Kumho Tire U.S.A. Celebrates a Stellar Off-Road Racing Season
Kumho Tire U.S.A., a prominent name in the tire manufacturing industry, proudly acknowledged the remarkable success of its drivers during the 2026 off-road racing season. With three of its skilled drivers achieving podium finishes, Kumho has proven its commitment to excellence in challenging racing environments.
The athletes, Mark Duval (#4810), Stephen “Woody” Rose Jr. (#22), and Eric Wikle (#406), raced on the KUMHO Road Venture MT71 mud-terrain tires. These specialized tires are engineered to excel in rugged terrains and harsh conditions often encountered in competitive off-road racing. According to Ed Cho, CEO of Kumho Tire U.S.A., this season's achievements underline not just their drivers’ skills but also the high-quality performance of their tire products. He expressed, “We are incredibly proud of the success our drivers achieved this season, showcasing the capabilities of the Road Venture MT71 tires.”
Notable Achievements from the 2026 Season
Mark Duval (#4810)
Mark Duval dominated the 4800 Class in the Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) Season Championship. He won every race within the four-event series, an impressive feat that saw him finish the season without encountering any punctures on his KUMHO tires. His clean run cemented his reputation as a skilled racer equipped with reliable gear.
Stephen “Woody” Rose Jr. (#22)
Stephen “Woody” Rose Jr. emerged as the Ultra4 Western Regional Series Champion in the same 4800 Class. His season was marked by a first-place finish paired with two fourth-place results in a grueling series of four races, showcasing his formidable skills and strategic racing mindset.
Eric Wikle (#406)
Eric Wikle claimed victory in the Rock800 Legends class during the 2026 Casey Folks Vegas to Reno race. Navigating a rigorous 505-mile course that ran in reverse for the first time in the event's history, Eric demonstrated exceptional navigation skills and endurance, further emphasizing Kumho’s tire reliability in extreme racing conditions.
Built for Extreme Conditions
The KUMHO Road Venture MT71 tires are meticulously designed for both serious racers and everyday off-road enthusiasts. Key features include:
- - Enhanced Stiffness: Increased block stiffness allows for superior handling performance both on and off the road.
- - Advanced Tread Design: A high-void tread pattern with zig-zag and dual-pitch structures maximizes off-road traction for enhanced performance.
- - Mud and Stone Ejectors: Integrated ejector bars help prevent damage caused by stone drills while assisting in self-cleaning the tire during muddy conditions, ensuring consistent grip.
Every successful moment for the drivers serves not only as an accolade for them but also as a live testament to Kumho Tire's dedication to high performance and long-lasting durability. Their accomplishments will inform future innovations, ensuring that racing-grade improvements are translated into all-terrain tires aimed at everyday drivers.
For more detailed information about Kumho Tire U.S.A. and its comprehensive product range, readers can visit their official website at
www.kumhotireusa.com.
About Kumho Tire Co., Inc.
With over sixty years of leadership, Kumho Tire is recognized as one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. The company is committed to pioneering innovative tire technologies and providing exceptional driving experiences globally. Its U.S. operations are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, where it manages sales, marketing, product development, and distribution for North America. To learn more about their products, follow Kumho Tire on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X @KumhoTireUSA.