Radical Motorsport is set to debut the Hankook Ventus R54 across its worldwide racing network in January 2027, marking a major evolution in its tyre technology. Designed exclusively for Radical competition, the tyre's nomenclature reflects its bespoke nature, with the 'R' designation standing directly for Radical. This introduction signals a strategic enhancement to the brand's global racing platform.

Engineered for the SR3 and SR10 chassis, the new Ventus R54 delivers superior dry grip, improved degradation resistance and consistent performance over its lifespan while shedding four kilogrammes per set. The tyre succeeds the Ventus C52 following an intensive development and track-testing phase, representing the latest outcome of Radical's ongoing technical partnership with Hankook, a recognised leader in tyre innovation.

The advancements in compound formulation and casing architecture have been achieved without sacrificing the durability and predictability that characterised the previous model. The R54 has been meticulously tailored to the specific dynamics of Radical vehicles and the rigorous conditions of international motorsport, blending Radical's race-bred engineering knowledge with Hankook's extensive proficiency in high-performance tyre design and manufacturing.

The technical alliance between Radical and Hankook, which originated in 2018, has matured into a sustained collaboration that benefits racers across the global competition network. This relationship enables Radical to access external expertise while maintaining a focus on vehicle-specific solutions. As Radical approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027, the company continues to prioritise the evolution of its customer racing experience, free from external regulatory constraints. The Ventus R54 will be accessible to all Radical competitors from January 2027, delivering a tangible competitive advantage.

James Scott, Head of Global Technical and Aftersales, Radical Motorsport, said, “Engineered exclusively for Radical competition, the R54 represents a significant step forward, both in our partnership with Hankook and in our commitment to continually developing what we deliver to Radical racers globally. Designed around the specific demands of our cars and competition, it delivers gains in grip, consistency and degradation throughout the life of the tyre while retaining the durability our racers expect.”

Byongmo Yoon, Motorsports Marketing Manager, Hankook, said, “It is significant for us to support Radical Motorsport with the new Ventus R54, using our dedicated tyre technology to maximise the performance potential of its race cars. We look forward to seeing the technical expertise of both teams come together to deliver an even stronger driving experience on track.”

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The FALKEN ZIEX ZE320 has emerged as the outright winner of the 2026 Auto Express summer tyre test, securing the top position in a competitive field that included premium, mid-range and budget alternatives. The comprehensive evaluation, conducted by the prominent UK automotive publication, saw the ZIEX ZE320 praised for its balanced capabilities and reassuring dynamics across both wet and dry surfaces.

Auto Express, a leading authority for new and used car buyers in the UK, is renowned for its independent tyre assessments, which are carried out without the prior knowledge of the manufacturers. The testing procedure for this year’s competition focused on the popular 205/55 R16 91V size, incorporating a variety of rigorous metrics such as braking, handling, aquaplaning resistance and noise levels.

The tyre’s victory was underscored by its performance in key disciplines, including setting the fastest lap times on both wet and dry circuits. The design features of the ZIEX ZE320, including an intelligent tread pattern with offset sipes, contribute to its strong traction and precise steering feel, while its lightweight casing and optimised sidewalls aim to improve rolling efficiency and reduce noise without sacrificing lateral stability. The entire range holds an ‘A’ rating for wet grip under EU labelling.

Available in 61 sizes spanning 15- to 18-inch wheel diameters, the tyre’s success was hailed as a strong endorsement of its everyday usability and performance. The Auto Express test team ultimately concluded that the ZE320’s all-round excellence and strong results in almost every discipline made it an outstanding choice for a broad spectrum of drivers.

John Barker, a journalist and expert tester from Auto Express, said, “The FALKEN scored an impressive victory, beating some excellent tyres to take a first win. It topped the table in three tests, including setting fastest lap times on both the wet and dry circuits, illustrating its excellent all-round ability. It was the pace-setter in both the wet and the dry and delivered strong results in almost every other discipline too. It’s an outstanding tyre.”

Jaap Leendertse, Managing Director, Sumitomo Rubber Europe, the parent company for FALKEN, said, “Winning the Auto Express summer tyre test is a fantastic achievement and a strong endorsement of the ZIEX ZE320’s real-world performance. This result demonstrates that FALKEN achieved the highest overall score in this test against several other tyre models and can deliver qualities that many drivers value, including performance and everyday usability.”

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Michelin has unveiled a strategic overhaul of its product branding within the Beyond Road division, following the recent divestiture of the Camso business. The restructuring marks a significant shift in how the company will present its off-road portfolio to the global market, focusing on clarity and heritage.

Effective September 2026, the agricultural tracks previously sold under the Camso label will be rebranded as MICHELIN BIBTRACK. This new nomenclature pays homage to Michelin’s deep-rooted agricultural history, with the ‘BIB’ designation drawing from a legacy of tyre innovation that began in the 1980s. This lineage includes renowned ranges such as AGRIBIB and AXIOBIB, underscoring the brand's longstanding commitment to the farming sector.

