Motorsport
Hankook Tire is the exclusive tire partner of the 100% electric NXT Gen Cup from the first season onwards
2023. 02. 15
- Hankook Ventus TD already performing convincingly in the first tests
- LRT NXT1 racing car is based on the MINI Cooper SE with a 230 hp electric motor
- All-electric junior racing series starts its first season
Neu-Isenburg, Germany, February 15, 2023 – Global leading tire company Hankook Tire is the exclusive tire supplier of the new Swedish racing series NXT Gen Cup. The all-electric Junior Touring Car Cup offers young karting talents aged between 15 and 25 the opportunity to take the next step towards a professional career. From the debut season in 2023, the LRT NXT1 race cars, based on the electric MINI Cooper SE, will run on the Hankook Ventus TD. The tire was developed as an original equipment option for the Mini John Cooper Works GP and offers the best performance both on the road and in racing. Hankook also supports the drivers and teams directly on site at the race track.
The race car, designed specifically for the circuit, was built by the founders of the NXT Gen Cup, the Lestrup Racing Team; and features a 230 hp liquid-cooled electric motor and a 30 kWh battery.
The NXT Gen Cup will be held in Sweden alongside the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC). 18 drivers will contest the championship on six race weekends from July to October. The season starts on July 8/9 in Falkenberg. The overall winner will become the official Swedish Junior Champion in partnership with the Swedish Motorsport Federation (SBF).
"We are looking forward to working with the all-electric NXT Gen Cup. Their impressive program fits perfectly with our commitment not only to all-electric motorsport but also to junior racing. We hope to inspire more young talents with the NXT Gen Cup and give them an exciting motorsport career," said Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe.
"Hankook's extensive experience in Formula E and road racing will play a key role for the NXT Gen Cup as we set out to create a viable and sustainable racing career platform for up-and-coming drivers. Our first tests with the tires have been exceptional in terms of performance and durability - whether in the wet or dry," added Christian Axelsson, Head of Partners and Event at NXT Gen Cup.
