The Tire Society has unveiled its highly anticipated 42nd Annual Conference lineup, set from September 12 to 13th, 2023, at the University of Akron in Ohio. This event offers an engaging blend of in-person participation, live Q&A sessions, sponsor showcases, and an enlightening student poster session. Moreover, thanks to the innovative “Play-on-Demand” feature, attendees can access presentations even after the conference concludes. 

Attendees will also have access to significant content and high-quality presentations on original works on tyre technology, delivered by the authors, covering tyre science, engineering and technology.

Presenters hailing from Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Korea, Poland, Taiwan, and the USA will talk on the “Intelligent Tire” theme this year. The conference will delve into an array of compelling subjects. These include tyre-road interaction measurements, virtual tyre assembly modelling, sensors and models for health monitoring, and a close examination of tyre stiffness within real-world driving contexts.

The Tire Design segment will be rich and diverse, encompassing discussions on optimising tread patterns and tire cavities, with machine learning adding an extra dimension to the latter. Multiple papers are set to explore topics such as abrasion, noise, traction, friction, and wear. The conference will also focus on materials-related discussions, potentially covering compounding techniques for the Mars Rover and exploring chemical composition and environmental considerations.

A highlight outside the presentation halls will be the display of nine student posters, offering a unique chance to engage directly with the upcoming generation of tyre technologists.

The conference’s Keynote Speaker, David Johansen, Vice President - Technical at Sumitomo Rubber USA, brings 25 years of industry experience to the stage. He’s held significant roles at Sumitomo and Goodyear, including Manager of Tire Design. His comprehensive background also includes responsibilities for the SRI North American Technical Center.

Dr Burkhard Wies, Vice President of Innovation & Applied Research R&D Tires at Continental AG, will anchor the second day with a Plenary Lecture on “Challenges & Opportunities of Intelligent Tires to Support Vehicle Performance & Services.” 

Judy Curran, the Banquet Speaker, is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in automotive and mobility engineering and technology leadership. Serving as the Sr. Chief Technologist (CTO) Automotive at Ansys, she will speak on “Automotive Trends and the ‘Art of the Possible’ with Simulation.”

For more information, you can click to https://www.tiresociety.org/conference/ 

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Pirelli has made its P Zero R and P Zero Trofeo RS tyres available in the replacement market, bringing the expertise gained from custom fitments for the world’s most prestigious and high-performance vehicles to a broader audience of enthusiasts seeking to unlock their car’s full potential. Developed alongside leading luxury automakers and already fitted to over 60 models – from European supercars to American muscle cars – these two tyres stand as the pinnacle of the P Zero range. Their exceptional quality was recently validated by the independent publication Tyre Reviews, which named the P Zero R the top performance tyre of 2026, describing the achievement as an impressive victory rooted in its outstanding capability across both dry and wet conditions.

Pirelli designed the P Zero R primarily for sportscars and high-end prestige models, while the P Zero Trofeo RS serves as a semi-slick aimed at delivering sustained maximum performance on the track for supercars, all while remaining road-legal. The P Zero R achieves its versatility through advanced compounds that ensure strong grip on various asphalt surfaces and in changing weather, with particular emphasis on wet-road confidence, while its tread pattern reduces interior noise. These attributes were confirmed by Tyre Reviews, which ranked the P Zero R first among eight ultra-high-performance summer tyres in its category, leading in dry braking and handling, excelling in wet handling and receiving praise for inspiring confidence even in extreme driving scenarios. Meanwhile, the Trofeo RS is defined by its ability to maintain consistent high performance across many demanding track laps, a capability demonstrated through record-setting runs on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Pirelli refines these tyres using its Milan-based R&D simulator for virtual development, with production carried out by MIRS robots at its Italian plant in Settimo Torinese and its facility in Rome, Georgia, the latter specialising in replacement tyres for the American market, particularly sportscars and local muscle cars. Beyond these offerings, Pirelli continues to advance original equipment technology with solutions such as Elect for electric vehicles, RunFlat for continued mobility after pressure loss, PNCS for cabin noise reduction and the Cyber Tyre system, which uses embedded sensors to relay real-time data for enhanced safety and performance.

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Kumho Tire USA has launched its inaugural Gaining Traction Programme in collaboration with the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, selecting four competitive racers who each call Colorado home. These drivers share five years or fewer of racing experience on Pikes Peak, yet have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and a fearless approach to the mountain’s unique demands.

