Automotive manufacturers in India noticed how popular the motorcycle racing segment was becoming and started investing in it. One such manufacturer is TVS Motor Company. They began in the 1980’s with their 50cc Mopeds crossing the finish line in 1st place. TVS Racing was established in 1987 and soon became a breeding ground for riders to better their skills and compete at professional levels. With many championship titles under their belt, they have become number one for motorcycle racing and training.
“TVS Racing, the factory racing team of TVS Motor Company, has dominated the Indian two-wheeler Racing domain for close to four decades and led all two-wheeler Racing formats, including Rally Supercross and Road Racing. For each discipline of racing, we work with a different make of tyres. For Road Racing, we use TVS and MRF tyres. Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli and Maxxis are used extensively for Rally Racing and Supercross”, says B Selvaraj, Team Manager, TVS Racing.
Tyres have always been a crucial aspect when it comes to racing. One could have the lightest and fastest motorcycle on the track, but if the tyres don’t perform, well, the race is over for you. So how exactly are racing tyres different from regular tyres? We spoke to Sivaramakrishnan V, Chief Technology Officer, TVS Srichakra to get the right answers. “We supply our Protorq Extreme Zero degree Steel Belted Radials for racing in 300 CC plus category bikes. We are developing a range of tyres for Motocross, and very soon, we will be participating in this segment. Being bike tyre specialists, we do not focus on four-wheel racing. Regular Road tyres used in the commuter segment (100 to 125 cc bikes) are nylon tyres in bias construction, designed for durability, long life, good grip and comfort, which are key performance parameters that the customers look for. Racing tyres are primarily high-performance tyres designed for extreme cornering and limit handling performances with precision manoeuvrability in focus. Thus, the tyre construction is radial with zero degree steel belts and silica compound technology for high-grip performance at extreme speeds”.
But can you use regular stock motorcycle tyres for racing? Well, you could, but your lap times would suffer, and your chances of winning the race will be slim. B Selvaraj clears up a few of these doubts for us, “A tyre in Motorsports is nuanced and distinct from a regular, stock road tyre. We use Dual Purpose and Knobby tyres for Rally and Supercross forms of racing than standard Groove tyres. We look for the configuration and spacing of Knobby tyres in different terrains and off-road applications. Race compound is also different from the standard, regular road tyres. Traction and tyre dynamic performance at extreme conditions is critical during a race than the tyre life and fuel consumption. Slick tyres are the most preferred for Road Racing as they are made of a soft compound with radial construction, which is hugely vital for Road Racing in dry conditions. As an alternative, Groove tyres with enhanced compound and construction can also be used. Special compound tyres with grooves are excellent and safe in wet conditions. We lay more prominence on tractive performance than the life of the tyres and fuel consumption of the motorcycle. We aim to use the softest tyre possible, covering the entire racing distance without deteriorating the tyre’s performance. It is mandatory to use Performance Racing tyres made exclusively in India for Indian National Motorcycle Road Racing Championship (INMRC). In Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) and Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), both Indian and imported tyres are preferred based on the availability of requires sizes and applications”.
As tyre technology keeps on improving, we should see a change not only in racing tyres but regular road tyres as well. Sivaramakrishnan V says, “Today we manufacture a wide range of 2 Wheeler tyres for Motorcycles, scooters and high-end bikes. We produce tyres in Bias, Cross Belted Radial, Zero degree Fabric radial and Zero Degree Steel Radials. We also produce Special tyres for the Electric Vehicle segment. Our Racing tyres were pitched against the global competition in Indian Racing circuits, and we are happy that our tyres were two seconds faster than the global competition”.
