Goodyear is gearing up to demonstrate the reliability and performance of its truck tyres at the prestigious 24H Camions Le Mans. Taking place on September 23-24, 2023, as part of the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC), this event will feature the crème de la crème of European truck drivers, with Goodyear tyres poised to tackle the most demanding conditions.
Having previously delivered stellar performances with the consumer tyres at the historic 100th anniversary of Le Mans in June, Goodyear tyres are returning to this legendary circuit, this time at the Goodyear FIA ETRC truck race. Truck race at the Bugatti Circuit is expected to generate electrifying motorsport excitement, captivating tens of thousands of spectators.
The trucks participating in this thrilling race will be equipped with Goodyear’s Truck Racing Tyre, sized at 315/70R22.5, specifically engineered for this motorsport racing series. These tyres have undergone rigorous testing both in Goodyear’s laboratories and on the racetrack, ensuring they meet the technical requirements for truck racing and maintain the highest quality standards set by Goodyear.
“Our commitment to delivering top performance is unwavering,” says Maciej Szymański, Marketing Director Commercial Europe at Goodyear. “We take pride in delivering tyres that not only meet the rigorous demands of professional racing but also seek to contribute to sustainability goals. Our truck racing tyres, just like our regular products, are a testament to our dedication to performance and reliability in the most challenging conditions.”
Paving the Way to Peak Performance in Truck Racing
In the world of truck racing, tyre technology is paramount to a truck’s performance. Goodyear’s racing tyres are based on the sturdy carcass of the standard 315/70R22.5 tyre, meticulously adapted for enhanced stability and resistance. Critical factors include improving performance, preventing overheating, and increasing lateral stiffness. However, the tyre tread takes centre stage in truck racing, providing excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring consistent performance across the various climates and track conditions of the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship’s host countries. The asymmetric design of the tyre shoulders ensures high stability on straights and handling on curves, while sipes in the tread, combined with a special rubber compound, deliver superior traction and consistent tyre properties.
Goodyear has also introduced tyre retreading into the life cycle of racing tyres used in Goodyear FIA ETRC, transforming them into standard on-road Goodyear tyres suitable for transportation fleets. This sustainable approach aligns with the championship’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
At each event, teams assemble the tyres in a specially equipped service area, and RFID technology is employed to ensure compliance with regulations.
The Power of Race Trucks
Today’s race trucks bear little resemblance to their road-bound counterparts. These modified two-axle tractor units run solo without a trailer or load. A standard road tractor weighs around 40 tonnes with a trailer and full load, boasts an engine power of approximately 480 hp, and a torque of 2,300 Nm, with speed capped at 80-90 km/h. In contrast, a race truck, weighing 5.5 tonnes, churns out a power output of approximately 1,500 hp and torque of 5,000 Nm and requires water-cooled brakes. While the maximum speed must not exceed 160 km/h, race trucks can accelerate from 0 to 160 km/h, which is similar to current sports cars.
What sets Goodyear FIA ETRC apart is its commitment to sustainability. Since 2021, all race trucks have transitioned to 100% sustainable fuel, HVO100 biodiesel. This milestone makes Goodyear FIA ETRC the first FIA-regulated competition to adopt this premium fossil-free diesel product derived entirely from renewable raw materials. HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is produced through the hydrotreatment of vegetable oils and animal fats, resulting in a high-quality fuel with a chemical structure almost identical to regular diesel. It can be used without any modifications in a standard combustion engine.
The Goodyear FIA ETRC at 24H Camions Le Mans promises to be a showcase of innovation, reliability, and sustainability in the world of motorsport.
Throughout the entire race weekend, motorsport enthusiasts and transportation industry experts alike will have the opportunity to explore the extraordinary Goodyear’s Drive Results mobile showroom truck. Positioned within the vibrant Goodyear FIA ETRC fan village located in the circuit paddock, Goodyear’s showroom promises to be a thrilling experience for visitors to discover cutting-edge innovations and tyre management solutions, exemplifying Goodyear’s dedication to driving results for transport fleets.
For more information about Goodyear and its involvement in the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship, please visit https://www.goodyearfiaetrc.com/.
Source: Tyretradenews
