Hankook Racing America Partnership Runs Through 2031
Hankook Tire has secured a major racing partnership that will shape the development of consumer tires for the next several years. The company signed a five-year exclusive tire supply agreement with Racing America, covering four racing series from 2027 through 2031. The partnership was officially announced at Hankook’s manufacturing facility in Clarksville, Tennessee on September 25.
This deal represents a significant commitment to North American motorsports and gives the Korean tire manufacturer a substantial platform to test and refine its products at the highest competitive levels. For consumers, this means the tire technology proven on racing tracks could translate into better performance and durability in the tires you buy for your vehicle.
Four Major Racing Series Now Backed by Hankook
The partnership covers four distinct racing series, each with its own vehicle types and competitive focus. Hankook will serve as the exclusive racing tire supplier for Trans Am, a historic U.S. road racing series established in 1966 that features classic American muscle cars and modern sports cars competing on road courses. The company will also supply tires to the International GT series, which showcases high performance sports cars.
Additionally, Hankook is extending its existing partnerships with Formula Regional Americas and the Formula 4 United States Championship, both junior open-wheel racing series that have been supported by the company since 2019. These formula series focus on developing the next generation of professional drivers, making them crucial testing grounds for emerging tire technology.
Beyond domestic racing, Hankook maintains partnerships with more than 70 motorsports events worldwide, including the FIA World Rally Championship and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In North America, the company also supports the off-road racing event King of the Hammers. This extensive motorsports involvement means Hankook has access to diverse driving conditions and performance demands that inform the engineering of its consumer tire lines.
How Racing Partnerships Benefit Tire Shoppers
When tire manufacturers invest heavily in motorsports, consumers benefit through technology transfer. Hankook has stated that its racing programs directly inform the engineering of its consumer tire lines, including the Dynapro series for trucks and SUVs and the iON series for electric vehicles. Real-world racing data collected from extreme conditions, high-speed cornering, and varied surfaces helps engineers design better tires for everyday drivers.
The partnership includes not just tire supply but also technical and engineering support, trackside services, and joint marketing initiatives. This comprehensive approach means Hankook engineers will work directly with racing teams to optimize tire performance, gather valuable feedback, and solve problems in real time. That engineering expertise eventually makes its way into the consumer products you see at tire retailers.
Similar long-term commitments from tire manufacturers demonstrate the industry’s confidence in motorsports as a development laboratory. Like other major partnerships in the tire industry, dealer programs and brand partnerships have also marked significant milestones, showing how the tire business invests in relationships across the market.
Marketing and Fan Engagement Expansion
The partnership also includes joint marketing initiatives designed to expand Hankook’s visibility in North American motorsports. The company plans to increase engagement with racing fans through event branding, digital and broadcast exposure, and social media activities. This visibility helps Hankook build brand awareness among consumers who are passionate about vehicles and performance.
For shoppers, increased brand presence and consumer awareness often correlates with better product availability and competitive pricing. When tire manufacturers invest in marketing and consumer touchpoints, retailers stock more inventory and competition increases. This environment typically benefits consumers through more choices and better value.
What This Means for Your Next Tire Purchase
The extension of Hankook’s racing partnership through 2031 signals the company’s confidence in its product development trajectory and its commitment to the North American market. Over the next five years, you can expect to see new consumer tire models that incorporate racing-derived technology in areas like cornering grip, wet traction, durability, and fuel efficiency.
Racing partnerships are one of several ways the tire industry drives innovation. Major tire retailers and distributors continue expanding their reach to bring these advanced products to consumers across the country. When evaluating tires for your vehicle, understanding a manufacturer’s investment in motorsports can provide insight into their engineering capabilities and product quality focus.
As the partnership unfolds from 2027 through 2031, watch for announcements about new Hankook tire models featuring technology developed through racing programs. The competitive demands of Trans Am, International GT, Formula Regional Americas, and Formula 4 U.S. will push tire engineers to innovate continuously, and that innovation will eventually benefit consumers shopping for replacement tires for their daily drivers.
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