Rally Poland Opens Under Cloud of Tragedy Following Driver's Death
- By TT News
- June 13, 2025
Photo Credit: FIA European Rally
The 2025 Rally of Poland commenced amid an atmosphere of mourning following the tragic death of Italian motorsport driver Matteo Doretto in a racing accident.
The 81st edition of Europe's second-oldest rally competition, taking place across the challenging gravel roads of the Masurian Lakes region from June 13-15, has been overshadowed by the loss of the rising Italian talent.
"His loss is a tragedy that deeply saddens us," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Despite the sombre mood, 63 crews took to the start line for what remains one of the European Rally Championship's most demanding events. Notable competitors include Jon Armstrong driving a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta, alongside Jos Verstappen and Andrea Mabellini, both piloting Skoda Fabias fitted with Pirelli tyres.
The rally features 14 special stages covering 190.40 timed kilometres across terrain known for its technical difficulty. The Masurian Lakes route presents drivers with uneven, often sandy roads where grip proves elusive even for experienced competitors.
"It's a very difficult and high speed rally, where attention to detail is very important," commented Testoni. "With every car passage the terrain gets rougher, forming deep ruts that can challenge even the most experienced drivers."
Weather conditions are forecast to remain dry, though organisers caution that conditions can change rapidly on such challenging terrain.
The rally serves as the third round of this season's ERC Fiesta Rally3 trophy, for which Pirelli provides exclusive tyre supply. Competing crews have access to three variants from Pirelli's Scorpion gravel range: the K4A hard compound, the K6A soft compound designated as the prime choice for this event, and the K8B supersoft option.
Regulations permit each crew to utilise 16 tyres total, including those selected for qualifying sessions. Trophy category vehicles will run on Scorpion 175/70-15 specifications in both K4 hard and K6 soft compounds.
Rally Poland's reputation for difficulty stems from its unique surface characteristics, where the sandy base becomes increasingly rutted as more vehicles traverse each stage. The deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend create an additional strategic element as crews must balance speed with mechanical preservation.
The event's location in the Masurian Lakes region, known for its natural beauty, provides a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on its roads. The rally has maintained its position as a crucial championship round despite the technical challenges it presents to both drivers and machinery.
Tana Oy Names Allan Bartholin Jacobsen As New Territory Business Manager
- By TT News
- September 05, 2026
Tana Oy has announced the appointment of Allan Bartholin Jacobsen as its new Territory Business Manager, effective 1 September 2026. He will be responsible for advancing the company’s international sales efforts, specifically concentrating on enhancing partnerships with dealers, identifying new avenues for growth and providing dedicated support to customers within designated regions.
Bringing over three decades of expertise in international sales and business development, Jacobsen joins the Finnish company from Eggersmann GmbH, where he managed sales strategies for recycling equipment across Europe and international markets. His previous roles involved cultivating dealer networks, expanding into new territories and driving sales performance in regions spanning Scandinavia, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
This strategic hire underscores Tana’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its commercial operations and global outreach. The company continues to rely on its international dealer network to ensure localised service, deep market understanding and sustained operational benefits for waste management and recycling clients worldwide.
Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, Tana Oy, said, “Allan’s extensive industry knowledge, international experience, and proven ability to develop strong dealer partnerships make him a valuable addition to Tana. His experience in building markets and supporting distributors fits well with our ambition to grow closer to customers and create long-term value through our global dealer network.”
Jacobsen said, “I am excited to join Tana and become part of a company with a strong reputation for robust, intelligent waste management solutions. I look forward to working with Tana’s customers and dealers to support their business and help turn waste into value.”
DTNA Taps Automotive Aftermarket Veteran Matt Futrelle To Head TBR Business
- By TT News
- September 04, 2026
Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA) has named Matt Futrelle as its new Associate Vice President for the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) division, effective 1 August 2026. The executive will assume leadership over the company’s TBR operations, directing strategic planning and growth initiatives while reinforcing the organisation’s dedication to high-quality products and service across the North American market.
Futrelle joins the role with over two decades of experience within the automotive aftermarket sector, recognised for his capabilities in leadership, operational efficiency and commercial expansion. His professional history includes building effective teams, cultivating strong client partnerships and implementing strategic frameworks that produce consistent, long-term performance outcomes for the businesses he has served.
Darren Thomas, CEO and President, DTNA, said, “Matt's leadership experience, industry expertise and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his vision and customer-focused approach will help accelerate our growth in the TBR business and strengthen our position in the marketplace.”
Futrelle said, "I couldn't be more excited to join the Dunlop Tires North America team. We see significant opportunities to increase our participation in the North American Commercial Truck Tyre market bringing even more value to our commercial tire dealer and fleet partners. I am also happy to be a part of expanding the iconic Dunlop brand across North America. The brand holds a special place for me because I have such great memories growing up racing on Dunlop motocross tyres."
Myers Industries Sells Tyre Supply Unit To Lion Equity For $30m
- By TT News
- September 03, 2026
Myers Industries has agreed to sell its Myers Tire Supply North America business to Lion Equity Partners for USD 30 million, as the US manufacturer sharpens its focus on engineered materials and core industrial markets.
The transaction, which has been completed, is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for cash, debt, net working capital and transaction expenses. The definitive agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The divestment marks a step in Myers’ strategy to reposition itself as a manufacturer of engineered resin and composite products serving infrastructure, industrial, consumer, food and beverage, and vehicle markets.
Aaron Schapper, President and Chief Executive of Myers Industries, said: “The completion of this transaction is a defining step in our ongoing transformation. By sharpening our focus on our core specialty engineered products, we are better positioned to drive long-term growth and create value for our shareholders.
“We also want to recognise the important role Myers Tire Supply has played throughout our history,” he added. “We are grateful for the dedication of the MTS team and the trusted relationships they have built with customers and the rest of the Myers team over many decades. We believe the business is well positioned for its next phase of growth under Lion Equity Partners’ ownership.”
Jim Levitas, Managing Partner at Lion Equity, said: “Myers Tire Supply has built a highly trusted brand through decades of exceptional service and commitment to its customers. We are excited to partner with the team to carry this legacy forward and support the company in its next chapter of growth.”
KeyBanc acted as exclusive financial adviser to Myers, while Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease served as legal adviser.
Founded in 1933, Myers Tire Supply distributes tools, equipment and supplies for the tyre, wheel and under-vehicle service industry across North America. The business employs 233 people, including 77 at its headquarters in Akron, Ohio, with the remainder working in sales roles and at four distribution centres.
Lion Equity Partners, based in Denver, focuses on corporate divestitures and special situations, aiming to create value through operational improvements, organic growth and acquisitions.
Myers Industries, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, manufactures plastic and metal products for a range of end markets, including consumer, vehicle, food and beverage, industrial and infrastructure.
PCBL Chemical Appoints Rohit Maindwal To Senior Management Role
- By TT News
- September 01, 2026
PCBL Chemical Limited has appointed Rohit Maindwal as Chief & Executive Director – Specialty Blacks and designated him as a senior management personnel, effective 20 August, 2026.
Maindwal brings around 32 years of industry experience. He holds a BTech in chemical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His previous roles include positions at Reliance Industries Limited and JBF RAK LLC, where he most recently served as Senior Executive Vice-President at Reliance Industries Limited.
The company said the appointment is in a full-time capacity, with the term not separately specified.
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