About this episode
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 Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater . Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.