FONTANA, Calif. (May 10, 2005) — Kumho Tire USA Inc. has developed a drifting version of its Ecsta MX high-performance tire line that produces red smoke during burnouts or drifts.
Launced at the May 6-7 Formula Drift event at Road Atlanta, the Ecsta MX-C was developed at Kumho's technical center in Akron. Kumho produced chemical combinations to produce red and blue smoke and has patents pending.
The Enjuku Racing team used the tire after testing it in mid-April. A Kumho spokesman said the debut has already spurred Internet discussions among racing fans.
“When we saw the red smoke boiling off the rear tires, we just stood there and stared in awe,” said Matt Vassallo, the team's lead driver and captain.
The special version of the tire won't be sold to the general public, Kumho said. “We built them to demonstrate our forward thinking, technical capabilities and ability to respond quickly to the market,” said Rick Brennan, Kumho's brand director.