Top Ten Tyre Brand Supplies Racers in Motorsport’s Most Challenging Conditions
Maxxis has moved to further enhance its motorsports pedigree by putting its technologically advanced tyres through their paces in the world’s most demanding motor race – the Dakar rally. Covering 7,000 miles across some of the harshest terrain in the world, ‘Le Dakar’ promises to stretch the capabilities of the leading manufacturer’s rubber, even if it is reinforced with Aramid.
The challenge of the Dakar rally is widely recognised as the toughest test tyres can take, with punctures and other structural damage a constant threat. Yet it is just the sort of scrutiny the Maxxis research division relishes, as the technicians put their Orange Engineering to the test in the most hostile of environments. Being as far away from track testing as you can get, its participation in the race will be of great benefit to the growing number of drivers reaping the rewards of Maxxis’ unrelenting development programme, as UK MD Derek McMartin confirmed: “There are certain advanced technologies only available in Maxxis tyres – features that have resulted from a concept we call ‘Orange Engineering’. Some of these technologies will be utilised and further developed during the Dakar rally, with data collected being used to further enhance the capabilities of our on and off-road tyres.
“It’s also important for us as a brand to be seen to be an important player in the world of motorsport. Most people understand that technological advancements made on the track quickly transfer to tyres designed to run on the road. We see this and our other racing exploits to play a pivotal role in making motorists aware of the financial and safety benefits of demanding Maxxis at the dealer.”
The technological expertise the tyre manufacturer brings is a welcome advantage, as Maxxis Dakar Team Rider Sebastian Husseini explained: I have full confidence in this quad, particularly the tyres and suspension. I think we’ve got a really good machine here that will take us to new heights in the Dakar rally. I’m really looking forward to getting started in Lima this January.”
Husseini’s confidence proved well founded in the initial stages of the rally, as the end of day 1 saw him finish the first short trial around Pisco in second place. Teammate Kees Koolen also made a good impression and came home fifth.
