Hankook Embarks on ‘Intensive Testing’ Ahead of BRC

Former British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans and new talent Stuart Jones will spearhead the team’s campaign in the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship which beings in Carlisle on Saturday 13 May.

The team line-up was announced on the world stage at Autosport International in January giving the Hankook SJR Team time to build and test the Mitsubishi Evo 9 cars the drivers will use on this year’s championship.

“It seems a long time since we announced the drivers but it has given everyone behind the scenes the time needed to plan a serious BRC campaign,”’ said Hankook Motorsport manager Mike Patterson.

“The team has been testing extensively in Wales ahead of the Carlisle-based Pirelli Rally which takes in some of the toughest gravel stages in the country,’” said Patterson.

“The weather will play a huge role in tyre selection for the rally but we have been testing in wet and dry conditions to fine tune the best tyres for all eventualities.’”

In addition to testing the cars and tyres both Gwyndaf and Stuart have been busy preparing themselves mentally and physically for the task ahead and are keen to get the championship underway.

The Ohio Tire and Automotive Association (OTAA) held its annual golf outing this year at The Country Club at Muirfield Village, close to the renowned Muirfield Village Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament.

OTAA leadership welcomed around 116 OTAA members and thanked sponsors before teeing off and, following golf, attendees gathered for dinner, drinks and donations. OTAA leadership, including new President Jon Boyd, tire business manager, from Boyd’s Tire and Service, presented a $3,000 donation to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). OTAA also presented the William Floyd Distinguished Service Award to Tom White, owner of the six-store Tire Source chain based in Canton. White received the honor in recognition of his long-term dedication and contributions to the OTAA board and the broader Ohio tire industry.