American Racing Equipment Introduces Limited Edition Reyn Spooner Shirt Designed by Renowned Automotive Artist Thom Taylor

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif.--Oct. 2, 20031, 2003--

New Shirt Pays Tribute to Surfing's Influence on Custom Hot Rods

American Racing Equipment, the leading manufacturer of custom wheels for vintage and hot rod automobiles, pays tribute to surfing's influence on custom rods with the 2nd edition Thom Taylor designed American Racing Reyn Spooner Hawaiian Shirt. The shirts display Taylor's unique approach to hot-rod design with his renderings of a Woody and chop-top pickup, surrounded with colorful surf and beach images. These must-have collector shirts are made with Reyn Spooner's spun rayon fabric and are available in cream, black, cocoa and blue. The shirts are available now through American Racing's Web site at www.americanracing.com or at any Reyn Spooner Hawaiian Shirt retailers.

"Thom Taylor's unsurpassed creativity and attention to detail in his illustrations pays tribute to the Southern California lifestyle of surfing and custom hot rods," said Bob Hange, president of American Racing Equipment. "Our first Thom Taylor hot rod shirt introduced last summer was a tremendous success, and we're sure this surf-influenced design will be a hot item."

Thom Taylor is one of the most influential hot rod and custom car designers in the world. More than just a superb illustrator and stylist, his distinctive designs have changed the face of hot-rodding with a unique style that brings a modern flair to custom cars without losing the classic styling cues. He has consulted with numerous automotive, aftermarket and motorcycle companies including Ford Motor Company, Toyota, American Racing and the Indian Motorcycle Company. He has also authored numerous books on automotive design and illustration.

About American Racing Equipment

Founded in 1956, American Racing Equipment is one of the world's largest aftermarket wheel manufacturers. Owned today by Noranda Inc., an international natural resources company, American Racing Equipment sells and promotes its products and brands in more than 30 countries and through a network of more than 45,000 dealers in the United States.

With headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, American Racing Equipment sets the industry standard in craftsmanship, innovation and performance, with more than one hundred precision-crafted alloy wheel styles. For more information on American Racing Equipment, log onto www.americanracing.com.