American tyre manufacturer Goodyear has launched a new motorsport division, Global Racing, bringing together all of its motorsport programmes into a single structure.
The new organisation will unify Goodyear’s current efforts in NASCAR, NHRA, BTCC and, most importantly for DSC readers, sportscar racing including the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMGT3 class.
Goodyear has acted as the exclusive tyre supplier for LMGT3 since the category debuted in the FIA WEC and European Le Mans Series at the beginning of the 2024 season. Having introduced a new compound, the red-banded Eagle Hard, to its range at July’s 6 Hours of São Paulo, work is currently ongoing on the development of a new generation of LMGT3 rubber to debut in 2027.
The American constructor, which is also the exclusive tyre supplier of LMP2 in Europe, supported a company-record 41 entries at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, and supplied 45 cars at the 24h Nürburgring.
Global Racing will be headed by Xavier Fraipont, who will hold the title of vice president, Global Racing. Fraipont has worked at Goodyear for almost three decades, including time spent directly involved in its motorsport projects.
“Goodyear has been synonymous with car racing since the very beginning of our history,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Goodyear. “With Xavier’s deep expertise and leadership at the helm, we’re advancing our commitment to innovation – enhancing performance and elevating our competitive edge worldwide.”
Images courtesy of Clement Marin/Goodyear
