NXT Gen Cup announces Hankook as exclusive tyre supplier
Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook will be the exclusive tyre supplier for NXT Gen Cup, the world's first 100% electric junior touring car cup, utilising its vast experience of high-performance road car and racing EV tyres.
"We are delighted to welcome Hankook to the NXT Gen Cup family, a perfect match as we share a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection worldwide," said Christian Axelsson, Head of Partners and Event at NXT Gen Cup.
"The extensive experience of Hankook from Formula E and performance road cars will be a key part for NXT Gen Cup as we embark on our mission of creating a viable and sustainable racing career platform for junior drivers. Our first tests with the tyres have gone exceptionally well in terms of performance and durability – no matter if it’s wet or dry."
NXT Gen Cup will race on the Hankook Ventus TD tyre which was specifically developed for Mini John Cooper Works GP road car and offers optimal performance on both circuits and regular roads.
"We are excited to team up with NXT Gen Cup as their impressive programme fits perfectly to our commitment to support sustainable junior racing globally. We hope to inspire and enable further young talents of all genders to an exciting future motorsport career via NXT Gen Cup," said Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe.
The LRT NXT1 race car, based on the electric MINI Cooper SE road car, has been purpose-built for racing by Lestrup Racing Team, the founders of NXT Gen Cup, featuring a liquid cooled 230hp electric motor and a 30kWh battery.
NXT Gen Cup has already undertaken a series of successful tests across Europe with new Hankook tyres fitted to 100% electric LRT NXT 1 race car. And the premium manufacturer will provide onsite support during the race weekends in 2023.
"NXT Gen Cup provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase our tyres under the toughest possible conditions, namely on the racing circuits. We look forward to adding our know-how and work closely together with NXT Gen Cup and all of its young talents on track this year," said Christine Silfversparre, Marketing Director of Hankook Nordic.
“We will also be showcasing the new Hankook iON EV tyre family at the NXT Gen Cup weekends. These tyres are designed to meet the demands of EVs in a large array of conditions, enhancing range, grip and rigidity. The tyres have been developed specifically for electric vehicles using data gained at the electric FIA Formula E World Championship where Hankook is the official tyre supplier.”
NXT Gen Cup will host its inaugural season in 2023 and run alongside the all-electric STCC in Sweden to crown the official Swedish Junior champion in cooperation with the Swedish Motorsport Federation (SBF).
The first race of the season will be held at Falkenberg in Sweden on July 8-9, featuring a strong grid of 18 junior drivers between ages 14-25, for a total of six race weekends until October.
Learn more about NXT Gen Cup and Hankook.
