GCAPS physical testing expertise has led to research and new modelling methods for improved products delivered to our customers, including global vehicle manufacturers, tyre manufacturers, and championship motorsports teams. These clients have used GCAPS modelling and testing services to elevate their performance in vehicle handling, autonomous vehicle technology, and many other aspects of transportation simulation. The ability to provide these services begins with the LTRe (Figure 1).

The LTRe was purpose-built with motorsports in mind. Infused with highly dynamic positioning rates, a maximum speed range of 320 kph, high force capabilities, and electric drives enabling driving and braking conditions throughout the entire speed range makes the LTRe the most dynamically capable machine globally. High spindle torque capabilities and overall size allow GCAPS to test heavier tyres such as light trucks and some commercial truck/bus tyres.

Until the establishment of GCAPS in 2012, the motorsports industry had been limited to either on-track or low-speed machine tests to quantify tyre response. On-track test methods are adequate for simulation validation but are often not comprehensive enough to measure pure tyre response due to vehicle dynamics interference and inconsistent terrains. Low-speed indoor methods will capture tyre responses, but speed limitations result in data extrapolation in trend analysis and tyre models at higher speed ranges. Increasing speed will affect the growth of the tyre, typically shown in loaded radius measurements, thereby changing the tyre’s contact patch dimensions and directly affecting the tyres force generation. This demonstrates the importance of measuring the tyre’s response throughout the vehicle’s operating domain. A tenth of a second in motorsports can mean finishing multiple positions behind the leader. Capturing accurate data at operating speed allows teams to optimize their performance and improve lap time. The LTRe provides such measurements to reduce speed sensitivity compensations in tyre models and measure the tyre’s response more accurately with a flat contact patch interface.

Another illustration of the LTRe’s dynamic capabilities is completing drive file replays (Figure 2). On-track or simulation data can be used as machine inputs to replicate vehicle manoeuvres. This test method can be used to validate tyre models, inform construction and vehicle setup analysis, or test the tyre’s durability. The LTRe is also instrumented with premium thermal measurement sensors (Figure 3) to capture the tyre’s outer and inner carcass temperatures to monitor the thermal state of the tire, develop thermal models, and improve lap-time predictions in simulation. GCAPS has developed a thermal logic algorithm, using customer-defined locations and temperature setpoints, controlling the tyre’s position in the test sequence until the defined setpoints of the tire are satisfied. This method ensures optimal and consistent temperatures are met before testing continues with the most efficient time, which inevitably reduces thermal variations in tyre response.

Heavy emphasis has been placed on vehicle simulations to improve the performance of handling, ride comfort, and safety. These areas are desired by customers and are required to comply with federal regulations.  GCAPS Simulation group produces commercially available tyre models such MF-Tyre™, MF-Swift™, PAC2002, and FTire™. These models are widely known across the industry and used frequently in vehicle dynamics platforms.  Utilizing their dynamic, thermal, and unique cleat capabilities, GCAPS has internally developed procedure methods aimed at improving the model’s fidelity which have been verified with the tyre model creators. These capabilities ensure and improve the robustness of these tyre models by offering dynamic test data to properly characterize the tyre’s response and match innovative vehicle maneuvers.  GCAPS offers both testing and modeling at the same facility, which will improve modeling results, shorten lead times, and reduce costs.  Additionally, GCAPS simulation team has the experience and industry leading expertise to generate tyre models that improve vehicle simulations and enhance the mobility industry. 

Not all race events have ideal sunny and dry days.  Many series will continue the race as rain occurs.  To gain knowledge of the wet tyre response, GCAPS has developed a water delivery system that can apply a consistent water depth to the tyre for speeds up to 250 kph on its LTRe. Using the water delivery system, GCAPS engineers have developed procedures to not only determine a hydroplaning speed, but also how a tire performs for all conditions a vehicle may encounter on roads or racetracks. Using the LTRe coupled with the water delivery system, changes in tyre force generation are measured at various speeds, loads, cambers, pressures, and even water depth. This information provides insight into the tyre’s force generation differences, which can loop back into the stability and safety assessments in wet conditions of highway vehicles ADS technology, and motorsport vehicles.  The methodologies developed by GCAPS have been used to quantify and improve the compounds and tread pattern designs of motorsport tires. 

Motorsport tyre design requires an in-depth knowledge of tyre response, irrespective of the vehicles their placed on. Pirelli faces a new challenge ahead of the 2022 season relative to tyre design, the new vehicle aero package coupled with a change in tire size from a 13-inch to 18-inch diameter wheel. With overall tyre diameter increasing from 660mm to 720mm (~3-inch difference), a reduction in sidewall height inevitable, requiring structural changes to the tyre to maintain current performance demands and removing the team’s ability to rely on historical data increase the challenges for understanding the tyre.. Teams use historical data through race events, practices, and testing to apply setup configurations to the car. Since there is no historical data for the new tyre designs, teams will rely on testing data from both on-track and laboratory environments. It is imperative that testing be performed at a facility containing the resources and capabilities to match conditions seen on track. GCAPS provides this framework to their motorsport’s customers by removing speed compensations, helping improve vehicle setup decisions, and optimizing overall performance.

