Motorsport heated tyre technology for road cars and bikes
Anyone familiar with motorsport knows about ‘scrubbing’ tyres, the process of running them for a couple of laps to get heat in, then leaving them to cool and cure. On race day it dramatically improves dynamic performance, grip, tyre life and lap times.
Now a revolutionary new heat-blast treatment means the same benefits are available on road tyres for performance cars and motorbikes.
Scores of the hi-tech treatment machines are already in the hands of motorsport teams. But, for the first time, the British company which holds the patent has them for rental to any interested party.
That UK firm is Tyre Technology Ltd, and Stuart Hepworth is founder and managing director. He believe the technology – known as Black FrequencyTM – will appeal to fast-fit chains, independent garages and workshops, franchised new car dealerships, and specialist or luxury vehicle suppliers.
Stuart explained: “No matter how sophisticated a performance tyre is, when it comes out of the mould its molecular structure is never perfect. By using a specialised heat treatment, Black FrequencyTM enables the microscopic, spaghetti-like molecular bonds to expand and join together.”
When the tyre is allowed to cool and cure, these bonds lock together to give optimum performance. That means improved handling, cornering, feel and ride, plus it gives the tyre a longer life. The treatment doesn’t alter the look of the tyre because it’s only changing the surface at a molecular level. Any tyre can be treated, and the recommended cost is £15 per tyre.
The Black Frequency machine is essentially a large powered roller with guides to hold up to four tyres at a time. A unique infra-red emitter blasts the rotating tyre with targeted heat for up to 25 minutes. This is absorbed by the rubber, not just at its surface but right to the core. After cooling the tyres are left to cure for three days.
For any new technology to move from specialist applications to the mass market, it has to be proved to work. Stuart Hepworth believes he has done that over several years.
He commented: “During October and November testing with respected tyre makers Giti and Dunlop was carried out at the MIRA circuit in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Using a BMW M3 and a Jaguar XJ, we did back-to-back testing with treated and non-treated tyres. The results were conclusive and confirmed the Black FrequencyTM benefits apply to road tyres just as they do to race ones.”
Stuart Hepworth’s reputation as a tyre industry innovator is impressive. He developed and patented microwave and infra-red based alternatives to the electric blankets motorsport pit crews use to keep tyres warm. F1 teams Renault and McLaren tested and approved them, but the FIA – in trying to keep team costs down – banned the system. Stuart has also worked with numerous Le Mans 24 Hour Race teams, including recent winners Audi and Peugeot, on tyre heating technology.
He added: “I believe there are many thousands of car enthusiasts across the UK who want the very best of everything for their vehicle. Black FrequencyTM allows them to take good performance tyres and make them outstanding at minimal cost. This technology represents an excellent opportunity for garages and dealers to create a fresh revenue stream.”
For more information, including details of how to rent the Black FrequencyTM heat-treatment system, visit tyre-technology.com.
