Premier Truck Builder, Jeff Kelderman, Builds Final Goodyear Garage Customized Dodge Ram for NASCAR Driver - Kasey Kahne




Mooresville, NC, Oct. 19, 2005 – NASCAR Driver Kasey Kahne unveiled a customized 2005 Dodge Ram to fans at his race shop last week that will be won via sweepstakes. The tricked-out vehicle is part of the Goodyear Garage program, Goodyear’s interactive and online consumer attraction. The truck can be won online by a lucky fan through www.GoodyearGarage.com from Oct,12 through Dec,4.

Kahne’s personalized Dodge Ram is the last of the four customized vehicles within the 2005 Goodyear program. Earlier in the year, NASCAR stars Mark Martin, Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick also had special vehicles customized through the Goodyear Garage program, which have been won by adoring fans.

This black Dodge Ram, outfitted with Goodyear Wrangler HP tires, was designed by premier truck builder Jeff Kelderman of Kelderman Air Ride, as inspired by Kasey Kahne. Kelderman was on hand to help Kahne with the unveiling. He walked fans through the unique customization that included Kelderman-designed reflective graphics, a lowering kit by Ground Force, 20" rims by American Racing, a steel hood with cowl induction, a Mopar performance ground effects kit, Borla exhaust kit and a Kenwood flip-out DVD player with 7" monitor.

"I was really excited when I heard about this program with Goodyear," Kahne said. "Getting a chance to trick out a truck is any guy’s dream, but working with Jeff Kelderman, whose ideas and designs are ingenious, made the deal even sweeter. I appreciate the opportunity from Goodyear to work with Dodge and McDonald’s to benefit the children of the Ronald McDonald House."

Jeff Kelderman, vice president of Kelderman manufacturing, added, "We were pleased to participate for such a worthwhile program. Too, I have to thank the many companies that provided deep discounts for the modifications. It was truly a joint effort."

An added bonus of the Goodyear Garage program is an online auction where fans can bid on their favorite driver’s personalized items. Autographed shoes, racing gloves, life-size stand-up poster, sheet metal and other racing items are a few of the items Kahne has donated to his online auction, which will kick off on November 18th. All proceeds from his auction will benefit his charity of choice, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (www.rmhc.org).

In addition, Goodyear will be donating $25,000 to the charity to show its thanks for Kahne’s support. At the event, Greg Stucker, director, Goodyear race tires sales and marketing, and Kahne presented a check to Ronald McDonald who accepted on behalf of the charity.

"Goodyear is happy to support a cause that is important in Kasey’s life," noted Stucker. "We have enjoyed Kasey being a part of our Goodyear Garage program and appreciate the support he and the other drivers have given us throughout the years.".