Matus Huska of Parker will compete in the Pikes Peak Open division aboard his 2010 Audi TTS, bringing four years of experience to the climb. Earl O’Maley from Colorado Springs steps up in the Open Wheel division with three years under his belt, driving his 2015 O’Maley Special Spec V. Ernie Ramirez of Aurora returns for his second year in the Time Attack division piloting a 2013 Mitsubishi Evolution, while Arvada’s Ben Ryan, an old-school racer, enters the Pikes Peak Open division in a 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner after previous Time Attack entries in 2023 and 2024.

Through this inaugural programme, Kumho Tire USA provides the racers with financial support, a supply of KUMHO V730 tyres and driver development resources. Beyond on-track benefits, the drivers will gain visibility by participating in an autograph session at the Kumho Tire booth during Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs, offering direct engagement with racing enthusiasts and media.

The KUMHO V730 tyre is engineered for competitive driving environments, maximising grip and handling through a racing compound that combines ultra-high grip synthetic resins with fine carbon black. Its high-strength carcass and optimised footprint design work together to manage lateral cornering forces while enhancing endurance and longevity.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "Our investment in these four talented Pikes Peak drivers goes beyond mere sponsorship; it's about fostering the next generation of motorsport champions and helping them navigate the unique demands of this legendary race. Each of the selected participants demonstrates remarkable potential and a passion for racing that aligns perfectly with Kumho Tire's spirit of innovation and performance. We look forward to seeing them leverage our most advanced, high-performance tyre to achieve new milestones in their competitive careers."

Melissa Eickhoff, CEO, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, said, "Pikes Peak has long been a proving ground for talented drivers, and it's exciting to see a programme that invests directly in emerging competitors from Colorado. Through this partnership with Kumho Tire, these four drivers have the opportunity to grow their careers while contributing to the Colorado legacy that has defined the Race to the Clouds for more than a century."

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The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has opened nominations for its 2026 Industry Leadership Awards, with a submission deadline of 24 April 2026. Honourees will be celebrated during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in June.

Nominations are being accepted across four distinct categories – Leader of the Year, Young Leader, Lifetime Achievement and Sustainability. Anyone can put forward a candidate, though rules vary by category. Companies nominated must have a physical presence in Canada, while individuals may be based anywhere. Self-nominations are permitted only in the Sustainability category.

The Leader of the Year award recognises an individual who owns or manages a successful, innovative business within the tyre and rubber sector, including end-of-life tyre management or sustainability-focused operations. This person is known for significant contributions to their company, the wider industry and their community through time and resources devoted to social impact. Self-nominations are not allowed.

The Young Leader award celebrates inspiring leaders under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in management, innovation, technology or sustainability within their organisation or community. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Lifetime Achievement honours individuals with an extensive record of accomplishment, recognised by peers as builders and supporters who have made outstanding contributions and left an enduring legacy for both the industry and the broader community. Self-nominations are not accepted.

The Sustainability award is open to individuals or organisations advancing environmental, social or economic sustainability within the tyre and rubber industry. This includes end-of-life tyre management, market development for tyre-derived materials and strategic efforts such as advocacy, education or partnerships that expand end-use markets. Self-nominations are welcome.

These awards aim to highlight excellence, offering recipients a platform to raise their professional profile and stand out while celebrating dedication across the industry.

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Hankook Tire is preparing to take centre stage as the champion of TGL presented by SoFi Season 2 is decided. The highly anticipated Final Series unfolds over two days, 23 and 24 March 2026, at Florida’s SoFi Center, where the season’s defining matches will play out.

Since the 2026 season, Hankook has served as the inaugural Official Tire Partner and a Founding Partner of TGL, playing an integral role in the league’s identity. Guided by Chairman Hyunbum Cho’s emphasis on technological innovation, the brand has helped redefine sports entertainment by fusing golf with cutting-edge technology – a formula that has connected with audiences across 150 countries. During the Final Series, Hankook will maximise its premium visibility through prominent LED signage, broadcast graphics and television commercials. By standing alongside PGA stars at this historic moment, the company continues to strengthen its global premium reputation.

The championship showdown features Los Angeles Golf Club and Jupiter Links GC. Los Angeles earned its place by defeating reigning champions Atlanta Drive GC, while Jupiter Links advanced with an upset over regular-season leaders Boston Common Golf. Los Angeles enters with a formidable roster including Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala and Tommy Fleetwood, having led the regular season in Triples Team Sessions, average driving distance, and fairway accuracy. Jupiter Links, anchored by Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner, showcased strategic dominance by topping the league in Singles Team Sessions and successful Hammer plays.

With both teams making their first Final Series appearance, a fierce battle for the inaugural title awaits. Hankook will be embedded at the heart of this milestone, further cementing its global integrated brand identity in the minds of golf fans worldwide.

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