Nitto Tire and Matt Powers Place Third at FormulaDRIFT Las Vegas

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., a leading developer of performance tires for racing and sponsored driver Matt Powers finished third, driving the Need for Speed Nitto Tire Nissan S14 at FormulaDRIFT Las Vegas.  Powers was the number one qualifier after turning in the best run on Friday night. The podium finish has secured Nitto Tire and Powers 5th in championship points standing before the final event at Irwindale, CA on October 7-8, 2011.

"Matt has never stopped to amaze fans throughout his drifting career. Whether he is on the track or off he is always pushing himself to improve," said Harry Kong, marketing and events specialist, Nitto Tire U.S.A.  "With the help of his crew chief Costa Gialamas of Gialamas Technical Innovations, Matt was able to further improve both his driving skills and exhibit the handling capabilities of the Nitto NT05. This was a hard earned victory for both Matt and Nitto Tire."

Powers, now in his second competitive season utilized Nitto's NT05™ maximum performance radial tires throughout the competition as the tires' specialty performance are needed for drifting. The NT05 was developed through extensive computer simulation modeling and on-track testing, producing a street tire that enables responsive handling and performance. The tread compound and reinforced internal construction were engineered to emphasize dry road response, handling and high-speed capabilities. The tire boasts a 200 UTQG treadwear rating, an AA traction rating of AA and an A temperature rating.

Now in its eighth season, FormulaDRIFT is recognized as North America's professional drifting championship series. The motor sport requires immense skill as drivers maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course. Drivers and teams compete in seven championship competitions in 2011 with the final event held in October in Irwindale, CA.

For more information about Nitto Tire, and their initiatives please visit www.nittotire.com or like the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NittoTire for up to date news and campaigns.

About Nitto Tire

Nitto Tire (www.nittotire.com) develops performance tires for all uses, including racing, off-road and street. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in both Japan and the United States, Nitto provides innovative and high-quality performance tires for the most demanding automotive enthusiasts. For more information about Nitto or its products, visit the company's web site or contact the company directly.  Nitto is a registered trademark of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., located at 5665 Plaza Drive, Ste. 250, Cypress, CA 90630.

Contact: Kourtney Schepman
Rogers & Cowan
310-854-8168
[email protected]

SOURCE Nitto Tire