During the final day of the 2010 Built Ford Tough World Finals, the Professional Bull Riders announced that PBR Exclusive Entertainer Flint Rasmussen will now be sponsored by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: CTB), which has been the Official Tire of the PBR for three years.

“I’m ecstatic to be a part of the Cooper Tire team,” said Rasmussen after unveiling his new blue and white jersey with the Cooper Tire logo. “Not only do they sponsor a great group of cowboys, but they are a time-trusted, All-American brand that I’m proud to represent. I’m a vision in blue!”

“Cooper Tire is thrilled to support Flint Rasmussen, one of PBR’s most recognizable icons,” said Chris Pantani, Cooper’s director of motorsport and business development. “Flint is truly a fan-favorite at events, breaking tension between the seriousness of bull riding and providing personal crowd interaction. We’re proud to bring him on board as a member of Team Cooper Tire.”

Combining athletic talent with a natural flair for entertainment, Rasmussen captivates fans young and old every night with his quick wit, comical stunts and dance moves. Prior to his current role, the Chouteau, Mont. native was a high school math and history teacher. Rasmussen was an all-state football player and track star in high school as well as playing in the band and being a member of the choir.

The three-year partnership provides Cooper with a presence at elite Built Ford Tough Series events and PBR Fan Zones, including the Cooper Tire Stage as well as signage, both affixed and electronic, in-arena promotions, a booth on the concourse, public-address announcements, tickets and chute seats and behind-the-scene tours.

About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)
The PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. More than 100 million viewers annually watch over 400 hours of primetime PBR programming on VERSUS, NBC, CBS and networks around the world. The PBR has awarded over $100 million in prize money, and 20 riders have earned over $1 million, including Justin McBride with $5.5 million – the most of any western-sports athlete in history. The PBR was nominated as 2010 Sports League of the Year at the Sports Business Journal Sports Business Awards, alongside the National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Nearly 2 million fans attend Built Ford Tough Series and Touring Pro Division events each year. For more information on the PBR, go to www.pbr.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamPBR and http://twitter.com/TEAMPBR.