Falken ups grassroots motorsport engagement with Ministox driver

An 11-year old racing driver has gained tyre brand Falken’s support alongside her first victory in the National Ministox series. The Japanese manufacturer supplies tyres to Catherine Harris as part of its expanding presence in UK grass roots motorsport. The brand recently announced its intention to back the ANWCC Under-17s AutoSOLO and the K11 Micra Rally series, and is using this involvement as a way of raising the awareness of the importance of tyres to the next generation of car drivers.

Harris won her first heat and final victories in National Ministox, where children ages 10 to 15 compete in armoured Minis on tarmac and shale tracks, running on Falken’s Ziex ZE912 and Sincera tyres. The car uses a mix of 10’’ and 12’’ wheels. By offering a blend of affordability and performance on tarmac and shale surfaces, Falken says the ZE912 is an increasing popular choice for competitors.

Harris’ older brother Tom, himself a multiple stock car champion, helps maintain his sister’s Ministox and decided to equip her Mini with Falken tyres, citing the key reasons for selecting the brand’s tyres for the often tricky and challenging driving conditions.

“For kids, first and foremost we want a safe tyre from a known brand we trust,” says Tom Harris, “Falken not only delivers that but also offers good grip and provides the kids with excellent feedback as they learn to control the car. Falken’s ZE912 also offers excellent durability, making them long lasting, cost-effective tyres – ideal for kids to use while honing their racing skills.”                                                                                                                                                                        

For Falken’s UK and Ireland director, Matt Smith, getting involved in a growing multitude of motorsports targeting the youth market is exactly what tyre makers such as Falken should be doing. “It’s imperative that younger people start learning about the importance of tyres,” says Smith. “These initiatives get the younger audience thinking about the role of tyres in the safety and performance of the car.”

The support from Falken has already got Catherine Harris thinking about tyres: “Before, I never really thought about them but now I have learnt they make a big difference to how the car goes and stops.”