CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA – Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. announces the sponsorship of UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz as a Team Toyo Athlete in 2012-2013.  Cruz, who has an impressive 19-1-0 record; will represent Toyo Tires this Sunday at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.  The weekend marks rounds 9 & 10 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.  Cruz will serve as the Honorary Guest and wave the green flag for the opening ceremonies of the Pro 4 Unlimited race starting at 6:15pm Sunday. He will also sign autographs in the Toyo Tires booth between 7:30-8:30pm that same evening.

Fighting out of San Diego, California, the 27-year old Cruz stands 5-foot 8-inches tall and weighs 135 lbs.  His specialties include wrestling and boxing.  Cruz will help to promote the Toyo Tires brand through appearances and additional marketing efforts.

“I’m excited to be a member of Team Toyo and to be affiliated with such a quality brand of products,” said Dominick Cruz.  “Toyo Tires has been a strong supporter of the UFC and the sport of mixed martial arts.  I look forward to representing the Toyo Tires brand.”

“We are excited to welcome UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz as our newest Team Toyo Athlete,” said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.  “Cruz represents the ‘driven to perform’ attitude that wins championships.  It is the same philosophy our company puts behind every Toyo Tires product.”

Also participating at Glen Helen Raceway August 4 & 5 are Team Toyo Off-Road drivers, Kyle LeDuc (Pro 4 Unlimited class); and Jeremy McGrath, Jeremy Stenberg and Rodrigo Ampudia competing in the Pro 2 Unlimited class.  The 16-race Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series will be broadcast on CBS Sports, NBC Sports Network, SPEED Channel and MavTV.  Log on to www.lucasoiloffroad.com for both race and programming schedules.

Toyo Tires is the Official Tire of the UFC. For information about UFC and Dominick Cruz, log onto www.ufc.com.