After achieving a string of podium finishes on the drifting circuits in Asia, the GT Radial Champiro HPY will make its drifting debut in America this month on a Mazda RX-7 driven by Tyler Wolfson.
Wolfson will compete in his first event on the GT Radial ultra high performance tires at Thunder Drift Round 1 at the Salona Fairgrounds in Vallejo, CA, on Sunday, June 17.
After recently completing a testing session at Willow Springs Raceway, Wolfson said the GT Radial Champiro HPY tires proved to be extremely “durable and predictable.” (Click here to see video of testing session.)
“I was able to push the GT Radial tires past their limit but still maintain an impressive amount of control,” he said.
The V- W- and Y-speed-rated Champiro HPY uses an advanced asymmetrical tread pattern and full silica tread compound for outstanding cornering ability in wet and dry conditions. It is available 35 to 65 series sizes for 17- to 20-inch wheels.
The 22-year-old Wolfson, who resides in San Diego, began racing competitively in 2009 after autocrossing. He immediately proved his talent behind the wheel by qualifying on pole and leading every lap to win his first wheel to wheel race. He went on to claim Rookie of the Year honors and third overall in the Skip Barber MAZDASPEED Challenge with two wins and five podium finishes.
After becoming the overall champion in the highly contested Skip Barber MAZDASPEED Summer Series in 2010, Wolfson competed in other road racing events before setting his sights on drifting.
“Tyler is an excellent driver and has good instincts for evaluating tires,” said David Shelton, director of marketing for GITI Tire USA. “Many of our Facebook fans have been clamoring for us to get involved in drifting in the U.S.; they will enjoy following Tyler as he competes on the Champiro HPY tires.”
California Drifter Tyler Wolfson shares notes with David Shelton, director of marketing for GITI Tire USA (right) during a recent testing session at Willow Springs Raceway