Hall of Fame, Industry Friend Award Nominations Set

The 2006 class will be inducted at the upcoming SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

In addition, TIA is seeking nominations for its Friend of the Industry Award, which will recognizes “proven supporters” of the tire industry.

Nominations for 2006 inductees to Tire Industry Hall of Fame and the Friend of the Industry Award are being accepted between Apr. 30 and June 30.

Anyone can nominate an individual for inclusion in the Hall of Fame based on their contributions to the industry, including those who were tire dealers, retreaders, or worked in the industry with tiremakers, equipment suppliers, tire and rubber recyclers or others aligned with the tire industry.

Hall of Fame nominees can still be active in the industry or be “historical contributors,” those who have made a significant contribution to the tire industry but may be retired, deceased or may have moved on to another industry.

Inductees are chosen based on their contributions of new ideas, practices, and/or innovations that promoted the health and well being of the tire industry; their exemplary and distinguished service in the tire industry; and respect of their peers. Contributions in civic, cultural, educational, or charitable endeavors will be considered but are not primary considerations as attributes for selection.

Nominations forms for both honors are available on the TIA website at www.tireindustry.org.

If you’re a shop looking to sell summer tires, it’s important to know that customers looking for these tires have very specific needs. Let’s talk about why, before recommending summer tires, you need to fully understand customer performance requirements.

Unlike all-season or all-terrain tires built for diverse driving conditions, UHP summer tires are designed with one priority: dry and wet traction for performance driving. Lateral and longitudinal grip in dry and wet conditions are also important, which is achieved through optimized contact patches, high silica tread compounds and circumferential grooves to channel water. Generally, UHP summer tire tread design features large blocks and fewer grooves for more road contact on dry surfaces. The grooves are designed to channel water away from the tire, reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.