Kumho gets naming rights for V8TC

By Neil Dowling on 19th February 2023 Marketing, News Kumho Tyres, Sponsorship, V8 Touring Cars Series

LONG-STANDING supporter of Australian motorsport, Kumho Tyres, will this year take over both naming rights sponsorship and become the official control tyre supplier of the V8 Touring Cars Series in 2023.

Kumho first supported the category in 2008 before taking the title sponsorship in 2009. It has held that status through to the conclusion of the 2019 season.

For 2023, the tyre-maker has restarted that relationship as V8 Touring Cars returns to its original branding and joins the SpeedSeries schedule full-time this year.

Kumho said that interest is already high in the category, with a diverse grid featuring future stars of the sport, experienced racers, enthusiast drivers and ex-Supercars with incredible history all set to compete.

Kumho Tyres’ involvement comes at the same time as its new partnership with the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, where it will also be the official tyre supplier.

The TCR deal means Kumho – which takes over from Michelin as the control tyre supplier – will supply tyres to all competitors on a multi-year deal.

In 2021, Kumho began developing a bespoke tyre for TCR competition and completed a comprehensive evaluation test.

Announced as the control tyre for the new in 2023 TCR World Tour, Kumho already supplies TCR Europe, TCR South America, TCR Brazil, TCR Spain, TCR Eastern Europe and TCR Denmark.

The Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series will contest five rounds in 2023, starting at the Phillip Island Shannons SpeedSeries event in May.

Subsequent rounds at Winton, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sandown and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International complete a strong calendar.

Every round will be broadcast live, ad-break free and in HD on Stan Sports, with free-to-air coverage on the Nine Network.

Australian Racing Group chief operating officer Liam Curkpatick said: “Kumho was an original supporter of the category and built V8 Touring Cars as it grew over the years, to the point where it became known simply as ‘The Kumho Series’.

“It’s great to be joining forces with them again to continue to move the category forward. Kumho has been a passionate supporter of Australian Motorsport for a long time, and its role in the sport this year will be bigger than ever.

“2023 marks something of a re-set for the category but it’s looking like a very strong year and that is only enhanced with Kumho on board.

“We are looking at strong fields, potentially approaching 20 cars at some rounds, and some great racing.”