Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Joerg Burfien

Jul 7, 2025

How An Indiana Tire Shop Took Over the Racing World

Joerg Burfien of Hoosier Racing Tire shares how this Indiana company became a global motorsports leader while preserving its racing roots and innovating new products.

Podcast Summary

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

Guest(s)

Joerg Burfien

Date Published

July 7, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Related Get IN. Podcasts

Discover how Chuck Surack transformed a VW bus recording setup into Sweetwater, America's largest online music retailer. From Fort Wayne musician to billion-dollar entrepreneur, hear the incredible Indiana business story.

Chuck Surack

Business

|

01:20:30

Discover how Chuck Surack transformed a VW bus recording setup into Sweetwater, America's largest online music retailer. From Fort Wayne musician to billion-dollar entrepreneur, hear the incredible Indiana business story.

Chuck Surack

Business

|

01:20:30

Discover how Chuck Surack transformed a VW bus recording setup into Sweetwater, America's largest online music retailer. From Fort Wayne musician to billion-dollar entrepreneur, hear the incredible Indiana business story.

Chuck Surack

Business

|

01:20:30

Co-founders Jeff Williams and Dr. Eric Inman share how WellBridge Surgical is transforming healthcare with transparent pricing, accessibility, and a mission to make quality surgery affordable for all.

Jeff Williams and Dr. Eric Inman

Business

|

01:00:11

Co-founders Jeff Williams and Dr. Eric Inman share how WellBridge Surgical is transforming healthcare with transparent pricing, accessibility, and a mission to make quality surgery affordable for all.

Jeff Williams and Dr. Eric Inman

Business

|

01:00:11

Co-founders Jeff Williams and Dr. Eric Inman share how WellBridge Surgical is transforming healthcare with transparent pricing, accessibility, and a mission to make quality surgery affordable for all.

Jeff Williams and Dr. Eric Inman

Business

|

01:00:11

Founder and CEO Ben Forrest shares how Olio grew from an Indiana startup to a healthcare tech leader improving complex patient care. Hear insights on fundraising, culture, and founder advice.

Ben Forrest

Business

|

01:07:30

Founder and CEO Ben Forrest shares how Olio grew from an Indiana startup to a healthcare tech leader improving complex patient care. Hear insights on fundraising, culture, and founder advice.

Ben Forrest

Business

|

01:07:30

Founder and CEO Ben Forrest shares how Olio grew from an Indiana startup to a healthcare tech leader improving complex patient care. Hear insights on fundraising, culture, and founder advice.

Ben Forrest

Business

|

01:07:30

Discover how Ryan Rohrman transformed his grandfather's 1963 gravel lot dealership into one of America's largest family-owned automotive groups.

Ryan Rohrman

Business

|

01:23:10

Discover how Ryan Rohrman transformed his grandfather's 1963 gravel lot dealership into one of America's largest family-owned automotive groups.

Ryan Rohrman

Business

|

01:23:10

Discover how Ryan Rohrman transformed his grandfather's 1963 gravel lot dealership into one of America's largest family-owned automotive groups.

Ryan Rohrman

Business

|

01:23:10

Jamal Smith, executive director of the Indy Health District, joins Get IN to discuss how a bold new initiative is transforming five historic Indianapolis neighborhoods through health, housing, and community development.

Jamal Smith

Business

|

01:05:07

Jamal Smith, executive director of the Indy Health District, joins Get IN to discuss how a bold new initiative is transforming five historic Indianapolis neighborhoods through health, housing, and community development.

Jamal Smith

Business

|

01:05:07

Jamal Smith, executive director of the Indy Health District, joins Get IN to discuss how a bold new initiative is transforming five historic Indianapolis neighborhoods through health, housing, and community development.

Jamal Smith

Business

|

01:05:07

Discover how Indiana University grad Adam Swartz built Umbrella Supply after overcoming brain tumors. An inspiring story of resilience and purpose.

Adam Swartz

Business

|

00:59:15

Podcast hosts discuss entrepreneurship in Indiana, featuring Adam Swartz, with vibrant graphics and a professional setting.

Discover how Indiana University grad Adam Swartz built Umbrella Supply after overcoming brain tumors. An inspiring story of resilience and purpose.

Adam Swartz

Business

|

00:59:15

Podcast hosts discuss entrepreneurship in Indiana, featuring Adam Swartz, with vibrant graphics and a professional setting.

Discover how Indiana University grad Adam Swartz built Umbrella Supply after overcoming brain tumors. An inspiring story of resilience and purpose.

Adam Swartz

Business

|

00:59:15

Podcast hosts discuss entrepreneurship in Indiana, featuring Adam Swartz, with vibrant graphics and a professional setting.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.