With Indian tyre manufacturers upping their game and investing more into motorsports, this segment will see growth. Investing in motorsports has played a vital role in the R&D that goes into the design and technological inputs of stock motorcycles, making your everyday motorcycle perform ever so better. The potential for motorsports is on a steady incline and you want to be a part of it, there are few schools you can go to - TVS Racing School, Apex Racing Academy, California Superbike School, Honda Ten10 Racing Academy and Indimotard Throttle Wide Open. (TT)
G&S Tyres Acquisition Takes Citira Into London Metropolitan Area And South East Of England
- By TT News
- November 04, 2026
Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has expanded its UK commercial service network by acquiring G & S Tyres Ltd, a move that also brings a modern retreading facility in the London metropolitan area into the group. The deal advances Citira's push towards a national UK footprint, building on its recent purchase of Redpath Tyres in Scotland and its entry into UK market earlier this year via Tyrefix Group.
G&S's local knowledge, solid reputation and retreading strengths align closely with Citira's circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already well established across the Nordics and Poland. The East London site is strategically positioned and employs around 45 people.
A two-generation family firm with more than four decades of service to UK customers, G&S will keep trading under its own name with its existing team. Gary, James and Billy Short will stay involved in the business and take shareholdings in the Citira Group.
Oliver Johnson, Head of UK at Citira, said, “G&S Tyres has earned a strong reputation across the UK through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and customers it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our acquisition of Redpath Tyres in Scotland, G&S is a further step in our ambition to build a national commercial tyre service network with the best people and businesses in the UK.”
Gary Short, speaking on behalf of the Short family, said, “We are very happy to join a group whose ambitions for the UK align so well with our own. Citira is a great home for G&S and gives us the right platform to support the next generation, spearheaded by James and Billy, as they continue to grow and improve the business.”
Hankook Tyre UK To Showcase Expanded CV Tyre Lineup At RTX Scotland 2026
- By TT News
- November 04, 2026
Hankook Tyre UK will exhibit on Stand B40 at RTX Scotland, which returns to Glasgow's SEC on 18–19 November 2026 after a successful 2025 debut. The two-day event brings the road transport industry together for innovation, expertise and networking, and Hankook will showcase its extensive portfolio of Hankook and Laufenn commercial vehicle tyres, designed to meet the evolving demands of today's transport operators.
Bigger than last year, the Glasgow show completes a three-market line-up alongside RTX's flagship Stoneleigh event and its Irish show, bringing the same truck-focused approach to audiences across the UK and Ireland. More than 80 exhibitors, from major truck manufacturers and trailer producers to tyre specialists and workshop suppliers, will take part, with over 7,000 visitors expected to explore developments, attend expert-led seminars, workshops and tech talks, and connect with key professionals.
At the heart of the stand, the SmartFlex range addresses regional and long-distance transport. The AL51 for steering and all-position duties and the DL51 for drive axles deliver up to 20 percent lower rolling resistance on long-haul routes than their predecessors, with consistent performance throughout service life, while the AH51 and DH51 offer dependable grip and braking for regional haulage. All can be regrooved and retreaded to maximise tyre life and cost efficiency. Hankook will also present the 315/80R22.5 Smart Work AM11+ for on- and off-road front-steer operations, the AM15+ all-position tyre, the TH31 all-season trailer tyre, the TH51 with Hidden Groove technology and the Vantra ST AS2 van tyre.
Laufenn, Hankook's associated brand, will display its growing commercial vehicle portfolio, including the Laufenn365 initiative, the LR01 and LR02 for on- and off-road applications, the LR53 drive tyre and the X Fit Van 4S. Drawing on Hankook's development expertise, Laufenn combines value, performance and full retreadability to help cost-conscious fleets manage operating costs and environmental impact. With solutions spanning heavy-duty regional haulage, long-distance transport, mixed-service operations and light commercial vehicles, Hankook's presence lets visitors explore products tailored to their needs and connect directly with the team.
James Misselbrook, UK Truck & Bus National Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “RTX Scotland provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fleets, operators and industry partners, and we're excited to be returning for a second year. The event comes at a significant time for Hankook, as we showcase some of the first 385/65R22.5 trailer tyres produced at our new European TBR manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. This major investment underlines our long-term commitment to the European market and reinforces our ability to deliver innovative, high-performance tyre solutions that help fleets maximise efficiency and profitability."
