Hankook Tire & Technology has been appointed the official control tyre supplier for the 2026-2027 Australian Production Car Endurance Series, known as APCES.
The new endurance racing championship has been developed by the Australian Racing Drivers' Club and Motorsport Australia, continuing Australia's strong production car racing history. The series features production-based vehicles competing across eight classes, grouped by vehicle performance.
The opening round takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park from 30-31 May 2026, followed by events at major Australian circuits, including Sandown International Raceway in August and Queensland Raceway in September. The championship will finish in March 2027 at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, as part of the Bathurst 6 Hour.
Hankook will exclusively supply the Ventus TD (Z221) R-Spec tyre to all APCES teams, working alongside official trackside supplier Gary's Motorsport Tyres. As a control tyre series, every competing vehicle runs on tyres with the same specification and performance level, helping create consistent racing conditions across the field.
The Ventus TD (Z221) R-Spec is a semi-slick tyre designed for high-performance circuit use. Its tread pattern and compound technology are engineered to deliver strong dry grip, stable cornering, confident braking, and heat resistance under demanding race conditions. The tyre is also designed to provide consistent handling and grip during extended periods of high-speed driving.
Hankook already has a strong presence in Australian endurance racing as the official tyre supplier of the Bathurst 6 Hour. The brand also supports a range of Australian motorsport categories, including the First Focus Radical Cup Australia Series, the Precision National Sports Sedan Series, and the Hyper Racer Hankook Australian Drivers' Championship.
By supplying APCES, Hankook will gather further racing data from tough endurance conditions, supporting the ongoing development of its ultra-high-performance tyre technology and reinforcing its position as a premium global tyre brand.