Ross Chastain outfitted his Kubota M6-141 tractor with Goodyear Optitrac 380/85R24 tyres.

Titan International Inc. is embarking on an official partnership with NASCAR competitor Ross Chastain, who is also an eighth-generation watermelon farmer. This alliance extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, focusing instead on direct agricultural support. Titan is integrating its expertise into the daily operations of the Chastain family farm, where company specialists are collaborating alongside Melon 1 to address the distinct challenges of watermelon cultivation.

The farm’s diverse fleet, which includes everything from primary tractors to specialised sprayers and utility vehicles, requires a wide array of tyre specifications. Titan is supplying a comprehensive portfolio of products and tailored support for this entire equipment lineup, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and minimise potential downtime.

Chastain’s national profile uniquely bridges the worlds of high-speed racing and foundational farming. Leveraging his platform as NASCAR’s prominent ‘agriculture guy’, this partnership is designed to generate meaningful awareness for the broader farming community. The initiative underscores a shared mission to recognise the critical innovations and relentless effort of agricultural professionals who support global supply chains. Ultimately, it represents a functional fusion of motorsport visibility and tangible, on-farm problem-solving.

Chastain said, “I grew up farming watermelons with my family, and that will always be a part of who I am. What excites me about working with Titan is that they’re actually on the farm, looking at our equipment and helping us find real solutions. I trust Goodyear tyres on the track, and now I trust Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires on our farm. That’s what 'Ag to Asphalt' means to me.”

Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, Titan, said, “Watermelon farming has unique demands across a wide range of equipment. Our goal is to make each machine perform at its best. If Ross trusts Titan on his farm, that tells other farmers they can trust us too.”

Kim Boccardi, VP – Marketing, Titan, said, “For Titan, this partnership represents exactly what we stand for. We’re here to listen, to learn and to provide the service, support and expertise farmers want and need. Ross and his family welcomed us onto their farm, and together we’re showing the industry that if a machine needs tyres, whether it's tractors, trailers, ATVs or UTVs, we’ve got it handled.”

Magna Tyres has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the LH32, a new tyre engineered specifically for trailer use in long-haul and regional transport operations. Designed to address the rigorous demands of modern logistics, the tyre delivers a balanced combination of durability, consistent performance and safety across diverse road conditions. Its advanced tread pattern is optimised to provide reliable traction and even mileage on both highways and regional routes, supporting safe and efficient travel regardless of the terrain.

The LH32 features a robust radial casing constructed with a specially formulated compound, which enhances load-bearing capacity and contributes to improved fuel efficiency. This structural integrity not only promotes longer tyre life but also boosts driver confidence through stable handling. Importantly, the tyre holds full ECE approval, confirming its compliance with strict European safety and performance standards. By integrating these technical attributes, the LH32 enables transport companies to elevate operational efficiency while maintaining high safety benchmarks, making it a practical solution for fleets aiming to optimise performance without compromise.

Key specifications of the Magna LH32

Application: Trailer
Segment: Long haul / Regional
Size: 385/65R22.5
PR: 24
Load/Speed Index: 164K
Fuel Efficiency Class: B
Wet Grip Class: B
Markings: 3PMSF & M+S
Noise Level: 73 dB, Class B

GRI Tires, a leading producer of speciality tyres from Sri Lanka, recently hosted its Italian national distributor, Magri Gomme, at its production plant to showcase the advanced technology and meticulous processes involved in manufacturing its agricultural tyres. The meeting served to deepen their collaborative relationship, providing a platform for constructive discussions about evolving market dynamics, customer requirements and the trajectory of the agricultural tyre sector in Italy.

A comprehensive tour of the facility allowed the Magri Gomme team to observe firsthand the operational scale and exacting standards that characterise GRI’s production methods. The visit demonstrated a comprehensive dedication to quality, tracing the journey from initial raw materials to the final product. It offered a clear view of the rigorous quality assurance protocols, precise process management and ongoing refinement efforts integrated into every manufacturing stage.

Beyond simply observing the production line, the engagement reinforced a unified long-term strategy. Rooted in mutual confidence and open communication, both companies reaffirmed their dedication to supplying Italian agriculture with durable, high-performing tyre solutions that meet the demands of farmers and contractors.

Bridgestone India has expanded its retail network in Assam with the opening of two new Bridgestone Select Stores in Guwahati. The inauguration ceremony was led by Rajiv Sharma, the company’s Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. One of the newly established outlets, Kamrup Tyres, is situated at 89 No. Dadara Gaon Panchayat, Damdama-Kulhati Road, while the other, The Wheelz Shoppe, is located near the Jaiswal Weigh Bridge on NH-37 in Boragaon.

These Bridgestone Select Stores are conceived as comprehensive destinations for tyre and wheel care. They are designed to provide customers with not only premium products but also professional advice, state-of-the-art equipment and services that prioritise safety, comfort and enduring vehicle performance. This expansion reflects the company’s strategic response to the increasing regional demand for dependable and superior tyre solutions. The new locations aim to serve as convenient hubs for passenger vehicle owners in the Guwahati area, offering a full spectrum of tyre-related services under one roof.

Motorists visiting these stores will have access to Bridgestone’s latest premium tyre offerings. This includes the Turanza 6i, which incorporates ENLITEN technology to deliver enhanced comfort, greater efficiency and compatibility with electric vehicles. Also available is the Dueler All-Terrain A/T002, a tyre renowned for its reliable performance on both regular roads and more challenging off-road terrains.

The establishment of these two outlets underscores Bridgestone India's ongoing commitment to growing its customer-focused retail presence. Through this initiative, the company continues to bring its globally recognised tyre solutions and services closer to motorists across the country.

Sharma said, “Assam continues to be an important market for Bridgestone. The opening of these two Select Stores in Guwahati reflects our commitment to offering customers easy access to premium products and trusted services. Our focus is on building long-term relationships by delivering safety, quality and a consistently good experience.”

Formula 1 is set to resume on-track action in Bahrain for the second pre-season testing session, beginning 18th February and running through 20th February. This three-day event marks the final opportunity for teams to evaluate their cars ahead of the championship opener, building on the data gathered during the previous week's running.

A significant change for this test is the expanded tyre availability from Pirelli. While the initial session was restricted to the three hardest compounds, teams have now selected 24 sets from the full range of five dry-weather options. They are also permitted to carry over any tyres used for nine laps or fewer during the first test. An analysis of team selections reveals varied strategic approaches. The C3 and C2 compounds emerged as the most popular choices, requested by 10 of the 11 teams. Mercedes was the exception, opting to remain solely with the hardest compounds.

McLaren, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Audi and Haas broadened their selection by including the C4. In contrast, Red Bull, Alpine, Williams and Aston Martin leaned towards softer specifications. The Visa Cash App RB squad confined its choices to the C2, C3 and C4, whereas Alpine and Williams also incorporated the softest C5 compound. Aston Martin adopted a unique strategy, selecting exclusively the three softest options: the C3, C4 and C5. Notably, incoming team Cadillac distributed its requests across the entire spectrum, making it the only entrant to secure at least one set of every dry compound.

Daily running is scheduled from 10:00 to 19:00. To aid identification, Pirelli has implemented a special colour-coding system for this test. The C1 and C2 compounds will feature white logos, the C3 and C4 will display yellow and the C5 will be marked with red. To differentiate the two compounds sharing the same colour, the harder of the pair will incorporate a distinctive chequered flag pattern on its sidewalls. Consequently, the C2 and C4 will be the only compounds without this additional decoration, bearing only the standard Pirelli and P Zero logos.