GREENVILLE, N.C. — BFGoodrich Tires is putting its money where its mouth is. The brand of tires is turning ordinary drivers into test drivers at SEMA’s International Auto Salon (IAS) in Atlantic City, N.J., this weekend.

Known as the BFG Challenge, this program is free to the public and pits BFGoodrich tires against its competition in a specially designed mobile proving ground course. Drivers can test drive some of today’s hottest vehicles and determine for themselves how BFGoodrich tires stack up against the competition.

“When we talk performance, we back it up,” said Thom Peebles, BFGoodrich brand director. “This event is specifically designed to give consumers an opportunity to see how BFGoodrich tires perform vs. the competition. Not only is this one of the only events of its kind free to consumers, it is the only program that demonstrates the value of selecting the right tire for their vehicle and the differences in performance tires.”

In addition, IAS attendees can register to win a ride with the legendary Japanese Signal Auto drift team. The Signal team will be on site to give winners the chance to see first-hand how the team has achieved legendary status in Japan. Winners will be strapped into one of the team’s Tanabe Racing Development-equipped 385-horsepower Sil-eighties and will ride along in the passenger seat during a drifting exhibition. Signal Auto utilizes BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD tires.

Signal Auto will be conducting drifting demos at the BFG Challenge on:

Friday May 21, 1:00 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.
Saturday May 22, 1:00 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 8:20 p.m.
Sunday May 23, 1:00 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.

The BFG Challenge Tour features identically prepared NISMO-tuned Nissan 350Zs, Subaru WRX STis and Acura RSX Type S sports cars. Drivers will have the opportunity to test the BFGoodrich g-Force T/AKD tire, and the g-Force T/AKDW tire. Half of the vehicles will be fitted with BFGoodrich tires, and the others will be equipped with the same size competitor tires, allowing consumers to conduct their own back-to-back tests.

“This is head-to-head competition at its best,” said Peebles. “We go to great lengths to ensure each car is identical so that there can be no argument about the results.”

The BFG Challenge will be at the following events:
International Auto Salon, Atlantic City, N.J. – May 21-23
Summer Slam, Englishtown, N.J. – July 3-4
DUB Expo, Miami, Fla. – July 16
DUB Expo, Houston, Tex. – Aug. 27
Hyperfest, Sonoma, Calif. – Sept. 11-12
NOPI Nationals, Atlanta – Sept. 18-19

In addition to testing tires, drivers have the opportunity to learn performance-driving skills and safety procedures from a team of BFGoodrich experts. To participate, drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

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