Over the years, GCAPS has developed and implemented processes, test procedures, and processing tools to improve quality assurance for their customers. These methods are used to evaluate machine health, repeatability, and data quality, which is the reason GCAPS customers can collect such comprehensive data over the span of almost a decade and trust its validity. Yearly machine calibrations are completed by GCAPS to ensure machine repeatability, giving them explicit knowledge of system components and capabilities. For their global customer’s needs, GCAPS understands the importance of time and accuracy with respect to traveling schedules and deadlines, offering adjustable operating hours and virtual attendance options to remain flexible.

In January of 2013, Goodyear Racing became GCAPS first motorsports customer, and have consistently used GCAPS capabilities to improve tyre development, becoming even more prevalent in Goodyear’s development of the new 18-inch diameter tyre being implemented in the 2022 NASCAR season (Figure 4). GCAPS continues expanding their motorsports customer base, including a variety of racing series’ from IMSA to Formula 1, and notable customers which include Pirelli Motorsports and Alpine F1. GCAPS LTRe provides an asset to the motorsports industry and is used by championship series’ across the globe. So, why shouldn’t you?

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MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

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Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, will face the demanding Croatia Rally from 9 to 12 April 2026. This event marks round four of the season and takes place in and around the port city of Rijeka. Among the most gruelling rallies on the calendar, it will feature both the Ventus Z215, engineered for precise dry handling and cornering stability, and the Ventus Z210, designed to deliver superior traction and rapid water evacuation in wet and unpredictable conditions.

The 2026 route spans roughly 300.28 kilometres across 20 special stages, with the service park relocated to the historic Grobnik Circuit. The course covers four counties, including shakedown stages on the island of Krk and technical tests through the Lika-Senj highlands. Drivers must contend with extreme grip variations along the Adriatic coast, from abrasive volcanic tarmac in the mountains to smoother, dustier sections near the sea, the latter becoming dangerously slick with even light rain.

Throughout the event, Hankook will operate its Brand World marketing booth inside the service park, reinforcing its unified global premium image. The booth will offer interactive experiences such as a motorsports history zone, racing simulator, tyre fitting activities, merchandise sales and a photo zone, giving fans an immersive brand encounter. Meanwhile, intense competition is expected: while Toyota GAZOO Racing has a strong history in Croatia, both Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team aim to exploit the new coastal terrain to challenge for the podium.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited has earned a total of 23 CSR-DIW awards, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to operating with ongoing responsibility towards society, local communities and the environment. In 2025, the Department of Industrial Works honoured the company under the CSR DIW to MIND for Sustainability programme, which recognises industrial factories that enhance their social and community responsibility for sustainable coexistence.

Among these accolades, five facilities received the CSR DIW Award for maintaining these high standards continuously for a decade, while another 18 facilities received the CSR DIW Continuous Award for consistently implementing responsible practices, collectively celebrating industrial organisations that serve as models for industry growing in harmony with communities under the principle of good industry coexisting sustainably.

These achievements reflect how the Sri Trang Group balances economic, social and environmental priorities, allowing the industrial sector to work alongside communities effectively and advancing Thailand’s rubber industry towards a sustainable green future. The group has steadily carried out community focused and socially responsible initiatives across six key areas, including youth development, arts and local traditions, livelihood and career support, environmental management, workplace health and hygiene as well as disaster relief and assistance for vulnerable groups.

This recognition further underscores Sri Trang Agro Industry’s role as a leading organisation that drives sustainable industrial practices while consistently creating lasting value for society, communities and the environment.

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Bridgestone has announced its participation in the 41st Space Symposium, the largest space conference in United States, taking place in Colorado Springs from 13 to 16 April 2026. The company’s exhibit will be hosted within the Japanese Space Industry pavilion organised by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking its third consecutive year at the event since 2024. A key focus of Bridgestone’s presence is its ongoing development of lunar rover tyres, a project that embodies the company’s belief that ‘tyres carry life’.

Since 2019, Bridgestone has advanced research on lunar rover tyres and pursued co-creation with international partners to commercialise space mobility technology. In 2024, the company collaborated with Astrobotic Technology, followed by a basic agreement with ispace in 2025. These efforts aim to generate new value in the rapidly evolving space mobility sector.

At the symposium, Bridgestone will demonstrate tyres for small and medium lunar rovers, first unveiled in 2025, by mounting them on a mobility vehicle. Attendees can see and touch the tyres, experiencing their high traversability on simulated lunar challenges like fine sand and rocky ground. Through this showcase, Bridgestone seeks to expand its space business network and foster co-creation opportunities, ultimately supporting safe lunar mobility and humanity’s exploration goals.

The lunar rover tyre project applies Bridgestone’s AirFree technology, an exploratory business under its 2024–2026 Mid Term Business Plan. By refining this technology in the extreme lunar environment, the company aims to eventually bring those innovations back to Earth, enhancing conventional tyres and contributing to broader social value.

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