Microsoft and Bridgestone/Firestone Hit the Fast Lane Together
Redmond, Wash., Feb. 26, 1998 — The world’s top race car drivers entrust their lives to good tires. Now Microsoft Corp. is working with the world’s leading tire manufacturer to promote CART Precision Racing, the award-winning PC auto racing game tested by many of the world’s leading race car drivers.
As part of the collaborative effort between Microsoft and Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Sales Co. announced today, consumers who purchase four Firehawk SZ50 or SH30 tires between March 1 and April 31 will receive Microsoft® CART Precision Racing software free (an approximate retail value of $50). The promotion (open to residents of the United States and Canada) is the first for the official licensed product of Championship Auto Racing Teams Inc., and represents Microsoft’s first promotion with an automotive product.
Bridgestone/Firestone will advertise CART Precision Racing at point-of-purchase and display materials in its outlets, while Microsoft will place the Bridgestone/Firestone name in the CART Precision Racing simulation.
“Microsoft is always interested in innovative programs that benefit consumers and are enhanced by our associates’ strengths,” said Jose Pinero, product marketer for CART Precision Racing at Microsoft. “We know software, and we have a great racing game. Bridgestone/Firestone has 6,000 outlets in the U.S. and the company takes pride in cars and racing. Our agreement with Bridgestone/Firestone provides a perfect way to reach the game’s target audience.”
Pinero said Microsoft is exploring ways to extend the relationship. Microsoft plans to give consumers a chance to play CART Precision Racing at upcoming CART races by setting up special trial stations at Bridgestone/Firestone booths; other promotional ideas are being considered.
CART Precision Racing recently was named Sports Game of the Year by Computer Gaming World magazine; GameSpot, an Internet gaming site, recently recognized the game as Best Driving Game of the Year. CART Precision Racing lets players experience the thrills of going head-to-head against the world’s top Champ Car drivers on the world’s most spectacular racetracks – and they don’t even need a sponsor.
Microsoft worked with CART drivers such as Mark Blundell, Mauricio Gugelmin, Max Papis and Bobby Rahal to create the simulation. True-to-life driver views, advanced vehicle and independent tire physics, and photorealistic cockpits are just a few of the enhancements perfected with the aid of the drivers.
The game’s realism has impressed the CART drivers. “CART Precision Racing is the best Indy simulation I’ve ever seen,” said Rahal, a three-time PPG Cup Champion. “The graphics are unbelievable.”
CART race winner Gugelmin added, “The people with this game are going to have Indy cars in their living rooms.”
In addition to the Bridgestone/Firestone promotion, CART Precision Racing is available through most major PC software retail outlets. The game offers multiplayer support for up to
eight players to compete via a local area network, or up to four players via the Internet on the Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone Web site ( http://www.zone.com/ ).
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft and Precision Racing are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
All logos and marks of CART, its Teams, Drivers, Tracks and Sponsors are the property of CART and its respective Teams, Drivers, Tracks and Sponsors and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of CART Licensed Products LP.
Premium giveaway offer available to residents of the United States and Canada only. Void where prohibited.
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