Automotive manufacturers in India noticed how popular the motorcycle racing segment was becoming and started investing in it. One such manufacturer is TVS Motor Company. They began in the 1980’s with their 50cc Mopeds crossing the finish line in 1st place. TVS Racing was established in 1987 and soon became a breeding ground for riders to better their skills and compete at professional levels. With many championship titles under their belt, they have become number one for motorcycle racing and training.

“TVS Racing, the factory racing team of TVS Motor Company, has dominated the Indian two-wheeler Racing domain for close to four decades and led all two-wheeler Racing formats, including Rally Supercross and Road Racing. For each discipline of racing, we work with a different make of tyres. For Road Racing, we use TVS and MRF tyres. Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli and Maxxis are used extensively for Rally Racing and Supercross”, says B Selvaraj, Team Manager, TVS Racing.

Tyres have always been a crucial aspect when it comes to racing. One could have the lightest and fastest motorcycle on the track, but if the tyres don’t perform, well, the race is over for you. So how exactly are racing tyres different from regular tyres? We spoke to Sivaramakrishnan V, Chief Technology Officer, TVS Srichakra to get the right answers. “We supply our Protorq Extreme Zero degree Steel Belted Radials for racing in 300 CC plus category bikes. We are developing a range of tyres for Motocross, and very soon, we will be participating in this segment. Being bike tyre specialists, we do not focus on four-wheel racing. Regular Road tyres used in the commuter segment (100 to 125 cc bikes) are nylon tyres in bias construction, designed for durability, long life, good grip and comfort, which are key performance parameters that the customers look for. Racing tyres are primarily high-performance tyres designed for extreme cornering and limit handling performances with precision manoeuvrability in focus. Thus, the tyre construction is radial with zero degree steel belts and silica compound technology for high-grip performance at extreme speeds”.

But can you use regular stock motorcycle tyres for racing? Well, you could, but your lap times would suffer, and your chances of winning the race will be slim. B Selvaraj clears up a few of these doubts for us, “A tyre in Motorsports is nuanced and distinct from a regular, stock road tyre. We use Dual Purpose and Knobby tyres for Rally and Supercross forms of racing than standard Groove tyres. We look for the configuration and spacing of Knobby tyres in different terrains and off-road applications. Race compound is also different from the standard, regular road tyres. Traction and tyre dynamic performance at extreme conditions is critical during a race than the tyre life and fuel consumption. Slick tyres are the most preferred for Road Racing as they are made of a soft compound with radial construction, which is hugely vital for Road Racing in dry conditions. As an alternative, Groove tyres with enhanced compound and construction can also be used. Special compound tyres with grooves are excellent and safe in wet conditions. We lay more prominence on tractive performance than the life of the tyres and fuel consumption of the motorcycle. We aim to use the softest tyre possible, covering the entire racing distance without deteriorating the tyre’s performance. It is mandatory to use Performance Racing tyres made exclusively in India for Indian National Motorcycle Road Racing Championship (INMRC). In Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) and Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), both Indian and imported tyres are preferred based on the availability of requires sizes and applications”.

As tyre technology keeps on improving, we should see a change not only in racing tyres but regular road tyres as well. Sivaramakrishnan V says, “Today we manufacture a wide range of 2 Wheeler tyres for Motorcycles, scooters and high-end bikes. We produce tyres in Bias, Cross Belted Radial, Zero degree Fabric radial and Zero Degree Steel Radials. We also produce Special tyres for the Electric Vehicle segment. Our Racing tyres were pitched against the global competition in Indian Racing circuits, and we are happy that our tyres were two seconds faster than the global competition”.

With Indian tyre manufacturers upping their game and investing more into motorsports, this segment will see growth. Investing in motorsports has played a vital role in the R&D that goes into the design and technological inputs of stock motorcycles, making your everyday motorcycle perform ever so better. The potential for motorsports is on a steady incline and you want to be a part of it, there are few schools you can go to - TVS Racing School, Apex Racing Academy, California Superbike School, Honda Ten10 Racing Academy and Indimotard Throttle Wide Open. (TT)

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Pirelli is set to play a central role as the FIM Superbike World Championship concludes the first half of its season this weekend at Donington Park for the UK Round. Marking the final event before the summer break, the Italian tyre manufacturer has equipped competitors with the softest rear compounds from its 2026 standard range. This selection represents a clear advancement in development from the previous year, when riders were limited exclusively to older specification tyres.

