What’s Treading with Tire Review Podcast Por Babcox Media arte de portada

What’s Treading with Tire Review

What’s Treading with Tire Review

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What’s Treading with Tire Review brings you the latest tire industry trends, issues, technology and shop management practices among dealers in the industry today.Copyright Babcox Media
Episodios
  • Will Mickey Thompson’s Baja Belted II Tire Change How Trucks Get Built?

    Will Mickey Thompson’s Baja Belted II Tire Change How Trucks Get Built?
    Apr 7 2026
    Some tires follow trends, while others bring one back. Mickey Thompson's Baja Belted II is bringing back classic style and design while updating its features and constructions to match the expectations of today's driver.

    In this episode of What's Treading, Mickey Thompson’s Senior Product Manager of Light Truck and Off-Road, Ben Anderson, walks through the return of the Baja Belted, a name that dates back to off-road racing in the late '70s and a Baja 1000 win in 1982. The Baja Belted II keeps the look enthusiasts want while updating the construction, tread design, and sizing to match how these trucks are actually being built today.

    “You’re going to have people building the vehicle around this tire,” Anderson says.

    For dealers, Ben says this is a niche product with real pull for the right customer. The size range alone, stretching from 15-inch fitments all the way to 30-inch show builds, opens the door to conversations dealers likely aren't having with traditional A/T or M/T buyers. More importantly, Ben says, it gives dealers a reason to engage with customers who are chasing a specific look.

    The episode also digs into what has changed from the original. It adds a non-directional tread pattern for easier rotation and wear management. It updates pitch sequencing for a quieter ride. And, it tweaks the sidewall design and still delivers flotation and sand performance people know from the Baja Belted name.
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    20 m
  • Why Formula E Drivers Use Just One Tire for Both Wet and Dry

    Why Formula E Drivers Use Just One Tire for Both Wet and Dry
    Mar 17 2026
    At the Formula E race in Miami, the Formula E EV tire plays a bigger role than most fans realize. Beneath the car, Hankook’s iON Race tire must handle extreme EV torque, heavy vehicle weight and changing track conditions – all with a single tire design.

    Unlike many racing series, Formula E teams don’t switch between slicks and rain tires. Engineers must design one tire that performs in both wet and dry conditions while maintaining durability and efficiency under the unique loads created by electric race cars.

    Inside the tire, the technology goes far beyond a typical TPMS sensor. Each iON Race tire includes a specialized monitoring system capable of measuring temperature in up to 15 positions inside the tire, giving teams and FIA officials real-time insight into tire performance and pressure compliance during the race.

    For Hankook engineers, Formula E serves as a proving ground for future EV tires. Data gathered on the track helps the company refine designs that can handle the instant torque, heavier weight and efficiency demands of modern electric vehicles.

    Subscribe to Tire Review for more behind-the-scenes coverage of tire technology and motorsport engineering: www.tirereview.com/subscribe
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    6 m
  • Can Point S Reach 500 Stores? Leadership Talks What’s Driving Growth

    Can Point S Reach 500 Stores? Leadership Talks What’s Driving Growth
    Mar 3 2026
    Three years ago, Point S set an ambitious goal: 500 stores in 50 states within five years. At its 2026 Annual Owners Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, leadership shared how close the group is to that goal, and what still stands in the way.

    In this episode of What’s Treading, Senior Editor Christian Hinton spoke with Point S leadership and dealers about distribution challenges, vendor partnerships, brand consistency and what’s fueling expansion across nearly 40 states.

    Can Point S Reach 500 Stores?

    In 2023, Point S had 275 stores in 29 states. Today, the network stands at 464 stores across 39 states, including 80 new locations added in 2025 alone.

    Clint Young, president and COO of Point S, says growth has been strong... but not without hurdles.
    “Our biggest Achilles heel with growth has always been distribution,” Young said. “We’re working to find dealers that are large enough to be able to take direct shipments and we can facilitate a very good member experience with them. So that’s still a challenge, and we’re looking at some growth opportunities with warehousing and some partnerships that we’re really excited about.”

    CEO Walter Lybeck said improvements in third-party distribution have already helped accelerate expansion.

    “Third-party distribution was not as developed a couple of years ago as it is now," he said. "That’s something that’s really been able to help us in filling up that bucket for our new members.”

    Distribution and Platinum Partner Strategy

    Leadership emphasized that growth is not just about adding store count. It’s also about strengthening dealer profitability and alignment.

    The 2026 promotional calendar centers around four Platinum Partners and 10 member-focused campaigns. According to Lybeck, narrowing that focus brings clarity.

    “By having four platinum partners, it really helps our members kind of focus on what it is that we need to be purchasing," he said.

    Young added that the structure creates energy at the store level.

    “That’s going to give our owners and their store team members a lot of excitement and their communities to go out and connect with their populations and sell tires, so that is a big win for us,” he said.

    Why Brand Consistency Matters

    Brand consistency across more than 450 independent locations was another key theme of the meeting, and dealers echoed that sentiment. Michael Montgomery, general manager of TNT Tire Point S in Tacoma, Washington, said even simple upgrades make a difference.

    “New paint, 20-foot aprons in front of each one of the bay doors. New asphalt throughout the entire parking lot," he explained. "If it looks good, they’ll feel comfortable coming in.”

    Vendor Relationships and Dealer Momentum

    The vendor show, featuring about 80 vendors, remains central to the annual meeting. Young said the event builds more than purchasing power.

    “It sounds like you go to a vendor show to do business, but you really go there to build relationships with the vendors," he said. "What ends up happening is the members are building relationships with each other.”

    With 464 stores, expanded distribution support and a Top 3 Tire Dealer ranking in Consumer Reports, Point S leadership believes the path to 500 stores is becoming clearer — powered by relationships, brand alignment and disciplined growth.
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    7 m
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