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)
Tegeta Green Planet Explains Producer Responsibility To Future Automotive Professionals
- By TT News
- October 08, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet opened the Light Vehicle Diagnostics course at Tegeta Academy with a presentation for attendees aged 17 to 33. Beyond their chosen vocational field, participants learned about automotive waste management and environmental responsibility.
Shalva Akhvlediani, the organisation’s director, outlined its activities and goals while emphasising Extended Producer Responsibility. The session examined how the automotive sector connects to environmental duty and why used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries must be collected and managed properly.
Tyre management and RECSOL featured prominently. Attendees traced a used tyre’s path from collection to recycling and learned how waste becomes a source of new resources. RECSOL, Tegeta’s tyre recycling plant, is a significant infrastructure project in used tyre recycling, processing tyres into materials for various uses and supporting circular economy principles.
A core aim is a system where waste is not an endpoint but the starting point for new resources, which requires infrastructure alongside greater public awareness and information on proper disposal. For participants, the meeting linked professional education with environmental awareness, stressing that future automotive professionals should understand this responsibility early.
Tyres Europe Joins Industry Call To Rethink CBAM Scope Extension
- By TT News
- October 08, 2026
Tyres Europe, alongside ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), has dispatched a joint communication to EU decision-makers concerning the possible broadening of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover downstream goods. The move comes as trilogue discussions approach.
Tyre producers form part of an automotive value chain already bearing carbon-related expenses for steel and aluminium manufactured within Europe. The proposed expansion would draw additional products into the mechanism’s remit before the existing framework has demonstrated its effectiveness. Resulting costs and administrative requirements would land on downstream manufacturers, tyre makers included, with signatories cautioning that a conceptually sound regulatory effort could become an operational and financial strain.
Endorsing the mechanism’s aims, the signatories nonetheless urge a proportionate scope that shields the entire value chain from carbon leakage while preventing that risk from being pushed further downstream. They advocate extending the mechanism only where a material carbon-leakage danger is evidenced, and request that policymakers ease compliance demands, including via more fitting default values mirroring real production routes.
NEXEN TIRE Renews Zalgiris Deal, Expanding Brand Visibility Across Europe
- By TT News
- October 08, 2026
NEXEN TIRE has extended its partnership with Zalgiris, reinforcing its commitment to basketball in Europe, particularly across the Baltic region. The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2024 and reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking its brand to performance, innovation and mobility.
The tyre maker has pursued sports partnerships as a way to connect with fans, sharing in the passion and excitement of supporting favourite teams during major matches and memorable moments. It also values the teamwork, dedication and collective achievement that define team sports, using such ties to build authentic connections and deepen engagement in key European markets. Its collaboration with clubs including Zalgiris and FC Bayern München forms part of this approach.
Under the extended agreement, NEXEN TIRE will gain greater visibility among sports fans in the region. The partnership offers branding opportunities at Zalgirio Arena, such as synchronised on-screen advertising and promotion on LED stands near the court, in a position visible on television during EuroLeague and LKL home games.
The arrangement also includes a hospitality programme allowing NEXEN TIRE to welcome guests and business partners at Zalgiris home fixtures. Through the strengthened alliance, the company aims to share its passion with more fans while raising brand awareness across the region.
Ricky Lee, Managing Director, NEXEN TIRE Poland, said, “Our cooperation with Zalgiris has developed positively since 2024, and we are pleased to extend and strengthen this partnership. Basketball has a particularly strong following in the Baltic region, making Zalgiris an important partner as we continue to grow our presence and engage with fans. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the season and doing our best to create positive experiences for both the players and their passionate fans.”
Paulius Jankunas, President, Zalgiris, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with NEXEN TIRE and build on the partnership we started two years ago. NEXEN TIRE brings extensive experience in sports marketing, and we are proud to work together on creating meaningful projects and experiences for our fans. We look forward to another successful period of cooperation and to welcoming NEXEN TIRE’s guests and partners to our games and events.”
TBC Corporation Expands Multi-Mile Tyres Portfolio With Four New Lines
- By TT News
- October 08, 2026
TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has widened its tyre portfolio through the addition of four new lines under the Multi-Mile Tyres banner. Serving as a value step-up brand, Multi-Mile gives dealers a strong mix of broader product coverage and improved consumer advantages crafted to drive better retail margins, helping retailers offer greater value while lifting profitability. With this expansion, the portfolio now reaches over 85 percent of the vehicle market, offering dealers more ways to satisfy customer demand.
Among the additions are tyres built for rugged and mud terrain use, boasting self-cleaning treads that push out mud and stones alongside dependable traction both on and off the road. Also joining the range are commercial and C-metric speciality tyres tailored to heavy-duty regional and long-haul trucks, together with all-weather tyres that hold the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe snow rating and are made for high mileage and consistent year-round use.
A prominent name in the replacement tyre segment, Multi-Mile carries cutting-edge touring, high-performance and broad-line tyres suited to passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Meanwhile, the upgraded Mile After Mile Protection Plan warranty now delivers broader coverage, adding three-year roadside assistance, a three-year road hazard protection plan and a 60-day ride guarantee on top of its extensive treadwear warranties.
Rachel Tibor, Chief Marketing Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, “For more than 70 years, Multi-Mile products have offered cost-efficient, reliable and durable tyre options that enhance safety and performance. With this expanded portfolio, Multi-Mile strengthens its position as a value step-up brand, giving dealers more opportunities to meet evolving consumer needs while offering a product mix designed to support stronger retail margins. We’re continuing our longstanding tradition of supplying the right products at the right time for every type of vehicle and application.”
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