For the premier WorldSBK class, the rear tyre allocation is headlined by the SCQ extrasoft compound, intended primarily for qualifying and the Superpole Race. This option, the softest in Pirelli’s portfolio, has already garnered positive feedback from riders during the Emilia-Romagna Round for its exceptional single-lap pace and consistent performance over a sprint distance. Complementing the SCQ are the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft compounds, while front tyre duties are covered by the standard SC1 soft and SC2 medium solutions, with the softer front being the overwhelming preference of last year’s grid, including triple race winner Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.

The notoriously unpredictable British weather remains a critical variable, with cool morning temperatures and frequent rain showers posing significant challenges for teams. Pirelli’s range has historically demonstrated considerable adaptability across fluctuating track and air temperatures, maintaining reliable grip in both cooler and warmer conditions. To address potential precipitation, the allocation is supplemented by DIABLO Wet intermediate and full DIABLO Rain tyres for both front and rear positions, ensuring competitors have viable options regardless of the elements.

In the supporting categories, WorldSSP riders will retain the SCX and SC0 rear compounds alongside the SC1 and SC2 front options. Meanwhile, the WorldWCR field and the emerging talents of the Yamaha R3 World Cup will also be in action, with both series utilising the Pirelli DIABLO Superbike SC1 tyre on both axles throughout the weekend’s racing programme.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “Donington Park is a very distinctive circuit and, in many respects, a unique venue on the FIM Superbike World Championship calendar. The opening part of the lap features a series of fast, flowing corners taken at high speed and rapid changes of direction that require riders to manage significant power while the bike is still heavily leaned over. This demands tyres capable of delivering outstanding grip, precision and stability while maintaining consistent performance over race distance.

"Compared with last year, when only standard range solutions were available and no development specifications were included, this season, while confirming the same compounds introduced in 2025, we will provide riders with the complete 2026 standard range. The SCQ extrasoft compound will be the softest option in the allocation and can be used not only in free practice and qualifying but also, potentially, in the Superpole Race. For the longer races, riders will be able to rely on the SCX supersoft and, should temperatures be lower, the SC0 soft compound – solutions that have already demonstrated throughout the season an excellent balance between outright performance and consistency, as reflected by the many new records that have been set.

"Finally, the weather, which has historically been unpredictable in the UK, will once again be a key factor. Rain and low temperatures, even in the middle of summer, can have a major influence on tyre management and race strategies. Having a complete and versatile range available will therefore be essential to provide the best possible support in any weather conditions.”

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Sri Trang Group has unveiled a comprehensive organisational strategy centred on its ‘Empowering AI’ mission, designed to integrate artificial intelligence across its operations to boost efficiency and foster long-term sustainability. The initiative was formally announced during the company’s flagship annual gathering, the Sri Trang Town Hall 2026, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort. The event drew over 1,700 participants, including executives such as the Chairman, Group CEO and other board members, alongside employees from domestic and international branches who attended both in person and virtually.

Central to the new vision is the Group’s commitment to leveraging AI and data analytics throughout its entire value chain, supported by a robust Enterprise Data Foundation and an AI Governance framework. These systems are intended to ensure meticulous data management and foster stakeholder confidence. The application of AI is being tailored to optimise specific operational phases, from upstream procurement and production to downstream sales and logistics, aiming for precision in market forecasting, quality control and customer responsiveness.

Parallel to its technological push, Sri Trang is prioritising the development of AI Agents and practical AI Use Cases to accelerate tangible business outcomes. This effort is complemented by a cultural shift towards an ‘AI x Human’ paradigm, preparing the workforce to collaborate effectively with intelligent systems. Concurrently, the Group is reinforcing its dedication to environmental, social and governance principles, focusing on resource efficiency and the management of energy, water, waste and emissions as part of its trajectory towards a Net Zero target.

To support its ESG goals, Sri Trang is enhancing data systems to align with international standards like ISO 14064-1, ensuring accuracy and auditability for better risk management and decision-making. The company is also expanding collaboration with suppliers through its ESG Partner approach to elevate industry standards. This strategic direction underscores Sri Trang Group’s ambition to solidify its status as an innovation-led entity, combining human potential with AI to drive the Thai natural rubber sector towards resilient and sustainable growth on the world stage.

