The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has expanded its FLAME GUARD series of flame-retardant conveyor belts with the launch of the FLAME GUARD ECO, which offers improved energy-saving performance. This is in line with the company’s medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2024–2026 –Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) – and aims to solidify its leading share in Japan’s conveyor belt market.

FLAME GUARD ECO is aimed at coal transport lines at ports and thermal power plants, which need conveyor belts that are flame-retardant for fire safety. To enhance energy-saving efficiency, Yokohama Rubber created a new rubber compound utilising technology acquired during the development of its ECOTEX conveyor belts, which have reached world-class power-saving performance. As the belt moves over the rollers, this lessens rubber deformation, which is a component in energy loss. Power usage and running resistance are thereby decreased. FLAME GUARD ECO reduces energy expenses and its environmental effect by lowering carbon dioxide emissions while simultaneously improving operational safety by combining flame resistance and energy economy.

With its self-extinguishing safety feature, the FLAME GUARD series provides flame retardancy with improved wear resistance, resistance to heavy oils and resistance to medium and high temperatures, making the belts suitable for a variety of operating requirements. The FLAME GUARD ECO variant also reduces resistance during roller passing for increased efficiency.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Tire & Service, one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service providers in US, has entered into a new sponsorship agreement with Ty Gaynor Motorsports, backing driver Ty Gaynor as he takes on the NHRA circuit in both Top Dragster and Super Stock categories. This alignment brings together two entities that prize performance, precision and consistency – qualities that are essential under the hood and behind the wheel. Sun Auto’s branding will appear on Gaynor’s race vehicles throughout the season, with the company’s nationwide network of over 575 locations symbolically travelling alongside him as he competes across the country.

At just 18 years old, Gaynor represents a third generation of drag racing heritage, having climbed from Junior Dragsters to secure his first NHRA national event victory in 2025 at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals. That landmark Top Dragster win featured a nearly flawless reaction time and a run closing in on 200 mph (approximately 322 kmph). Company leaders describe the sponsorship as a natural outgrowth of Sun Auto’s deep roots in automotive service and its enduring commitment to high-level performance.

The 2026 season will see Gaynor continue his campaign in both Super Stock and Top Dragster competition, with his first race scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Through this partnership, Sun Auto reinforces its connection to the precision and dedication that define success both on the track and in the service bay.

Gaynor said, "Growing up around my family's shops that are now part of the Sun Auto Network, it feels like everything's come full circle having that logo on my cars. What started as family is now a network of more than 575 locations across the country."

Matthew Loos, Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "Whether it's in the shop, in the pits or on the track, consistency, precision and performance matter.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Dunlop Motorsport marked its competitive debut on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a strong top-10 finish, underscoring the potential of its advanced tyre technology. Central to this effort was the use of Dunlop tyres, integrated with the innovative Sensingcore system developed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries. This proprietary technology transforms the tyre itself into a smart sensor, delivering real-time data on critical parameters such as wear, pressure, wheel load and track conditions without requiring additional hardware. By enhancing both safety and strategic decision-making, Sensingcore enables early detection of issues like loose wheel nuts and allows for optimised pit stops, proving its value under the extreme demands of the ‘Green Hell’.

Behind the wheel of the black-and-yellow Porsche 911 GT3 R, drivers Nico Menzel and Dorian Boccolacci delivered a determined comeback. After a challenging qualifying session left them in 24th place due to ill-timed yellow flag periods, Menzel wasted no time, surging to 18th by the end of the opening lap. Boccolacci then took over, extracting the full potential of the new Dunlop slicks with consistently fast lap times. A well-executed team strategy propelled the duo into the top 10 before the race’s midpoint. Although the leading pack had built an insurmountable gap by then, preventing a podium challenge, Boccolacci brought the car home in ninth place overall after four hours of racing.

The event served as a crucial development test for both tyre technology and Sensingcore under real-world conditions, highlighting its promise for future motorsport and production applications. Dunlop Motorsport will continue its preparation at the next Nürburgring Endurance Series round, the 57th Adenauer ADAC Circuit Trophy on 11 April 2026, as part of its buildup to the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring in May.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Magna Tyres marks its 20th anniversary today, 23 March 2026, celebrating two decades of expansion within the off-the-road and industrial tyre sector. From its beginnings as an entrepreneurial venture addressing the need for reliable OTR tyres, the family-owned business has evolved into a recognised international brand. It now serves customers across more than 130 countries, supported by a worldwide network of offices, partners and distributors.

Technical expertise and a commitment to customer focus have driven the company’s strategic growth, establishing it as a trusted partner across mining, construction, ports, terminals, recycling and agriculture. Headquartered in Waalwijk, the organisation draws on deep knowledge of rubber compounds and tyre engineering to deliver high-quality solutions tailored for demanding applications.

Over the past 20 years, the company has strengthened its global presence through new offices, expanded production capacity and strategic acquisitions. Long-term relationships with customers, distributors and partners remain central to its approach, blending entrepreneurial drive with the stability of a family-owned enterprise.

Michael de Ruijter, CEO, Magna Tyres, said, “This anniversary not only marks 20 years of growth but also the next phase. We will continue to invest in innovation, capacity and our global network to further strengthen our market position and serve customers worldwide at the highest level.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, equipped the entire grid with its specialised iON Race tyre for the 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix. This marked a pivotal deployment for the tyre at the historic Circuito del Jarama, the longest circuit on the calendar, where it was tasked with handling the combined strategic complexities of a new race format.

Held over 23 laps of the undulating 3.934 km layout, this Season 12 round introduced the first single-header application of PIT BOOST alongside a revised ATTACK MODE, forcing teams to master a deeper layer of strategy. The fast-flowing corners and significant elevation changes made energy management paramount. Throughout the weekend, the iON Race tyre proved essential, offering stable grip and controlled thermal behaviour that provided predictable warm-up and consistent traction under the circuit’s demanding sustained cornering loads. This balanced performance window gave teams the confidence to commit to their pit strategies despite limited historical data at the venue.

Jaguar TCS Racing executed a flawless strategic race, with António Félix Da Costa securing victory in the inaugural Madrid E-Prix, leading teammate Mitch Evans in a 1–2 finish while Pascal Wehrlein rounded out the podium for Porsche. Following the conclusion of Round 6, the championship now prepares for Rounds 7 and 8 in Berlin, where the teams and the Hankook tyres will face a distinctly different challenge on the familiar Tempelhof circuit.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, said, “The Madrid E-Prix offered a valuable opportunity to see how teams adapted their strategy on Formula E’s longest circuit. With PIT BOOST and a revised ATTACK MODE influencing race dynamics, tyre consistency was an important factor as teams managed energy and race pace across the 23-lap distance. Insights from Jarama will contribute to our ongoing collaboration with the championship as the season continues.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!