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Why we race

Read how MRF actually lives by its ‘The tyres we race are the tyres you buy’ slogan.
2 min read7 Sep '16
Staff Writer

Team MRF’s Formula 2000 car streaks forward.

MRF Z.L.O. tyres are available for several cars with rim diameter sizes ranging from 14 to 19 inches.

Sholavaram in the 1980s — the mecca of Indian motorsports and MRF’s first stomping ground.

MRF Wanderer-shod XUV 5OO in the Rally of Maharashtra 2015.

The high-performance MRF Z.L.O.’s asymmetric tread pattern.

In its DNA

MRF isn’t synonymous with motorsport. Motorsport in India is synonymous with MRF. The involvement with motorsporthas been nurtured for over three decades. Add to that the fact that development and popularity of various forms of motorsport in India – track racing, rallying, motocross or karting – can be directly attributed to the pioneering efforts of MRF. The company continues to encourage motorsport and takes extra effort to develop tyres for motorsport enthusiasts. Today, MRF is one of the largest promoters of motorsports in Asia. They’ve developed a modern motorsports infrastructure that has proven to be a boon for Indian drivers. It provides them opportunities to compete and test themselves against international standards. What does MRF get from this? MRF’s Research & Development team is involved in all aspects of tyre development –  compounds, construction, profile of tyres. Motorsports test tyres to the limit. The learnings from the track are incorporated into the road tyres bought by you and me.

In the beginning

There was Sholavaram, a quiet town 24km north of Chennai. Quiet, unless it was a Sunday in February in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. For those who know, Sholavaram is considered by many as the birthplace of Indian motorsport. Originally built as an airstrip during World War II, it did not readily lend itself to motorsport and was worked on in bits and pieces over time. Soon, it became a race track that drew racers in from around the world. Watching these races from the galleries — made with planks and poles of casuarinas — was a great source of excitement for spectators of all ages. This was the first proving ground for MRF. Here is where its passion for motorsport was nurtured until it became the company’s doctrine. Today, MRF is the only Indian tyre company to develop F-3 car tyres, world-class rally tyres for both tarmac and dirt, motocross tyres and go-karting tyres.

How does MRF do it?

Simply put, on its own. MRF is the only tyre company in India that has achieved every single one of its many motorsport milestones without any major foreign collaboration. Constant testing and decades of know-how have been put together to create products that are exported to several countries around the world.

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Why we race - Introduction | Autocar India