Dr Viyavood Sincharoenkul, Chairman of Sri Trang Group, delivered a keynote address on the vision, stating, “AI will not merely be a tool; it will become part of Sri Trang’s way of working and decision-making. We are building the Sri Trang AI Factory to connect data, technology and people together. AI is not simply a new technology but a major transformation in the way we work and compete in business. As the world accelerates AI adoption, organisations and people that are able to learn, adapt and work effectively with AI will be the ones that gain a competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth in the future. Our goal is not to have the best AI but to build an organisation where everyone can use AI effectively, supported by trusted data, proper governance and a culture of continuous learning. The success of AI is not measured by the number of systems developed but by the number of people who can work effectively with AI and create value for the organisation.”

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Group CEO, Sri Trang Group said, “The ‘AI Revolution Without Boundaries’ does not mean bringing in technology to replace our people. Rather, it means using AI to enhance people’s capabilities so that they can work smarter, faster and more efficiently. In essence, the meaning of ‘Empowering AI’ is ‘Empowering People with AI’ empowering our people to grow and move forward through the potential of AI. We believe in the power of collaboration between humans and AI. When AI works alongside people at every level, it helps improve decision-making accuracy, enhance the efficiency of frontline employees, strengthen executive leadership and foster a culture of continuous learning, teamwork and innovation. The future of the organisation is therefore not one in which AI replaces humans, but one in which humans grow together with AI without limits.”

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Michelin has expanded its retail footprint in North India by inaugurating two Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) outlets, located in Amritsar and Panchkula. The Amritsar location operates through a partnership with National Auto, while the Panchkula facility is a collaboration with Universal Tyres. This development underscores the French tyre giant’s strategy to place its globally recognised products and services within closer reach of consumers in a rapidly developing automotive market.

Each of the new establishments spans 5,000 square feet, situated strategically on Loharka Road and within Panchkula’s Industrial Area. Designed as modern service hubs, they provide a full spectrum of offerings, ranging from passenger car and two-wheeler tyres to advanced wheel alignment and mechanical maintenance. The stores stock renowned product lines such as the Primacy, Pilot Sport and Latitude Sport series, aiming to deliver a premium and seamless experience for vehicle owners.

The selection of Amritsar and Panchkula reflects Michelin’s assessment of their growth potential, driven by tourism, infrastructure projects and a rising number of private vehicle owners. To capitalise on these opportunities, Michelin has aligned with established regional players. National Auto, a trusted entity in Amritsar since 1927, brings a long-standing reputation for quality service, while Universal Tyres contributes over three decades of technical expertise and market knowledge in the Panchkula region.

These partnerships are central to Michelin’s broader objective of delivering superior mobility solutions rooted in safety and durability. By combining its own technological leadership with the local acumen of its partners, the company aims to strengthen its service ecosystem and cater to the evolving demands of the northern Indian automotive sector.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “North India continues to be a key market in Michelin's growth journey, supported by rising vehicle ownership, improving road infrastructure and growing demand for premium mobility solutions. The launch of our new Michelin Tyres & Services Stores in Amritsar and Panchkula marks another important step in strengthening our retail presence and bringing Michelin's globally benchmarked products and services closer to customers across the region. As we prepare to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, we remain focused on delivering solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”

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Tyres Europe has issued a formal call for the Industrial Accelerator Act to be revised, urging policymakers to grant greater recognition to the tyre sector’s strategic importance within the continent’s automotive ecosystem. In a newly published position paper, the organisation argues that the current framework insufficiently addresses the industry’s unique contributions and challenges.

The association is advocating for several key amendments, including an expanded scope that acknowledges tyres as critical components in both the replacement and original equipment markets, thereby stimulating demand for EU-manufactured products. Additionally, Tyres Europe proposes the establishment of a Union origin definition that would prioritise European production in public procurement and state-aid schemes. The paper also highlights tyres’ potential to enhance energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions for light vehicles, while calling for dedicated backing for retreaded and EU-made truck and bus tyres, alongside increased financial mechanisms for industrial decarbonisation and improved governance of manufacturing acceleration zones.

With these targeted modifications, Tyres Europe contends that the Industrial Accelerator Act could effectively foster a market for low-carbon, high-performance tyres produced domestically. Such adjustments would simultaneously bolster competitiveness, support decarbonisation goals and reinforce the overall resilience of Europe’s automotive supply chain.

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