KEENE, N.H. -- Rally driver Mike White will have a better grip on the road this winter thanks to a sponsorship deal signed recently with Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian. White will run the all-new Nokian Hakkapeliita Q ice and snow tires at Rally Perce-Neige in Maniwaki, Quebec, on February 12, as well as other winter rally and ice-racing events this year.

White and co-driver Mike Ronan of Dover, N.H., compete in the SCCA ProRally circuit and in Canadian rally events in White's 1980 SAAB 99 GLi. After finishing well in several events in 1999, they are hoping to win the Sports Car Club of America's (SCCA) Northeast Divisional rally championship for 2000.

SCCA ProRally is all about driving as fast as possible on closed roads. Drivers race against the clock on mainly dirt roads that they haven't seen before. The co-driver alerts the driver to hazards indicated in the rally route book and then holds on for dear life as the car hurtles down the road at speeds that often reach more than 100 mph.

"The team is really excited about the season," said White, who is a computer salesperson when not behind the wheel of his specially prepared SAAB. "The Nokian tires will really give us an advantage on winter rallies; these tires are wonderful in the slippery stuff!"

White is no stranger to the abilities of Nokian tires. He has used earlier design Nokian tires on his street and rally cars and considers them a must for safe winter driving. "Having the right tires for the job helps me drive faster and more confidently," White said. "I'm thrilled to have Nokian tire support."

Nokian tires, long considered the best in snow by rally drivers throughout the world, introduced the all new Hakkapeliitta Q tire this winter. It features special rubber compounds and tread that provide tremendous grip on ice and snow without compromising handling in drier conditions. "Initial testing with the new tires was very positive. Grip on ice is better than any street tire I've driven. Snow traction was also excellent," White said.

Co-driver Ronan is also happy with the tire choice. "I can leave my rosary beads in the glove box with these tires on the car," he said. "With the right sponsors, including Nokian, we can make a serious go for the championship."