Hoosier inks race tire deals in U.S., Europe

LAKEVILLE, Ind. (Sept. 14, 2016) — Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. has secured a race tire supply contract with a new European road-racing series and renewed a contract with the sanctioning body for the Atlantic, F2000 and F1600 road-racing series in North America.

The new contract is with TransAm Euro Racing Series, a series in Barcelona, Spain — based on the decades-old Trans Am series in North America for pony cars. It is scheduled to debut in 2017 with eight events at tracks in France, Spain, Belgium and Italy.

The series will be limited initially to three body styles — Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger. It is being promoted by Quirin Bovy, a former touring and endurance car driver from Belgium.

“The TransAm Euro Racing Series is a great addition for Hoosier and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with them,” said Martin Heckers, managing director of Hoosier Tire Europe.

“Hoosier Tire has a deep-rooted DNA in the racing world and that is very evident in the U.S. markets. We are excited to bring those quality principles to this series.”

The cars will race on Hoosier's TA2 tire line, used for the U.S. Trans Am series. Hoosier has been the designated race tire supplier for the North American Trans Am Championship since 2014.

In North America, Formula Race Promotions (FRP) of Salem, N.H., has renewed its tire supply contract for the Atlantic, F2000 and F1600 road-racing series with Hoosier for three more years.

Hoosier and FRP first came together in 2008 when Hoosier became the spec tire for the F2000 Championship Series. Since then, FRP has expanded its program with Hoosier to include the F1600 and Atlantic Championships.

“Hoosier is enthusiastic and looking forward to partnering with Formula Race Promotions through the next level of success in U.S. formula car racing,” said Bruce Foss, Hoosier Tire business unit manager for circuit racing.“Our goals are aligned to draw interest and participation from the vast motorsports market within the Hoosier network and other areas of the motorsports industry. The F1600, F2000 and the Atlantic Championship Series will become a certifiable ‘gateway' to higher level open wheel circuit racing in the U.S. and elsewhere!”

Robert Wright and Al Guibord, co-owners of FRP, called Hoosier “truly a solid business partner” and said they “look forward to our expanding partnership.”

“Without them we wouldn't have the successful Championships we operate today.”

A key component of the renewed relationship will be a focus on creating a dynamic promotional campaign using social media, traditional media, expanded targeted marketing and promotional activities.

The new promotional plan lays the foundation for solid growth in the paddock, as FRP builds upon its core business of F1600, F2000 and Atlantic.

The three series staged nine race weekends this season, with two races per weekend and up to 18 teams participating.