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Memorial message for Ken Block

5 January 2023

On 2nd January, Ken Block, the world-famous rally driver, passed away after an unexpected accident with a snowmobile. Ken was a world-renowned rally driver as well as a groundbreaking action sports innovator and his passion for car culture heavily influenced a generation of auto anthusiasts.

Toyo Tire Group signed Ken as a brand ambassador in 2016 to support the "PROXES" UHP product lineup, and since then his widly popular Gymkhana and Climbkhana video projects have gained over 210 million views on YouTube

We are saddened by the news of his passing, and extend our condolences to his family. The following is a message from Takashi Shimizu, President & CEO of Toyo Tire Corporation:

Toyo Tire Group was proud to partner with Ken Block, and had great respect for the pioneer he was and what he accomplished in the automotive and action sports world. We have always been thrilled by his extreme adventures and passionate pursuit of memorable driving performances. Ken's legacy and memory will live on through his incredible catalogue of work, and in the hearts of his millions of fans. We will treasure our friendship with him and forever remember him.

                                         Toyo Tire Corporation President & CEO Takashi Shimizu

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Toyo Tires not only have the best tyres but the best team and support on and off track. Always striving to improve on perfection and with this allowed us to win the Formula Drift Japan Championship with the Proxes R888R Drift.
I use Open Country M/T on my everyday Mazda BT50 that is kitted out for lots of fun plus used to haul the race cars from track to track.

Pikes Peak was an incredible experience for mine and my team TCP-Magic, and we were also able to break 2 world records with Fastest Mazda and Fastest Rotary Powered Vehicle in the 101yrs history of Pikes Peak. TOYO TIRES constructed us 2 amazing tyre options for the challenging conditions the mountain threw at us with the wild weather. I still can't believe the amount of traction we had and how the tyre lasted the massive climb to the top with 156 corners up to 14,000 feet in elevation not to mention fitted on our crazy 2023 Mazda 3 with a 1400h 4 rotor Twin Turbo and RWD conversion running NO traction control, ABS or any type of assists.

— Mad Mike Whiddett: Toyo Tires Global Brand Ambassador

Toyo Tires have been crucial to my success as a drifter. Proxes R888R, the top-notch performance and reliability have elevated my performance on the track.
From championships to exhilarating challenges, Toyo Tires has been my success partner in the world of Motorsports.

— Ahmad Daham: Multiple drift champion and Guinness World Record holder

Toyo Tires has been my top choice long before we became partners. I have tried and tested many other brands in the past, but none of them met my needs like Toyo did.

Claiming over 100 podium finishes and winning championships every single year in various motorsport disciplines for over 10 years demonstrates the versatility of the Proxes compounds, which performed exceptionally on any track and in any conditions. With Toyo R888R, I can anticipate and predict the next manoeuvre with clarity, maintaining full control in extreme racing conditions from start to finish, regardless of driving style or racing type.

— Dmitrij Sribnyj - Gymkhana GRiD Champion Titles for four consecutive years as well as countless Trophies in other Gymkhana, Drag, Rally Cross and Sprint series'.

I have been participating in the Dakar Rally, one of the most challenging Cross-Country Rallies in the world and American off-road races with Open Country M/T-R since 2021.
Open Country has impressive performance in all kinds of off-road terrain with a variety of specs to meet each need. With Open Country, I am confident even when attacking unknown places.
I also sympathize with the way Toyo Tires continues to be a challenger, always aims for better and higher performance for the future.
Aiming for the best driving with Open Country is one of my purposes in life.

— Akira Miura: Driver, Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body
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