How An Indiana Tire Shop Took Over the Racing World

Today I sat down with guests Joerg Burfien, President and CEO of Hoosier Racing Tire, and Paul Menting, Vice President of Sales, to uncover the incredible journey of this iconic Indiana-based company.

The duo shares the storied history of Hoosier Racing Tire, from its founding by Bob and Joyce Newton in 1958 to its remarkable growth into a global leader in performance racing tires.

We delve into Hoosier Tire’s acquisitions and innovations, including its unique approach to product development, such as the new 'Track Attack' street-legal tire.

The conversation also sheds light on the company's international collaborations, particularly its involvement in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. They share insights into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a family-owned brand's heritage while expanding under Continental's ownership.

Lastly, listeners will hear about Hoosier Tire’s commitment to preserving short track racing across Indiana and supporting interns passionate about motorsports.

You are going to learn about:

• How Hoosier Racing Tire Became a Global Leader in Performance Racing Tires

• New Products Developed by Hoosier Racing Tire 

• What Hoosier Racing Tire is Doing to Preserve Short Track Racing in Indiana

Thank you to our partners:
Indiana Brewers Guild
Hope Plumbing

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:40 Guest Introduction: Joerg Burfien and Paul Menting, Hoosier Racing Tire
02:34 The Early Days of Hoosier Racing Tire
06:03 Hoosier Racing Tire's Expansion and Global Impact
08:46 The Continental Acquisition and Its Impact
11:32 Research, Development, and Innovation at Hoosier Racing Tire
16:49 Hoosier Racing Tire's Presence in Global Motorsports
22:33 Indiana's Rich Racing Culture and Hoosier's Local Impact
32:02 Iconic Racetracks and Legacy Tracks
33:08 Innovations in Racing Tires
33:33 The Track Attack Launch and SEMA Award
34:50 Dual-Use Tires for Street and Track
38:38 Hoosier's Expansion into One Wheel Boards
43:26 Supporting Local Racetracks and Communities
45:31 Recruiting Talent to Hoosier Racing Tire
47:44 Internships and AI Innovations
49:25 The Importance of Data in Racing
50:19 Promoting Indiana and Hoosier Racing Tire
53:52 Hidden Gems and Final Thoughts