Hoosier Racing Tire: The next step and beyond [Video]

Headquartered in Indiana, USA, Hoosier Racing Tire are recognised as the world’s largest and most successful race tyre manufacturer. Whose specially designed tyres are produced for many aspects of motor racing including circuit racing, drag racing and motocross.

Formed over seventy years ago, the company are at the very forefront of race tyre technology around the world and Tyre.Media recently had the unique opportunity of joining an informative ‘video press conference’ with leading members of the Hoosier Racing management team.

Tyre Media’s Associate Features Editor – John Stone joined fellow editors from American based tyre publications Tire Review, Tire Business and Modern Tire Dealer and Grassroot Motorsport. To chat with Hoosiers Head of Research & Development, Mike Edmiston, Paul Menting, Vice President of Sales and Martin Heckers, Head of European operations and receiving an exclusive insight on how the iconic Hoosier brand is constantly evolving whilst retaining its historic traditions in racing tyre heredity.

Right from the start of this special round-table discussion it was made extremely clear that Hoosier is currently in the process of exploring the merits and diversity of artificial intelligence (AI) and how this rapidly growing technology can change the way the company can interconnect with their distributors and customers on a global basis. Paul Menting pointed out that Hoosier currently has a project that is effectively studying AI technology and looking at ways, it can benefit the future performance of the company. He says, “From a sales angle the use of AI could be really advantageous and also assist in customer service facilities.

At the same time Hoosier is also aware of future automation technologies that are already transforming the manufacturing process. Mike Edmiston adds, “Building a successful race tire is a very labour-intensive procedure which is becoming increasingly challenging which is why we are looking to further enhance our tyre manufacturing facility in terms of automation procedures in tyre building and curing.

“When it comes to simulation and digital modelling techniques, I admit these are areas that remain limited in racing tyre applications. As whilst passenger tyres are more open to the use of virtual development, racing tyres and in particular bias-ply constructions with soft compounds still require good old-fashioned testing on the track.

Paul continues, “Innovation has been crucial to the company for the past six decades and the introduction of the Hoosier TrackAttack Pro, a 200 UTQG street legal track tyre has emerged as our fastest growing tyre in the US so far this year.

“Without a doubt the TrackAttack Pro has significantly enhanced our street tyre range, whilst an extensive UTV range is also scheduled to be introduced next year which will expand the company’s presence in the off-road market sector which looks set to become another lucrative sales area.”

Mike then explained that Hoosier’s successful brand advantages lay in their in-depth knowledge and expertise across all racing tyre categories due to production technologies being implemented in other segments where possible.

Martin Heckers then added, “Europe has become an essential market-place for Hoosier in recent times through trackside service facilities and spec tyre contacts which have significantly increased Hoosier’s brand awareness and products across the highly competitive European racing tyre market sector. Which can be attributed to the high level of technical support including driver service, data collection, wheel mounting and balancing and logistic procedures.”

Hoosier’s position as a leading spec tyre provider in the Rallycross, Euro NASCAR and other categories has been extremely crucial in raising the rising profile of Hoosier Racing tyres throughout Europe.

The fact that Hoosier Racing Tires were prepared to extend their invitation to this exclusive video interview. Underlines the company’s determination take the next step forward in brand awareness of their products and services on an international basis.