By Thomas Miles
Date posted: January 13, 2023
Kuhmo takes over from Michelin as the official tyre supplier to the category on a new multi-year deal after the French manufacturer had performed the role since the category’s inception in 2019.
It is a major announcement for the Australian series, aligning it with the global TCR world with Kuhmo already suppling the TCR Europe, South America, Brazil, Spain, Eastern Europe and Denmark categories.
The Korean tyre manufacturer will also be the control tyre of the new TCR World Tour, which debuts in 2023 and includes two Australian events, including Bathurst and another yet to be announced.
Kuhmo Tyres has been backing TCR Europe recently.
Australian Racing Group head of category operations Ben McMellan said it is “an important step” for the TCR Australia series and also paid credit to Michelin for playing a role in the championship’s growth over the first three years.
“This was an important step for TCR Australia to make to fall in line with other major TCR categories around the world,” said McMellan.
“Switching to Kumho means our drivers will have exactly the same compound and construction of tyre that the TCR World Tour teams will be using when they race here later this year.
“It also means that if our drivers or teams want to compete internationally, they are likely to have the same level of tyre knowledge.
“I’d like to extend a huge thanks to Michelin who have been a terrific supporter of TCR in Australia. They have been supportive and understanding through the past four years and we thank them for their commitment.”
Kuhmo Tyres has been the major control tyre supplier of TCR racing around the world.
Kuhmo tyres is no stranger to the Australian motorsport world having been the inaugural control tyre and naming rights partner of the V8 Touring Car Series.
The brand has also backed the National Sports Sedan Series and been a great supporter of grassroots motorsport.
The global distribution of the Kumho control tyres will be managed by the Portugal based Race Tyres International and CEO Rene Quintaneiro said its exciting to add TCR Australia to its portfolio.
“It is fantastic to welcome TCR Australia to the Kumho tyre family for 2023 and beyond,” said Quintaneiro.
“TCR has emerged as one of the powerhouse racing categories all around the world, and the work that ARG has done to make the Australia series one of the most competitive in the world is a real credit to their crew and teams.
“This new deal aligns TCR Australia with the TCR World Tour and many other TCR markets around the world, so it will make any transition for its drivers or team a lot easier.
“We have had great feedback from all TCR categories around the Kumho racing tyre and we are looking forward to getting the first batches down to Australia for the first round in February.”
Kuhmo Tyres will make its TCR Australia debut at the AWC Race Tasmania at Simmons Plains on February 24-26.
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