Pirelli Winter Tyres Take Multiple Test Wins Across Europe
- By TT News
- November 03, 2026
Pirelli is all set for the winter season with its winter tyre range that is renewed over the past two years. The newly launched Scorpion Winter 3 joins the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers. The range is available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric vehicles. Independent tests by European organisations have placed Pirelli winter tyres at the front in safety-related areas, while the Cinturato All Season SF3 has recorded four victories and six additional podium finishes.
Winter tyres or suitable equipment are required from 15 November to 15 April. Most winter driving occurs on dry and wet roads. Below 7°C, winter compounds offer more grip than summer compounds, and the tread pattern helps counter aquaplaning and generate traction on snow. Sidewall markings indicate capability: M+S identifies a product for challenging surfaces, while 3PMSF certifies testing in harsh conditions. An appropriate winter driving style includes increased safety distance, avoiding sudden acceleration and reducing brake use in favour of engine braking.
The Cinturato Winter 3 took first place in the 2026 ADAC winter tyre test in size 225/50 R17 against 16 models, earning a highly recommended rating with the best wet score and the highest assessment for driving safety. It won the AvD test in size 225/45 R17 against 15 tyres with a very good rating. It also finished first in the Auto Bild comparison in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf against 14 tyres with an exemplary rating. Podium finishes followed in tests by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad and Tyre Reviews, giving six podium finishes in seven tests, including three victories.
The Scorpion Winter 3 debuted with a victory in the alVolante comparison in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, ranking first among six winter tyres. Its wet performance, shortest braking distance, fastest lap time and progressive reactions set it apart. It was judged consistent and predictable on snow and balanced on dry roads.
In the annual Auto Bild super comparative test, the P Zero Winter 2 finished on the podium with an exemplary rating, thanks to precise driving behaviour in wet and dry conditions and braking performance on both surfaces. The Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are available with Pirelli Elect technology on dedicated fitments for Europe's electric vehicle fleet. Elect addresses low rolling resistance for range, acoustic comfort, longer tyre life, grip for immediate torque and a reinforced structure for battery weight.
All-season tyres suit drivers mainly in urban areas covering up to 20,000 km per year without frequent heavy snowfall. Higher mileage, regular mountain travel or high-performance cars generally call for winter tyres. The Cinturato All Season SF3 carries the 3PMSF marking and has four victories in comparisons by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, plus six additional podium finishes. The new Scorpion All Season SF3 extends the approach to SUVs.
Nokian Tyres To Drop 2027 IIHF World Championship Sponsorship If Russia Competes
- By TT News
- November 03, 2026
Nokian Tyres will withdraw its sponsorship of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship should Russia be permitted to compete, the company has confirmed. The decision follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that cleared Russian national teams to return to international ice hockey. Nokian Tyres stated that continuing the sponsorship under such circumstances would conflict with its values. Tiina Frazer, SVP of Brand, Marketing and Communications, explained that while the 2026 tournament cooperation proved highly successful, the company felt compelled to act on its principles regarding Russian participation.
The tyre manufacturer had been named an Official Sponsor for both the 2026 and 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships in late 2025. Its 2026 involvement included the ‘Carve the Corners’ contest, running from 6 February to 20 March, which offered fans in the United States and Canada a chance to win a trip to the tournament. The 2026 event, held from 15 to 31 May, featured 64 games with 16 top national teams competing for the title and stands as the world’s largest annual winter sports event.
Frazer said, “Our sponsorship agreement with the IIHF covers the 2026 and 2027 World Championships, and our cooperation around the 2026 tournament was very successful. However, under the current circumstances, continuing the sponsorship if Russia participates would not be aligned with our values. We have therefore decided to end our sponsorship of the 2027 World Championship should Russia be allowed to take part.”
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