Federal targets racing with new tires
YUANLIN, Taiwan-Federal Corp. is launching two series of tires aimed at various motorsports venues, including drifting and road-racing.
The new lines are the street-legal ``595 Competition Series'' and the limited production ``FZ Combat Series'' for professional circuit use.
The 595 Competition Series consists of three products. The 595-Drift Competition is based on Federal's SS595 ultra-high performance tire line tuned to the needs of drifting. The new 595EVO-Street Competition is tuned for asphalt road competition with a ``groove within a groove'' tread design and appropriate tread compound. The 595RS-Sport Competition, a semi-slick competition tire, is designed for exceptional traction and grip, Federal said.
The FZ Combat Series features two lines: the FZ-101 slick racing profile tire produced in limited numbers for professional use only; and the FZ-102 professional competition tire with a tread design engineered to deliver increased stiffness.
Cooper-Avon to supply 2 race series
MELKSHAM, England-Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s Cooper-Avon Tyres unit will become the title sponsor and tire supplier for the British GT Championship for the 2006-2008 seasons and will supply tires for the revived Italian Formula 3000 International championship.
The British GT deal replaces one with Goodyear-Dunlop Tyres, which supplies Dunlop racing tires for all competitors.
The deal will see Avon extend its involvement in motorsports into the British series. The company also said it will work to promote and market the championship through an extensive media campaign. To facilitate the transition to Avon rubber, Cooper-Avon is setting up a technical transition plan to work with all the teams.