The rebranding extends to conversion and trailed track systems, which will now carry the Michelin name without altering their product designations. Crucially, this transition involves no changes to product performance, manufacturing processes or service delivery, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. The company has simultaneously retained its material handling and Powersports activities, with industrial wheels and tyres transitioning to the Solideal by MICHELIN banner, alongside its dedicated on-site service unit.

This restructuring follows the formal sale of the Camso brand, along with specific construction tyres and tracks, to CEAT, a process initiated in late 2024 and finalised in September 2025. By streamlining its brand architecture, Michelin aims to simplify the customer journey while reinforcing its ambition to become a premier player in off-road mobility, delivering sustainable and innovative solutions grounded in advanced materials expertise.

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Yokohama Tire’s off-road racing contingent is set for a pivotal appearance at the 57th annual Polaris World Championships, scheduled for 4–6 September at Crandon International Raceway in Wisconsin. Known as ‘The Big House’, the venue represents a key stop on the Championship Off-Road season calendar, with Yokohama serving as both the official tyre of the facility and a supporting partner of the racing series.

The team’s lineup features several notable competitors navigating the rugged terrain on GEOLANDAR tyres. Andrew Carlson, a proven contender with multiple podium finishes at Crandon, will pilot his vehicle in the Pro4 class using GEOLANDAR X-AT tyres. Meanwhile, recent Supercross 450 Class Champion Ken Roczen is slated to make his debut at the historic track, competing in the Pro2 class on the same tire model.

Robb Holland is also poised for his first Crandon appearance, trading asphalt for dirt in the Pro Lite division. He will drive a truck belonging to fellow Team Yokohama driver John Holtger, relying on GEOLANDAR A/T4 tyres for his inaugural short-course off-road race. Additionally, team driver Nick Visser enters the weekend holding a narrow lead in the Pro-Spec championship standings, with the title battle intensifying as the season progresses.

Beyond the on-track action, Yokohama will lead the traditional Crandon Labor Day Parade, featuring Carlson and Roczen. The weekend will also include a BassmastHER workshop hosted by Cogan and Carsello, aimed at advancing skills for female participants in the paddock, alongside a VIP and youth fishing tournament held on-site.

Candace Cogan, Director – Product Marketing, Yokohama, said, “We’ve got a great team ready to take on the challenges at Crandon during short-course racing’s most celebrated weekend. They will be ready to face the task on our versatile line of GEOLANDAR tyres. We will once again feature our partnership with Bassmaster with a cool collaboration. Last year we hosted Team Yokohama elite angler, Brandon Palanuik. This time we’ll host Wisconsin native MaggieJo Carsello, a Bassmaster open angler and ambassador for BassmastHER, a female-driven initiative to support a community of female anglers via education, travel and inspiration. We look forward to introducing her to Crandon and the world of short-course off-road racing, something she grew up hearing about.”

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Kumho Tire USA recently hosted a national Ride & Drive event at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, where over 70 dealers, media professionals and content creators tested the company’s newest tyre models. The gathering served as a key component of Kumho’s broader 2026 regional tour, which has already engaged more than 600 participants across five American cities. Attendees evaluated the newly launched Road Venture HT and Crugen GT Pro tyres through demanding, real-world driving scenarios.

The testing programme featured controlled modules, including a wet handling course, an autocross track for braking and stability assessment and high-speed freeway driving to measure ride comfort. These exercises allowed participants to directly compare the all-season Highway-Terrain Road Venture HT, intended for light trucks and SUVs, against the Crugen GT Pro, a touring tyre built for modern crossovers and larger SUVs. Kumho’s engineers also conducted an educational forum detailing the technological development of both tyres while collecting direct feedback from attendees.

The Road Venture HT, launched earlier this year, offers enhanced wet and snow traction, extended tread life and a quiet ride, and is compatible with electric vehicles. The Crugen GT Pro is engineered for heavier crossover and SUV applications, delivering premium comfort and all-weather capability with one of the highest treadwear warranties in its segment. Available in 85 sizes covering over 85 percent of the current crossover and SUV market, the Crugen GT Pro is backed by a 75,000-mile warranty for H- and V-speed ratings and a 65,000-mile warranty for W-speed models.

Kumho will conclude its 2026 Ride & Drive series with final regional events in Detroit and St. Louis later this month. The company has confirmed plans to extend the programme into 2027 and beyond, ensuring dealers and partners continue to benefit from hands-on product evaluations, technical training and direct access to Kumho’s engineering expertise.

Chris Corwin, Director of Procurement at Discount Tire & Service Centers, said, "A spec sheet has never sold a tyre to a customer standing at our counter. That is why the Kumho Tire Ride & Drive in Seattle was worth every minute. We got real seat time, instead of a sales pitch, running the all-new Crugen GT Pro and Road Venture HT back-to-back in real world scenarios. Having a seat at that table means a lot to me, and it says something about how seriously they take dealer input."

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “You can read all about a tyre, but nothing compares to driving it yourself, which is why KUMHO has made a significant investment in Ride & Drive events in 2026. These events give our dealers, wholesale partners and retail partners the opportunity to experience firsthand how our latest tyres perform in real-world driving situations. Whether they are evaluating braking, handling, ride comfort or overall performance, attendees can experience the differences for themselves, giving them greater confidence when recommending our products to their customers.”

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