in Round 4 of 7 next month at Infineon Raceway in Northern California on July 8.