Sumitomo tags racing tires with advanced RFID

Mentor, Ohio – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has selected Avery Dennison to supply RFID tags for Falken tires used in endurance racing.

The AD Maxdura tags will provide teams with “unprecedented new data to help them prepare and improve race performance.” said an Avery Dennison announcement.

A “unique RFID transponder” on each tire will offer information that can be read automatically and track usage from the pit to track, added the 7 Sept release.

As well as stock- and performance-management, the tire tag will enable teams to optimise real-time inventory and logistics, continued the Ohio-based company.

Furthermore, it said, the unique ID for each tire will improve reuse and recycling processes after racing, helping to make events more environmentally sustainable.

Produced at Avery Dennison’s facility in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, the products are claimed to be among “the most advanced embedded UHF RFID tags on the market.”

Launched in 2021, the AD Maxdura tire tags are attached to tires directly during vulcanisation and "become fully connected from day one."

Selection by SRI, said Avery Dennison, came after “a series of rigorous technical tests” carried out by the tire maker's motorsport department.

Endurance racing showcases "the need for RFID tagging across the automotive sector,” said Nicolas Aubourg, head of performance and chassis R&D at motorsports governing body FIA.

FIA, said Aubourg, is currently “urging teams to use tires embedded with RFID transponders for environmental and cost reasons.”